Increasing your odds of getting a job as a new nurse??

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Hi ladies I was wondering if I could run an idea by you and get some tips from you about setting myself up to get a job right out of nursing school.

I am currently still just taking classes so I can apply for nursing school but with all the talk of how hard it is to find a job as a new grad it has me thinking... how can I increase my odds of getting a job faster, easier and the hours/field I wan tto work in.

I was thinking about getting a job as a clinical nursing assistant in one of the major hospitals here and working there full time nights till I got into nursing school then dropping down to only one night a week. One to get the experience, two to put it on my resume and three to maybe make some friends and meet some people to make it easier to interview.

Some friends say its a horrible idea that it will take away from studying ect but I am thinking its the way to go. I also want to kick butt in nursing school and get lucky enough to an internship but I am sure everyone has that plan :lol2: .

One other thing I was thinking of was local missionary work as soon as I can, help people, network and gain experience.

What do you think?

Anything you can think of to increase my odds?

Thank you!

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Definitely get a CNA job in the hospital if you can...this will increase your odds significantly. Many floors (from my experience anyway) will hold a spot for you if they know you're graduating and want to stay on the floor.

My BSN program had a Management class that entailed 60 hours of shadowing a nurse manager. I chose a NM from an area I thought I may want to work and developed a rapport with her, and just this week she emailed me telling me she was accepting three new grad interns and 'wanted to let me know.' I think I must have made a good impression in the fall for her to do that...and I'm now waiting for my interview phone call :)

Don't let the fear of not getting a job down the road stop you from going into nursing school, things will get better and there are jobs out there, you just have to play it smart. Good luck to you :redpinkhe

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Thank you so much. That really helps.

I am so motivated and excited to become a nurse that the fear of finding a job would never stop me but I definatly do want to play my cards right.

Thank you and good luck on your interview!

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

If you are concerned about getting a job having experience and contact is always a good plan. Making a positive impression on nurses and especually nurse managers where you do clincals is also a good idea. Personally it has been my experience, at least in my area, that there are new grad programs just not as many openings as in the past so applying before you graduate is crucial.

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Specializes in ED.

network and definitely impress others in for your clinicals. Get to know the nurse managers and nurses and maintain close contact with them

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Specializes in Cardiac.

Look into Nurse residency programs. You are hired right after graduation into a residency in your field of choice. They offer good training and a spot on a unit where you "match" depending on how your orientation went. They have them at many teaching hospitals across the county. Keep you grades up too as most require a 3.0.

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Thank you guys so much for the info I am definatly going to put all this info to use.

THANK YOU!!!

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Specializes in CVICU, CCU, Heart Transplant.

There are not only "ladies" that frequent these boards. Just thought I would pass that on. ;)

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There are not only "ladies" that frequent these boards. Just thought I would pass that on. ;)

Your right, thanks for pointing that out. I wont make that mistake again. :)

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