Soon-to-be BSN Grad in May - What can I do to increase my chances of getting a Peds job?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

I am getting closer to graduating with my BSN in May. My passion in Nursing is Pediatrics, but knowing how competitive it is to get an internship in the pediatric field scares me because it is something I absolutely want. I had recently interviewed for a pediatric Cardiac ICU Nurse externship, but did not get the job. Which is quite heartbreaking since I really wanted the job. I currently work at a major Hospital as a PCT. What can help me stand out and become a great candidate? What is your advice to land a job in the pediatric field as a new Grad.

Thanks!!

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Dear Loves Peds,

You have your BSN, and you work at a hospital! You should have a great chance at landing a job in their Peds unit. People you already know know the people who hire into pediatrics.

Put your energy into introducing yourself to the managers and Charge Nurses. Hi, I'm Jayme, I'm graduating soon and would love to work here.”

Ask some insiders who you should talk to. Ask an employee to refer you, then put their name on your application. In many places, those two things alone (being an employee and having an employee refer you) gives you an extra two points.

It would not hurt to get your Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification (PALS) if you are able, as it shows initiative. Ask two Clinical Instructors for Letters of Reference.

So exciting! Let us know how it goes.

Best,

Nurse Beth

[llg, PhD, RN]

Make sure you highlight your peds experience on your resume. Don't have any? Get some.

People hiring peds nurses want to know that you have a genuine interest in working with other people's children -- and that you are not just interviewing for the peds position because you think it will be easier and/or more fun than working with an adult population. Did you ever work as a camp counselor? Sunday school teacher? Baby sitter for another family? Life guard? Volunteer work with kids? Scouting? etc. In other words, how do you know that you will like working with sick children and their possibly obnoxious parents? Do you have a realistic sense of what it is like to work with children in a stressful situation? Is it for you? If so ... how do you know? That's what you need to convey through your resume.

Too many people base their application to peds on TV or movies or imagination. Show them that you are basing your application on reality-based expectations and knowledge of your own strengths and preferences.

Good luck!

[suitcase calling]

Another venue to work with children is in home care nursing. Usually do not hire new grads, though.

Also in long term care facilities for children using ventilators. Being willing to work an unpopular shift such as Baylor or 11-7, 7p-7a might give you an edge.