How do I stand out??

[nurserella]

I am a nursing student going into my final phase of school, getting ready to start my preceptorship and want to know if you have any tips on how to excel and stand out so they notice you and want to hire you? I'm going for NICU department and want to be on my game. Any ideas or tips would be greatly appreciated.

[Mrs.RNindeed]

Good question

[llg, PhD, RN]

Show them that you are the type of person they want as a team mate. Be pleasant and friendly without being annoyingly chatty or overly agressive. Be interested in learning, ask questions, etc. without being exceedingly "needy" or "insecure." You want to convey that you really like NICU and want to work there ... but appearing "desparate" by trying too hard is rarely attractive. It's a matter of finding balance in those things. Be "too" anything is a red flag for hiring managers.

Of course,you need to be dependable, reliable, trustworthy, focused on your work, etc. Focus on what's best for the patient and not too much on "what's in it for you" ... or ... "what is easiest for you" if you know what I mean. NICU nurses are very protective and patient safety and well-being is HIGH on their list of priorities.

In short, just do a good job. They know you are interested in them and they will be watching. They are usually on the lookout for good people to hire -- so if you do a good job, you will have a good chance.

Good luck!

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Says it all. If you prepare for every day by looking things up, asking yourself questions, and expressing love of learning for the benefit of the patients, that will garner you positive attention.

And no makeup or scented products -- you will notice that most nurses don't use them because many people get queasy :)