Networking in Nursing School

I'm in Columbus, OH and I've had the same problem trying to find a entry level job in a hospital. I took my state test for STNA, but only LTFs hire STNAs here. I just started my third semester for my ADN and I'm scared of graduating because of the terrible job market here.

Yes, networking is SO important! I'm in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it's just as bad up here as it is where you are.

One of the things I did was when I would get good feedback from my nurses, I would half-jokingly say, "Be sure to tell your manager!" I saw the nurse manager for med/surg a lot, and made sure I said hello to her. I like her management style- she's firm but fair, and she goes to bat for her nurses. Toward the end of my final med/surg rotation, she was moved to another unit, one of my dream units. I happened to see her, and mentioned that I'd love to get up there someday. She ultimately helped me get my preceptorship there, and has since offered me a job for when I am licensed.

I've applied for at least 100 jobs so far (I'm about to graduate), and got one callback, but it was for an LVN position for about half the salary that I'll start with at the hospital job, and really, they wanted someone with experience in that area of nursing. It's tough out there!

Get on LinkedIn, post on Facebook about people connecting with nurses they know, practically wear a sandwich board promoting yourself. You never know who may be able to connect you with someone- one of my instructors got a job through her dry cleaner, who knew someone!

You're doing the right thing by applying to tech type jobs or CNA jobs. When you apply make sure to put an employee's name down as a reference - it can even be a janitor or food service worker that you know - it still will help. That is what got my my job. Also try and get a job at a hospital that you know hires ADNs - in orange county I would look for smaller community hospitals. If you are willing to commute to LA - I would expand your job search there.

Today I literally just went to the library and rented 4 books on networking. I am shy and need to learn how to network and market myself. Send my a PM if you want to use my name to get a CNA position at a teaching hospital in LA. I'd be willing to help you out.

Don't just apply to hospitals - follow up on the application in a week or two. If there is an e-mail contact for the recruiter, that's even better. Years ago I followed up to an opening by inquiring on my application and writing that I heard the hospital was a great place of employment and would love to be a part of their team. You gotta butter 'em up a little bit. They've probably heard it all before, but it doesn't hurt to do it anyway. out of the 7 places I applied to, 1 called me back and I landed the job. You are competing with hundreds of other nursing students as well as people who are seeking general employment, so anything you can do to stand out will make you a better candidate. And if you do land an interview, say thank you by name to even the receptionist on your way out. Little things matter. While waiting in the HR lobby, I even arranged the magazines neatly for them.

Wow a lot of these are things I never really considered-great ideas! I have been revamping my resume a little and am starting to apply again. Travelgurl I may take you up on that in the future, thank you!

I just came back from Nashville for the annual NSNA convention and learned some really great stuff about finding a job. They will be posting slides I believe and I will share information here once I get them!

RN_Mo - I am so jealous that you got to go to that conference!!!! I was really thinking about it, but financially it wasn't the best choice for me. But I would love it if you shared the slides! Do they have videos/links from some of the conferences at the talk?

I also got a few books on networking from the library and it has really helped get my mind focused on making every contact a person to network with. Also I started going to my professor's office hours to make stronger impressions and form stronger relationships with them for later.