how to get into peds

I am a peds ICU nurse in Nevada and I regulatory sit on new grad interview panels. For any area you want to go into the question you need to ask yourself is, "what can I do to separate myself from the 300+ other applicants for this limited position". The problem we have as interviewers when we open a new grad position, we will get applicants from all over the country who apply and almost all have the same qualification. So, think outside the box.

Tip one: Do extra well in nursing school.

Tip two: Get involved in community events. Want to be a peds nurse, take a car seat certification class and volunteer at car seat check up events, want to be an ER nurse become a CPR instructor and volunteer to teach it at community events, or want to be a labor nurse find way to get the word out about the importance of prenatal care. All of these will be great networking opportunities and resume builders.

Tip three: Become a member of associations specific to your desired field and read their journals. Examples: The Society of Pediatric Nurses (SPN) or The Association of Women's Health, Obstetrics and neonatal nurses (AWHONN).

Tip four: Have customer service skills. It may sound irrelevant, but I love seeing applicants who have recently been managers of Starbucks or high-end retail stores. Right now, customer service is a big deal in healthcare and we all need applicants who can help us increase our HCAHPS scores.

Last tip: Know what an HCAHPS survey is and how you can increase your interviewers scores.

awesome advice. thank you.

I used to work for Hasbro. If you want to get in you should get a position at Rhode Island Hospital or Hasbro as either a CNA or Unit Secretary or Unit Assistant which will allow you to get some experience, network and get to know people. It will definately help you to get a job after you graduate. Best of luck!

!Chris