Tips for a soon to be new grad?

[phluteloop]

Graduation is finally around the corner! It's a little hard to believe it's already 2010 and I'm done in May.

I'm looking for additional advice/tips/steps I can take to make my new grad dream job as a perioperative nurse a reality. Resume tips would also be helpful. Since the summer of 2009 I have:

-shadowed in the OR on my own time, for a total of three observations

-joined the AORN on a student membership and have attended their monthly meetings (very cool group, btw, i've learned so much!)

-written an article on the AORN eChapter website about the benefits of becoming a student member (I also citied allnurses.com )

- joined the NSNA and continued to be an active SNA member through my school

With a graduation date of May 8th, when would be an appropriate time to begin applying? Many that I've spoken with say start in Feburary. Should I only apply to those positions listed with new grad information, or may I apply to any open OR position?

Thank you!

[carluvscats]

I think you should apply for any and all positions...... the economy is not our friend and you would do well to start ASAP. Do keep in mind, however, that some places will not let you apply without a license in hand.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Also be aware that some hospitals require a year of med/surg experience as well. That's why I ended up at a hospital an hour away from where I lived at the time.

Don't forget about job fairs, either at hospitals or at your school. It's a good way to learn about the hospital and decide if it's one you want to submit an application for.

Also keep in mind that many places have multiple interviews- I interviewed with the nurse manager, a specialty coordinator, and a staff nurse, plus I also came back for a shadow day as part of the interview.