Stand out from the crowd ?

Volunteer at a hospital on a unit you're interested in if possible if you can even here and there. Get to know managers and personnel. Certs look nice as well, but don't go crazy spending a ton of money on obtaining too many just to put on a resume. Play up your LVN skills, I too was an LPN before I became an RN and little did I know how much it actually prepared me to work in acute care. Play up things like delegation, charge role and unique nursing skills and knowledge you obtained while working as a LVN, while keeping your resume succinct and clear.Best of luck to you!

How you perform in clinicals makes a big difference. Make contacts along the way!! Be sure to say hello to the nurse manager on the units where you're in clinicals. I have a really good job lead from a manager who just moved to the unit I DESPERATELY want from the unit where I've spent 3 semesters (med/surg). She offered to help me get my preceptorship moved to her new unit so she could see how I perform up there, because she's been happy with my performance in med/surg, and the nurses liked working with me.

Also, along the way, when I've received praise from nurses, I've half-jokingly said, "Let your manager know!" And with some, I've said it more seriously. But really, I think it HAS made a difference. I guess we'll know better this summer when I graduate! :)

But really, your prior experience WILL help you stand out above a new grad with no prior experience. Play it up!!

Don't forget your grades, your dress, personality--smile, seriousness--yet fun, attendance / timeliness, work hard, professionalism, open mind, and courteousness. Greet everyone -- visitors and staff -- as you walk through the facility / unit.

Good luck!

Extracurriculars. All hospitals are big on getting Magnet certification and want staff to work on projects that help the achieve that goal. So, anyone working on comittees outside your normal job discription will get preference. (unofficially of course) Want to get hired? Don't be a 'just do your job and punch out' worker. (my downfall apparently according to some, but then again, I don't rack up hours of overtime, so ????)

Thank you to all for responding and the great info. Site and people are amazing...