How did you find your job?

[changeofpaceRN]

Did you apply online, look in the newspaper, friend referral, use monster.com or another website, walk-in with resumes, call around?

I've been looking so I am prepared when I graduate and there aren't too many opportunities in the paper.. or at least there aren't when I've looked..

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

You're in a perfect position to check out facilities as a student. First, gather up all of the information that you can on each of the facilities that strikes your interest.

Then, call the HR people and see if you can arrange to shadow a nurse on the units that you're interested in.

What you're looking for is a good orientation program with follow-up. You will need good preceptors and mentors to guide you and encourage you through the first year of any unit you choose.

You will want to look for a unit that has a good mix of new grads and experienced nurses.

There's more to it, just like with any job search--money, benes, hours--but what you're trying to achieve is a business relationship with the people in those facilities so that you will be remembered. Write thank-you notes, follow through on appointments, be sincere, polite and respectful to everyone you meet.

Good luck! We need nurses like you.