Shadowing nurse manager at dream job. Advice?

[blah_blah_blah]

As part of my course requirements for my BSN program, I have to shadow a nurse manager and a quality improvement nurse. My instructor was able to pair me with a manager and a QI nurse at the local women and children's hospital. It's always been by dream to work in peds and I think this is a great networking opportunity. I am shadowing the nurse manager for 15 hours (two 7.5 hour shifts) alone. I am shadowing the QI nurse for 7.5 hours with a classmate.

Do you guys have any advice on how to network? I've had my current job at a grocery store since I was 15 (I had my 7 year anniversary in january!) so I have never really networked before. What questions should I ask? I know they have positions open at this hospital (a lot of temporary jobs and a few part time overnights) how would I go about asking about career opportunities in a tactful way? What questions should I ask in general?

[RN403, BSN, RN]

Sounds like a great networking opportunity. I think that networking within the facility that you do your clinical rotations can open doors in the future. I would just be honest and express your interests to the nurse manager. Tell them why you are interested in that type of nursing and that specific facility. Ask lots of questions, show interest, and be professional.

In today's job market I would just say go for it. Be yourself and let your interests be known. You will learn lots. Good Luck!

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

Be open, be friendly, be real, and be passionate about the specialty that interests you. It also doesn't hurt to leave your resume with the nurse manager AND the QI person (who may have worked as a nurse on a unit at the hospital in her previous life). Also, dress nicely (I.e.) business casual and follow the other general interview rules of dress (unless you have to wear nursing uniform) and decorum.