Getting relevant experience prior to graduation

[INN_777, BSN, RN]

Hi all:

I am applying to accelerated BSN programs and will likely start one in summer '14 (if not Jan '14). Having read this site, I get a feeling that getting a job as a new grad is challenging at best, so I am thinking of trying to get relevant experience prior to graduation to help the job hunt after.

I understand that if I am enrolled in a BSN program I should be able work in a CNA/Technician type of role, which I want to try to do. My question is whether this experience will then prevent me from appying to new grad programs?

Also, I have been volunteering at my local hospital for close to 4 years now (which made me decide to switch career to nursing, actually) doing hand, foot massages and Reiki for patients. Do you think this experience would mean anything in future job search?

Thank you!

[Nonetheless]

1. Working as a CNA is not nursing experience, but it is relevant to nursing and would benefit you. It will not affect your status to get into a new grad program. You don't *have* to go down the CNA path, you could work as a floor secretary or something as well. But if you can get hospital work when you are in school, then it can only help you after you graduate.

2. Volunteering at a hospital is still valuable and you should do it unless you have a better opportunity to replace it. It can't hurt you, and it could even open doors for you. Keep volunteering!

I think a huge factor that will influence your job search is that you need to apply to a relevant nursing school. Nursing schools are somewhat abundant so get into one that has a good reputable name with the hospitals around you, not something random. You could even contact them and ask them "how many of your graduates are working in nurse residencies or in reputable new grad hospital nursing programs?" If they give you some weird answer like "many of our students are working in exciting fields like geriatrics!" then it is not the place to you.

Another huge factor is where you live. In the south/midwest/ more rural areas, it's still easy to get a job as an RN.

[INN_777, BSN, RN]

Thank you. Very helpful.