General Advice

[arielaa366]

So I'm in my final semester of nursing school (woohoo!) and all this time I feel like I've had my head in the sand trying to prepare for exams and learn the content. Now that I feel secure in that regard, I feel like I have absolutely no preparation for applying to jobs. I'm currently in my preceptorship where I am tying everything together, but I just feel like I don't know where to start. I'm planning on taking getting my ACLS/PALS certification in May, I've volunteered at the hospital I'd like to work for years, I have a few solid references under my belt. Is there anything else I can do to plump up my resume? 2 years ago in my introductory class we briefly went over joining Nursing groups, but I don't know anything about them or which ones I should sign up for. For example I'm considering signing up for the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) due to my interest in critical care. Is it worth it? Is this something potential employers look for? What other classes are beneficial to my future career? Any advice would be much appreciated!

[DayDreamin ER CRNP]

Your first priority should just be to graduate and pass boards.

I'd start applying for jobs in late March to early April assuming you graduate in May. A lot of facilities will start the new-grad hiring process in April. Put your past work experience on your resume and your current experience as a student. Facilities know you are a new grad and will really be looking at your precasting experience more than any certification you have behind your name right now. While PALS and ACLS is great, not every job will require you to have it or any other cert for that matter.

Personally, I would question a new grad's understanding of TNCC or CCN or CEN if he/she took it right after finishing school. I mean, anyone can pass a test but I don't think you can truly understand the material of any of these certs until you've actually put that knowledge to practice.

Good luck

[thehyruler]

It sounds like you're already doing a lot to prepare. When you get close to graduating, most nursing programs help you with your resumé and applications. AACN is a great resource and even if you don't go into critical care, there are great articles and resources you can learn from. If anything, telling interviewers that you have already started looking into getting your CCRN shows initiative and a willingness to learn. All of those certifications (ACLS/PALS/CCRN) come after you get your license. For now, you can just study and make sure you pass the NCLEX.