It's Spring and it's New Nurse Graduation Time!
Last week I attended one of two New Grad Banquets hosted by my hospital for the graduating classes of our local colleges. This one was for our community college ADN program (my alma mater).
The purpose of the New Grad Banquets is to celebrate new grads and for the students to meet us and get a sense of what we stand for. At the same time, we begin to identify the stand out candidates.
We are looking for new grads who will be a good fit.
CONGRATS! and welcome!
The conference room, located at a very nice local hotel, was beautifully decorated. Round tables were dressed in floor length heavy-weight white tablecloths with shorter square black overlays. Black folded napkins stood upright at each place setting. Red twist-wrapped hard candies were strewn for accents.
Each table had a centerpiece tent placard printed with the name of a nursing unit- ICU, ED, MedSurg/Oncology, MedsSurg/Peds, L&D, etc. Students could sit at any table they chose, and table-hop.
Encircling the room were long, narrow tables featuring trifold conference style poster boards showcasing each nursing unit, to encourage circulating and conversation before dinner.
Large colorful banners with our hospital name, logo, and mission statement swooped down from the ceiling.
The first hour was to meet and mingle. Our hospital's Versant Program Director, Nurse Recruiter, CNO, Nurse Managers, Directors, and Educators were all there to congratulate the nursing students. And to make mental notes.
We are looking for new grads who will be a good fit.
After awhile, the Nurse Recruiter announced that dinner was served and said a short prayer. Seated at my table, I focused in on our group and listened. They all had such interesting stories of why they had chosen nursing, and how they overcame challenges to get through school. Each one inspired me.
Sitting back and surveying the room, I noticed the same animated conversations going on at every table. The room was chock full of bright, fresh young people. You could feel the positive energy.
But I know that fewer than a handful of these bright young candidates are going to land a job in acute care within the next six months.
What separates the successful candidates from their peers?
Here are two stand out candidates I met, and my uncensored thoughts (in bold).
New Nurse Grad STAND OUT Candidate A
I met Javier, whose wife had delivered a baby that morning in our hospital! Now you certainly can't plan that kind of attention-getting event, but it definitely worked in Javier's favor that night.
It's their first, a healthy girl, 9lbs 12 ounces. His mother-in-law urged him to leave as both mom and baby were doing well, and to attend the banquet. Wise mother-in-law.
Javier is on the quiet side, a big guy with an open face and humble demeanor (he's teachable, he listens well. Non-entitled. He'd be appreciative to be selected ).
He gave the impression of solid. Steady. Family guy with family values.
A good fit
The Program Coordinator and I texted back and forth later about Javier (all names are covered by the hearts). I'm sharing the texts to because hospitals do compete and pursue new grad nurses who stand out. Right or wrong, first impressions count for a lot when hiring. Javier made a good first impression because he is authentic and genuine. His values are a good match for ours.
New Nurse Grad STAND OUT Candidate B
This young woman wowed! Ashley approached our table with her hand extended, introduced herself, and shook everyone's hand.
We were all still talking about Javier's baby. Ashley hadn't heard yet that Javier's wife had delivered. She instantly teared up, which I could tell embarrassed her a bit. (OK, a spontaneous cryer. I get her. Like me) Turns out Ashley has children of her own, so it was a mother moment. We bonded.
Warm and assertive and nice... a good fit
First impression: outgoing, confident, spontaneous. Ashley seated herself and asked us some well-planned questions.
"Does the hospital support nurses who go back to school?"
(do we ever! what days do you need off?)
"Your Peds unit is imbedded on MedSurg. Do you plan to expand?"(she knows about us. Did her homework)
"I want to go on and get my NP. Do you think it's important to get MedSurg experience?" (smart, smart girl- she shared her future goals while asking our advice)
Ashley came to the banquet prepared and with purpose. She understood that this was a working dinner, and she worked it. Turns out she is President of her Nursing Class (why was I not surprised?).
My uncensored thoughts: The window for Versant applications has not even opened yet at our facility- no matter! Don't wait for her app-do whatever it takes to hire this young woman. Do not let her get away. Call her in the morning.
New grads who stand out and are good fits have the best chance of getting hired.
YAY!! We found some awesome new grad nurses!
I hope my uncensored thoughts help you understand what's important to hiring type folks. And the very best of luck to you in landing your first nursing position.
But you need more than luck! You need to prepare. For example, how can you make your resume stand out?
