What can I do to better my chances of getting hired as a new grad?

[Chickie77]

I'm new to the site and will be starting nursing school this fall. I have worked as a CNA for 10 years and I know this doesn't compare to actual nursing experience. What I would like to know is if there are certificates or other things I can get or do to give myself a leg up on getting hired over other new grad candidates when I finish school?

I've heard that the VA has an internship for nursing students and I'll be looking into that when I get some more information on it, has anyone done an internship and if so what was your experience with it?

I like to plan ahead and I am interested in ANY way that I can improve my chances of getting hired. I should add that I am planning on continuing on to get my BSN as soon as I can.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Networking is crucial- sometime's it more about who you know than what you know (and as a new grad, you won't know anything more than all those other new grads applying for the same positions). Join your state nursing association. Join specialty organizations that interest you. Attend meetings. Bonus: many offer a special reduced student rate. As an example, my specialty organization (Association of periOperative Registered Nurses) has annual dues of $125 for RNs but a student rate of $20/year.

Many facilities offer what is commonly called a nursing externship. These are sometimes paid positions that allow you to work one-on-one with a nurse with certain nursing duties permitted. Generally, available to students who have completed a certain amount of nursing school.