Want ICU job after graduation - How do I start my search?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Hello Nurse Beth,

I am 2 months away from graduating from an accelerated nursing program and am currently doing my preceptorship at a VA ICU, in which I hope to work in after graduation. Before this preceptorship I did about 80 hours of clinical among three ICUs in a different hospital. I am having an amazing experience within the VA ICU but I have no idea who to approach about a job opportunity after graduation, when to start asking, and how to ask. Any advice?

---

Dear Wants ICU,

Great! Starting to look for a job now, before you graduate, is so smart on your part.

First of all, contact the HR department. Is the VA hospital hiring? If so, are they hiring into ICU, and do they hire new grads?

Either way, approach the Nurse Manager of the ICU, introduce yourself, and tell her you have appreciated your experience in the ICU, and that you are interested in working there.

While in the hospital, network. Talk to the charge nurses, preceptors...everyone- and let them know you are graduating soon and want to work there.The more contacts you make, the better your chances are that someone will put in a good word for you, and someone else will give you a job lead.

Compose a cover letter, and your resume. Practice your interview skills, and you are ready!

God luck. I hope you land the job of your dreams.

Nurse Beth

[Kristiernbsn]

Absolutely! Tell everyone that this is your dream job, and ask what you need to do to be sure you can work here after graduation. This is not the time to be shy or exhibit self-doubt. Good luck!