Tips on setting myself apart

[asp40]

Oops - of course, I made a typo in my title - sorry, it wont let me edit it.

Hello everyone. I have enjoyed reading all of your posts. I am a nursing student entering my final semester of my Associates program. I also hold 2 BA degrees in other areas. Going into my program I was set on L&D or NICU, but during clinicals I found that I actually did not enjoy L&D as I did not like the surgical aspect of the csections and with rates being so high, I know that would be a big part of my job. I actually fell in love with Mother/Baby. I just love the education and support and the whole shebang of helping a new mom get to know her baby.

Now, as a new grad I will snap up whatever I can get but I want to do Mother/Baby or NICU still. So, I am looking for tips on how to set myself apart. During this summer, I took a course and am now a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC) through prepared childbirth educators. I am thinking of taking NRP. Is this a good idea to do now so I can list it on my resume while applying? The cost is minimal ($80 I think) and if it will set me apart it is well worth it.

Any other ideas? I am in NJ/NY metropolitan area if that matters.

Thank you in advance.

[DustaRN]

get a job as an assistant at the hospital, in my city the people who had jobs already were the ONLY ones hired

[asp40]

Thank you. I have been applying for over a year as has everyone else in my school and not one of us has even gotten a phone call for an interview. I finally had one interview but the nurse interviewing me didnt think they were actually hiring.

Any ither advice?

[bagladyrn, RN]

Consider taking the STABLE course if available in your area as well as NRP. It's a course in stabilization/management of the newborn in the immediate post delivery period.

[asp40]

Thank you baglady. I just checked and the only STABLE course offered within 2 hours of me- the onl one is during my class time so hopefully they will offer it again in the Spring after I graduate.

Any other tips are welcome.

Thank you

[LoveANurse09]

Maybe volunteering at a local Planned Parenthood or other pregnancy center. This is what I do and I'm hoping that educating pregnant women would look favorable.