networking while at clinicals

RNJill · Nov 20, 2012

Well, I definitely don't think it would be inappropriate to simply introduce yourself, say what school you are from/where you are in your program, and (if it is true) let her know that you have enjoyed working on her floor. If you've had a great experience working with a certain nurse, that would be a positive thing to say too. As long as you keep it short/sweet/sincere, I can't imagine that it wouldn't go well. If the above goes well, or if the timing and his/her rapport with you seems welcoming, you could my inquire re: tech/nursing assistant positions.

Good luck!

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Nov 20, 2012

Also put a bug in the charge nurses ear that you are a student and are willing to do any IVs, dressing changes, NG tubes, blood, hang meds, anything. Make sure they see you as someone who is willing to learn. If I know that a student is there and she/he wants to do things, I will find them to do the "cool" stuff that you newbies all like doing so much.

Ntheboat2 · Nov 20, 2012

My preceptor stopped in the hallway and was chatting with the nurse manager one day. They weren't discussing anything important, and when I could tell they were about to wrap it up, I just stepped forward and said, "Hi, my name is Ntheboat, and I just wanted to introduce myself. I've been working with "Suzy" and I hope to get a job here when I graduate. So, when you see my application you'll know who I am."

She said, "Oh, okay. When do you graduate?" and then when we were parting she asked what my last name was. I made sure to go home and put in an application online so the next time I saw her I said, "Hey, I just wanted to let you know that I put my application in online."

It went from there. I start work in a couple weeks.

clearblue3 · Nov 21, 2012

Thanks for the comments everyone! Great ideas! Unfortunately our instructor gets to pick who gets to do the fun skills that are available. But I will definitely introduce myself and tell how how much I have enjoyed being on her floor. Thanks again!!

nurse2033, MSN, RN · Nov 21, 2012

Just treat all the time you are there as a job interview. Show your best qualities.

Soliloquy, MSN, APRN, NP · Nov 21, 2012

We never get to meet the managers in our clinicals. Or at least, not in mine. We have very little interaction and while I tend to have very good relationships with the nurses, I never really know who the managers are because they never do much interacting with us. And if they do, I have no idea....

LynnLRN · Nov 22, 2012

If you aren't in your last semester I wouldn't mention that you would like her to hire you one day. But it is good to develop a relationship with her.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Nov 22, 2012

Also not a bad idea to inquire if they have any aide positions open for students when you are nearing the end of your clinical. In my experience, that's a great way to secure a job once you're done with school. If the floor knows you and your work ethic, they're more likely to hire you than they are to hire a random student they don't remember whose resume comes across their desk.

clearblue3 · Nov 23, 2012

yes, I would love to work as an aide...but unfortunately my CNA certification expired :-( I really don't forsee getting recertified at this point in the game. If I could do things over I would have definitely looked for a CNA/tech job...but I also have 3 kiddos and no time for a job with all of this homework! :-) Actually I did apply to several positions before nursing school started but at that time with the economy every hospital wanted 1 yr of hospital CNA experience which I of course didn't have....oh well. I may start volunteering at this hospital because it is very small and maybe they would get to know me a little or at least my face and hopefully that would be at least something to help me get in there. thanks again for all of the advice!!

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Nov 23, 2012

You generally don't need a CNA certification to work as one if you've completed a Med-Surg rotation. When I was in nursing school, almost everyone worked as an aide for 1-2 summers and I don't think anyone was officially a CNA.