Preparing for the real world outside nursing school?

[reen5]

I am about to start an Associate's Nursing Program. I will be going part-time. I would like to know what I could be doing to take initiative as a nursing student outside of school.

I have two years to kill and I know that for any profession, school does not cover everything that you need to know or help you network in a new environment. I want to have something to show to future employer besides good grades and I want to better myself and become more involved in a field I am really passionate about!

So far some things I thought of doing are:

• Volunteering at a hospital once a week with direct patient contact
  
• Volunteering in a teaching, leadership position, or a health clinic, abroad, or a shelter
  
• attaining a CNA certification
  
• working part-time as a prn CNA
  
• summer externship at a hospital
  
• attending conferences so I know what is happening in the medical community right now
  

How have you guys been learning outside of school? Do you go to networking events? Is there anything else I should be doing?

What are some things that you guys have been doing to get involved in your community? How can I establish a presence in my city?

[smartassmommy]

Apply for hospital jobs. Often it is the best way to get your foot in the door.

[cracklingkraken, ASN, RN]

YouTube and Pintetest are great for learning things outside of nursing school. Just be sure that the information is accurate!

As for networking, I haven't been doing too much of that. My plan is to move out of my current state, so networking in my area isn't too useful. There are a very few number of nurses I know outside of my state. Plus, I'm planning on enrolling in a residency program.

But, if I did want a job in my area, pur program would notify us of career fairs that were occurring at our school. I did speak with a few of the employers (because their booths had candy).

[missmollie, ADN, BSN, RN]

Work as a CNA or a tech at a hospital. That will give you the best experience while you are in nursing school and may open job opportunities after you graduate. Best of luck!