Starting nursing school.. how can I be a successful new grad?

gtshin30303 · Aug 5, 2010

Networking is the most important. You have to establish connections with people at the workplace.

RNMeg · Aug 6, 2010

In order to be a successful new grad, you must first graduate First and foremost, I would put as much effort as possible into doing as well as possible in your classes. I'm convinced that membership in Phi Kappa Phi and Sigma Theta Tau helped me get my job. Also, be a team player and do your best to be a help rather than a hindrance to the nurses you work with during clinicals. You will be noticed, and you want it to be for a good reason.

Kelliqua · Aug 7, 2010

Go far and beyond any of your classmates. Join the student body, volunteer, do an externship. I am not sure how it will be in a few years but, in this job market, but you need to stand out! Go to nursing school in the same city you want a job and during clinical make sure to network, network, network! Focus on your grades! The saying C=RN, is now C= unemployed RN! I wish I knew all this when I was in nursing school! Its been 2 months and still no job. The only people, so far, who have jobs from my class are the people who did all of the above. Good luck!

m_aidez · Aug 11, 2010

In order to be a successful new grad, you must first graduate First and foremost, I would put as much effort as possible into doing as well as possible in your classes. I'm convinced that membership in Phi Kappa Phi and Sigma Theta Tau helped me get my job. Also, be a team player and do your best to be a help rather than a hindrance to the nurses you work with during clinicals. You will be noticed, and you want it to be for a good reason.

Hey, I'm in Sigma Theta Tau too! I was just inducted this year. :yeah:

To answer the OP's question: Network with your professors and preceptors! Seriously, they'll be your ticket even if you're doing okay. I go to a small-medium size school so I go to each and every single class just so that my professors know who I am and to learn of course. I make sure I get seats in front of the class and/or I participate in a lot of class discussions. Also, there are professional associations that you can join. As a student, you can get a huge discount to join and then from there do some volunteering during events (I wish I did this earlier, I regret not being active until the end). I'm thinking that once I attend the Sigma Theta Tau orientation at my school, I'm going to start volunteering for them too.

btw, the economy WILL recover sooner or later... it might not recover during your time but it will recover. Think positive! :)

aussiemom · Aug 14, 2010

Tackle this on two fronts: academic and work. Regarding academics, do well but more importantly make sure you truly understand the material you are learning. You will be using it on the floor in clinicals and in practice. In clinicals, work your tail off and seek out learning opportunities. Your instructors can be your best references because they've seen you at your best and worst (and at all hours)- and how you handle yourself in various situations. You don't have to be perfect, but try your absolute best and be accountable for your actions. If your CI's are worth their salt, they'll notice and appreciate your effort. They may even go out of their way to find you opportunities if they know you are interested.

As far as success in work, put together a great resume. Kick butt at your interview. Know something about the company you're interviewing with, and if possible about the unit's culture. Pray you get an interviewer you "click" with. Often, nurse managers are looking for "fit" with their department as well as competence. You may be perfectly competent and have two very different evaluations by different NMs. I had two interviews the same evening with the same hospital- one unit snapped me up, and the other passed on me. I was the same person, but they were looking for different intangible items. Best of luck to you in your career!

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Aug 14, 2010

Good for you for starting on this now. All of this is good advice: peparation, grades, networking, organizations, etc., will help you a lot. However, keep in mind that it's possible to do all of the above and still not land a job as a new grad, as evidenced by a lot of new grads on the forum who have done much of the above and have been unlucky in finding work. The economy really just blows now.

Hopefully things will be better in 2012...but there's no guarantees about the future--you just have to hope and plan for the best, but prepare for the worst. You've gotten great advice to get started and improve your chances.

Good luck in nursing school!

Serlait · Aug 14, 2010

Congratulations on your acceptance into school! You've got a great start by working part time in a hospital. That's how I got my job. But never forget that school is your priority. I busted my butt during school, graduated with a 4.0 and worked part time (16 hours a week) as a Patient Care Tech on the unit I wanted to work on after graduation. When I was at work I gave it 110%. I did everything I could to provide good patient care and to be supportive of the nurses. The nurses were awesome and allowed me to observe so much of what they did. I was offered a position in February to be filled after I graduated in May. So it's great that you're getting your "foot in the door" now. As unit clerk, you'll learn a LOT about MD orders, procedures, etc. etc. Good for you for being so proactive.

RNJill · Aug 15, 2010

Obviously, keep your grades up in school, maybe join your state's student nurse organization (attend the conventions, get involved with it), but most importantly, get some work experience related to nursing during school. Honestly, I'm convinced that it was my work experience (especially my externship) that allowed me to actually have a job when I graduated.

I was a home health aide for a handicapped woman all throughout nursing school (great job-student friendly hours, far less stress than being a CNA in the hospital, above-average pay, and definitely helpful with people skills!) and then worked as a CNA at local nursing home during the summer between my sophomore and junior years of nursing school. Not very glamorous, but I think that's part of what helped me get a very, very valuable externship at an excellent teaching hospital the next summer. Fast-forward a year later, and I'm several weeks into a nurse-residency/new graduate program at another great teaching hospital.

Also, if you feel that you get intimidated during interview-type situations, PRACTICE. Go to the career services office at your college (if they have one), and you can usually have someone give you a "mock" interview. I think that the fact that I did speech team throughout high school really helped me calm down and give clear and intelligent answers rather than just become flustered during interviews. Get your resume critiqued, too. I asked a few professors to look it over. Even if they give different answers, you'll at least be able to make an educated decision.

Good luck!

beauty912 · Aug 15, 2010

There's so much advice we could all give. The fact that you plan to do CNA work is great! That may help you out, especially if you work in a hospital where you wish to be employed as an RN. Networking is also important because sometimes who you know can help. Try to get an externship/internship whenever you are eligible. Start looking for externships and New Grad programs EARLY so that you don't end up missing the deadlines. Stay focused in school, of course, and I wish you the best of luck with your future nursing career :)