Summer before Senior Year

[DestinedRN09]

Hi everyone!

I just want to express some concerns: It's the summer before senior year and I didnt get a hospital job or an externship for the summer, so I'm a little concerned how this will affect me after I graduate? The only hospital experience I have is clinicals, I've worked in assisted living, did home health care, and I currently work at a group home for teenage girls. Does lack of experience hurt new graduates??

Also, I'm going to be starting my senior year with Med Surge 2, any suggestions for making the most of my summer by staying abreast with information? Any good websites or resources?

TIA!

[FairyPrincess06]

I know how you feel I am also a senior this comming year and do not have a summer health care job. As for advice read up on things for school, read nursing journals, or maybe even volunteer or shadow if you feel you want to do so. I especially like the nursing made easy magazine. You could also buy or take out from the library an nclex study guide and start preparing early. I hope this helps and good luck with your last year of nursing school.

[jpeters84]

It took me 8 months of applying but I finally got a job at the local hospital and I can't tell you how much I have benefited from taking that job as a nurse aide while in nursing school. I have learned so much and feel like I have a foot in the door at getting a job once I graduate. If you can try to get a job as a nurse aide or unit secretary etc. do it! If you can't get a job I think it's not the end of the world just know that like all of us we're going to have to work really hard to get a job because of the recession. I plan on contacting nurse hiring managers at least 6-8 months before I graduate and being extremely proactive in the job search. I think it's the people that think that all they need to do is graduate and pass the NCLEX and then just expect to get a job right away that struggle the most once they graduate.

[FairyPrincess06]

Thanks

As for the real jobs I have been told to start looking and networking with career fairs and any career related oppertunities the fall of senior year. I am really still looking for a student nursing position so hopefully I will find something or maybe things will be better once I take my CNA test. Good luck to those still looking for work.

[ItsTheDude]

get a job where u want to nurse at NOW. for example, if u want to work at a particular hospital get ANY job there. that way ur in their system (get all/most of the hr bull out of the way), they know ur work ethic, you can start "networking" with ppl at the hospital face to face, and some positions are posted first or for current employees only.

[FairyPrincess06]

Thanks for the suggestions. I am trying to look for anything at this point but even that seems to be a challenge. Hopefully I will find something soon.

[anoon]

I did not have a summer health care job either. I will be a senior in the fall and have finished all my med surg clinicals and will start OB/PEDS in the fall. I don't feel that concerned about not having the summer job. I think if you stay fresh in the information and stay prepared throughout the school year, you will not be behind. Remember that whatever people tell you, the people with summer jobs still have to practice within their scope of practice. While they might be learning new skills, they are not allowed to practice them independently (with a few exceptions), so don't stress yourself out. Go back, review your knowledge and get ready to come back with a vengence!

Hope this helps!

Amber N. - Elsevier Student Ambassador