Networking Suggestions

Nienna Celebrindal · Feb 15, 2015

If a former instructor or an instructor at the school works on a unit you want to work on just go talk to them, in person, and tell them you want to work there and do they have any advice for you? They are not just going to see it, if they teach and work and have a life they aren't going to notice those things. Go talk to them. See what they say, they may be willing to put in a good work or let you know their manager is approachable or tell you about ways you can stand out. If that isn't enough, go talk to the manager. Say hi I'm a student at xyz I work on this unit in clinicals, I love it, I'd love to work here someday, what would your advice be to a new grad interested in working here? Obviously make sure they have a few minutes to spare. You just have to read them when you get there if they look busy or don't seem super interested DON'T stay long, but if they have a minute get the information you need.

If you are going to be doing clinicals again on any of these units talk to the nurses there and the charge nurses. Tell them, ask their advice. Just know once you do you are going to need to back up what you say with hard work and skills that stand out. You'll need to shine because they'll be watching.

You will have a lot more luck as a new grad on acute units than ICUs.

scaredsilly, BSN, RN · Feb 15, 2015

Make an appointment to go see them (if theres more than one, see them all). Explain WHY you want to work there. Do your homework, know the facility's mission statement and explain why your personal nursing philosophy fits the mission statement. Let them know what you can bring to the job that will benefit the unit. When I did it, I baked cookies, I got the job, but don't know if the cookies helped or not.

Dress professionally, speak professionally, and practice a little bit before your meeting.

Best of luck!

Nienna Celebrindal · Feb 16, 2015

Dress professionally, speak professionally, and practice a little bit before your meeting.

Yes practice, if you aren't sure what to say look up rn interview videos on youtube. No its not an interview but don't think they won't ask you interview type question, they will! The little things matter, if you take a letter with you get the nice paper (you can buy just a few sheets from staple's copy department if you want). Dress nicely, and if RNs have a certain color scrub, where that color. It helps them envision you as a nurse.