Tips on what to do in school to help find a job after

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Hello Everyone,

I am starting a nursing program in January going for my ADN. With the current economy and hearing stories about new grads having a hard time finding jobs after graduation, I was wondering if anyone had any advice on what I can do while in school to help build up my resume and give me an advance for finding a job after graduation. I currently have my CNA certificate and I plan on working part time during the program. If any one have any other suggestions it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Advance!

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I start in January too and I was thinking about getting my Cna license awhile as well so I can get experience before finishing up the ADN program. It worries me to spend all this money and it might take me awhile to find a job afterward. I still have to pay loans back without a job. Where are u from?

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Yea I have the same concerns. I think it's a great idea to become a CNA. I decided to get my CNA certificate because I wanted to gain patient care experience. I'm from New York so it very competitive especially in this economy so I want to do everything I can now to give in an edge later on. Like you said school is very expensive and I already have student loans from my undergrad in another field.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

If you can, work as a CNA/care tech while in school. It can help get your foot in the organization's door, and you will gain experience working in a hospital--not nursing experience, but patient care experience nonetheless. Sometimes I wish I had done it when I was in school, but I was unable to.

Keep in mind that working as a CNA is no guarantee they'll hire you as a nurse when you graduate, but it can give you an edge. But if your grades suffer too much as a result of working, cut back on the work hours or quit altogether. I don't know what they'll be doing in 2 years when you graduate, but right now many employers and new grad programs are looking at your grades as well as your experience. Some new grad programs even have minimum GPA requirements.

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Agree with the above post regarding school grades/GPA being a factor in hiring these days. Work and study hard while in school. Network with other health professionals while in school, specially in the area you are most interested in working. Make a Great impression during clinicals at facilities with all staff, don't be afraid to take challenging assignments, it is the best way to learn hands on.

Also agree with above post that if working as a CNA becomes to difficult with school, drop some work hours if possible and keep the focus on your education.

When it comes time to go on interviews, do your homework regarding the facility you are interviewing at. Be ready to answer why you want to work There. It was one of the first questions I got in an interview, and I was so happy I had done my research. Use appropriate references, if you don't have much actual work experience, ask your instructors if you may use them as a character reference.

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Specializes in MS, ED.

Great advice from everyone; yes, absolutely - a CNA job isn't a guarantee of a RN job after graduation, but you'll gain much more confidence and opportunities to observe care, routine and procedures than your classmates relying only on clinicals.

I worked as a tech through school and was hired by the unit I worked for after graduation. I already knew everyone, unit routine and was comfortable here; though it wasn't entirely ideal, it was a great start for me and I've been happy for it.

If I could have done anything different, I would have taken the time to apply extensively to externships and preceptorship programs. I chose to work instead, as many of the programs near me were similar to tech work, but I see now that students who did them obtained more varied contacts than those that I had.

The other thing you should definitely do: work your butt off at clinicals. Introduce yourself to the nurses, even if they might not be your patient's nurse. Offer your help, stay busy and show that you're interested. Resist the urge to hide, say 'it's not my patient', or take up chairs at the station to text or chat. If you find a unit you particularly like, talk to your instructor at the end of the rotation and ask if you can meet the nurse manager; if you can, tell her about your good experience on her unit and express an interest in obtaining a job there, (especially if a tech position is available.) I had several job offers after graduation from units we visited for clinicals just because of my attitude and good experience there.

Best of luck!

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I def. think it would be wise to work as a nurse tech in the hospital while in school. When I was in school I worked per diem as a nurse tech in the float pool and also worked as a personal care assistant for a man with a spinal cord injury every other weekend. If you have worked while in nursing school you will stand out. I went on an interview and three things they were looking for in a new grad future employee were 1. someone who worked in the hospital and attended school at the same time. 2. someone who completed their senior practicum on the type of unit which they are applying for. 3. someone who is interested in continuing their education

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thanks for the great advice everyone :yeah:

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Specializes in Med-Surg / LTC.

Those advices are really helpful.

Thank you a lot.

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