What can I do NOW, to help me get employed LATER?

[magn1jes]

I'm sorry if this is posted in the wrong category. Feel free to move it.

What are some things that I can do now, while in school, to help me get employed later? I am not quite sure of the job market for RNs here in my town, or what they may be like when I graduate, so I was hoping to do something to help get my foot in the door.

Would volunteering be a good idea? Working as a CNA? Working any job w/in the clinic/hospital? Does having a previous degree help in any sort of way? I have a Business degree, and a psychology minor, will they take that into account?

Thanks for reading, and look forward to your responses!

[Scott RN STICU]

Find a hospital you are interested in working at when you graduate and become a volunteer. Try to get a volunteer position in a department you have some interest in. This will let you get a different perspective of what day to day job is like in that department. Also, if your work ethic and character are strong you will stand out and be able to make an impression on the department manager.

[proudnurseRN]

Yes, work or volunteer at a hospital you are interested in. The only RNs that were hired at my hospital were ones that had already been employed there.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Working in a hospital system as a CNA or PCA might help land a foot in the door when you are a fully licensed RN. If that's not possible, pursue any job in the hospital (dietary aide, transporter, phlebotomist, etc.). You never know. Human resources might give closer consideration to people who are already employed with the company when filling RN positions. Good luck!

[sethmctenn]

Take any certifications that you can to beef up your qualifications: ACLS, PALS, etc...

[NursePiggy]

start praying its tough out here

[katkonk, BSN, RN]

Working as a CNA is not a bad idea. Even working as a unit clerk or using your business degree for a part time or summer job will give you a very good idea of how the hospital runs, who people and doctors are, their communication system and their computer. All of that will help when you are interviewing. Also, in my BSN program I took every elective course I could. They offered Spanish for nurses, a summer 10 week elective in ER and OR, and I took both (two different summers). They were invaluable, and I know the ER experience helped me in one or two jobs.

[RNperdiem, RN]

A lot of our nurses hired in these tight times were unit clerks, student externs and CNA's in our unit.

It is an easy way to gain connections as well as get paid.

[Autonomy RN]

Absolutely, Patient Care Techs and CNAs are given preference at most facilities especially if you already work there and your work ethic and patient care skills are known. Certifications such as PALS, NRP or ACLS are helpful since by having them you will get through orientation quicker (and cheaper) than a similarly qualified GN that does not have the required certifications for that position. At my hospital we hire GNs from within before we look at other candidates...it doesn't matter what department they work in. We had one recently that was our PBX operator. It is never too late to get interested in what specialty you want to try and finding out what is going on and "hot" in that specialty so you can speak intelligently about it. You may find this summer that a specialty organization conference is in or around where you live. These kinds of educational and networking opportunities are invaluable to a SN or GN or RN. Good luck!

[Pat_Pat RN]

Don't get arrested for drugs.

[elprup, BSN, RN]

start praying its tough out here

Totally true and totally funny!

Thanks for making me laugh (I am still looking) : )

elp