New Grads: What are you doing?

Nurses New Nurse

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I just want to put these questions out to all new grads, especially 2010 graduates who still haven't found Nursing Jobs:

i) What are you doing to stay current with your nursing knowledge and skills.

ii)What are you doing to keep yourselves busy?

iii) And last but not the least, what adjustments have you made on your resume to ensure you stay ahead of the competition?

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Specializes in geriatrics, IV, Nurse management.

i) What are you doing to stay current with your nursing knowledge and skills.

I signed up to just about every free nursing newsletter and physian network on the net. I buy a new nursing related book every month or so. I constantly research new courses, and events in my area. If there is something new at work, I ask if I can come in an observe (lately new injection types). Some skills I know I'm not using, but I can take refresher courses at local colleges (ie. catheters).

ii)What are you doing to keep yourselves busy?

I'm currently employed in a full time mat leave contract and on a work employee council. My mat. leave contract was extended for another year b/c they gave me a great preformance review:)

iii) And last but not the least, what adjustments have you made on your resume to ensure you stay ahead of the competition?

Any volunteering, or updated courses looks great. Keep your portfolio updated. And remember to network. A business card, and attending local job fairs and conferences can help people remember who you are:)

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Specializes in Med Surg - Renal.

i) What are you doing to stay current with your nursing knowledge and skills.

I just passed the NCLEX so I'm giving my brain a bit of a rest. There remains plenty of opportunity to learn as I continue to work as an NA on a Med Surg - Trauma floor. I will also be perusing nursing journals at the library every so often.

ii)What are you doing to keep yourselves busy?

Looking for jobs! I have an interview for a New Grad Residency position tomorrow. I really want this one.

My old company I worked at before I quit to go to Nursing school called and needs a bit of help for a while so I am picking up a ton of hours at a decent rate while I look for RN jobs.

iii) And last but not the least, what adjustments have you made on your resume to ensure you stay ahead of the competition?

Not much. I generally get positive feedback on my resume, but I considered having it professionally redone. However, in my opinion the consultants all wanted too much money to do so. In today's world of (maddening) online applications, I truly question how much a shiny resume makes that much of a difference.

I'm hoping my solid healthcare experience and 4.0 GPA from a tough nursing program speaks louder than a fancy resume.

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