networking while at clinicals

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!

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.

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.

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!!

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

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....

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.

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.

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!!

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.