How to network?

[li.la.lo'13]

Hi everyone, I'm a junior nursing student who does not currently have nursing based employment and it is killing me. I alternate between panic attacks and depression because it makes me think of how disadvantaged I'll be when I graduate next year without any type of work experience. I've gotten all sorts of advice from just keep applying, to networking and going down to the hospitals. I just finished my last final last week so I plan to start going down to hospitals tomorrow and everyday this week to pass in resumes and just to feel like I'm doing more.

What I really need help with is networking. Everyone says networking is key, but how? How do you network and not sound like your selling a sales pitch or that the only reason you're talking to that person is for a job?

Bonus question: Do you think going to each hospital individually is a good idea, I know some hospitals specifically say not to do this on their website but for those that don't I thought it would be something that set me apart from other applicants.

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

Networking is simply another way of saying "make connections." In order to network, you just have to get to know people and establish a relationship. You can network with your clinical instructors, lecture instructors, and the nurses and managers at your clinical sites. Make an effort to talk to them and introduce yourself, explain a little bit about your career goals, and ask for advice. Before you leave the clinical- ask if the person would be willing to be a reference for you and let you know about job opportunities on the unit. Exchange contact information.

Keep a list of the people you meet, their names, information, and what unit they work on. Send a thank you note after your clinical. When you apply for a job on a certain unit, contact the people from that unit/clinical and let them know you applied.

Bonus question: No, I don't really think it's a good idea to go to hospitals. Maybe if it's a small, critical access hospital. But the larger hospitals are just going to tell you that their nurse recruiters do not accept walk in visits and you need to apply online.

[Nurse Kyles, BSN, RN]

Most facilities in my area require you to apply online. When first applying for RN jobs last December, I attempted to personally visit a couple facilities. At one place the HR was on the third level, and I stated to the secretary that I wanted directions how to get to HR. The secretaries eyes got really big, and she said what for!?! I stated I was there to apply to a job, and she pulled out a sheet of paper with directions to the library. LOL! Eventually she explained (in a very rude tone mind you) that you can only apply online. The directions for the library for those that do not have home internet access to apply for the job.

I have had success applying online and following up with a phone call to HR; although, some places do not accept phone inquiries. About one day after applying, call and follow up with the appropriate person. Say Hi, this is ______, I applied for such and such position a couple days ago. State the reasons you are really jazzed up about the place, and ask the HR person if they have any questions.

PS don't panic. I did not have any medical experience. My work experience included 8 years of loading semis at a Walmart Distribution Center. I graduated with my ADN in December, and had a job lined up even before I took my boards. It is a good idea to obtain letters of recommendation from at least a couple instructors, and if possible from your final internship preceptor. When it comes time that you have an interview, bring a copy of your resume, cover letter, letters of recommendation and a list of your references. Put all of these items in a resume folder, and give them to whoever interviews you. This helps "seal the deal" at the end of the interview. Good Luck!!

[mssjez]

Have you considered volunteering at a local hospital. This way you can meet people to network with, nurses and administratores can see you contributing to the hospital. Plus it's some time of experience right?

[li.la.lo'13]

Thank you all for your advice and suggestions, I'm going to try using your methods and see how it goes. Thanks again I feel a little less anxious than before now so I hope that helps me keep a clear head for my job search.