How important is it to be involved in organizations during nursing school?

[lisianthus93]

I am currently in my third year of my BSN program. I understand the importance of volunteer hours, but how much do employers really look at participation in university organizations (like a Student Nursing Association, for example)? Will not participating in these types of things hinder me from finding a job after graduation? Thank you in advance!

[RN403, BSN, RN]

I participated in a nursing centered student organization while in school. I did not find it useful while job searching and eventually took it off of my resume all together. It might depend on the facilities that you apply to, however.

[caliotter3]

Employers were not concerned with my education. All they wanted to know about was the status of my nursing license and whether or not I had any nursing experience.

[ChrisNZ]

No employer of mine ever cared for anything such as union/student association involvement.

I would ever go as far to say that it could potentially hinder employment. I had one charge nurse tell me that she preferred those without such involvement as they 'tend to complain more about their rights in the work place, instead of just working'.

I disagreed with the sentiments of said charge nurse. However, getting a job is all about playing the game. Find out what they want and give it to them. But also find out what they dont want and hude it from them.

[rob4546, ADN, BSN, MSN]

When I was at my job interview they specifically asked what organizations I was involved with. The said they look for people who get involved and do not hire people that just cruise. Although I don't believe that most people cruise through nursing school I understand the reasoning. They want people with ties to the community and go beyond for most things they do.

I recommend to everyone to get involved in something, but do not do so if it will hurt your chances of passing.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

It depends on the type of job you're seeking. If you're looking for the prestigious new grad RN training program in a competitive specialty such as the ER, trauma ICU, the NICU, pediatrics, surgery/OR, L&D, postpartum, or interventional radiology, the recruiters and hiring managers may or may not ask about involvement in clubs and organizations.

However, those who are willing to accept jobs in less competitive specialties such as med/surg, ortho, acute physical rehab, telemetry, renal, oncology, psych, transitional care units, or GI floors are far less likely to be asked about involvement in organizations.

Furthermore, those of us who accept jobs in non-hospital based areas such as home health, long term care, hospice, private duty, subacute rehab, clinics, doctors offices, prisons, jailhouses, group homes, and schools are extremely unlikely to be asked whether we were involved in organizations during nursing school.

So essentially, it depends on the desirability of the job we seek.

[JoseQuinones]

In my experience, the students who get involved in student organizations are those whose parents are paying their way through school. The rest of us are too busy with our jobs before and after school to have time for them.

I've mentioned on other threads that I've done my share of hiring in another field, and not once did a student organization listed on a resume have anything to do with my final decision. It didn't hurt, but neither did it help. I never asked about how many friends they had in kindergarten either. It just wasn't a factor.

I think student orgs and other altruistic activity might come into play if you want to get into a Master's or Doctorate program later. Just a hunch.

[StudentOfHealing]

In my experience, the students who get involved in student organizations are those whose parents are paying their way through school. The rest of us are too busy with our jobs before and after school to have time for them.

I'm just wondering how you're aware of others finances and methods of payment. I understand knowing who works and such but knowing who's paying for what and how is .... kinda ... um nosey?

In my program these things weren't openly discussed.

Furthermore, I had friends with jobs and kids that were in office positions.

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OP,

Take care of yourself first and foremost. Then your priorities like work/school/family.

If you DO have time ... ANY time ... even a random weekend ... I'd say go and give your time. You learn how to work with others. I also believe that being involved in organizations at the academic level can prepare you to be involved in organizations when you get a job. We have to promote nursing professionally. We have to go above just doing the necessary to get the grade or in the working world the paycheck.

[BusiestBSN]

I am very heavily involved with my School of Nursing and their clubs even though I work. I would like to go to grad school so see these things are resume boosters. Also, I am a traditional college student so feel like these activities are a part of the experience.

[ThatBigGuy]

In my experience, the students who get involved in student organizations are those whose parents are paying their way through school. The rest of us are too busy with our jobs before and after school to have time for them.

Half of my SNA membership was non-trad students with families and work.

I'd get involved, if for nothing else than your own personal enjoyment and fulfillment. Student organizations provide services to the community via charitable contributions and volunteer days. Our SNA ran a flu clinic, served in the soup kitchen once a month, did BP and glucose screenings all over town, and visited dementia wards. Did it interfere with study or family time? Sure, but there's stuff out there bigger than ourselves.

Will it help get you a job? Probably not on paper, but the experiences you learn along the way will make you a stronger, more well rounded person. That's what will ultimately make you stand out in the interview process.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I doubt employers notice too much when you are hired. But I agree with above posts that participating helps you grow professionally and that will continue to be important throughout your career. Employers like volunteers for flu clinics, etc. once you are hired. The more they see you the better they know you and the more opportunities will come your way.

[RNoftheflies]

If you are just a member in the organization, I agree with those who posted before me, it really doesn't matter to an employer. However, if you held a leadership role, that does help! I was president of my school's SNA chapter, and the hiring manager asked me about that during the interview. If you can manage to fit that in your schedule, go for it!!