What can make a nurse with an ASN stand out?

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Hello,

I am in my asn program, and this is my "second degree" first being a bachelors of science in geology. I am currently getting certified to be a CNA as well. I know that having a BSN has the advantage in getting hired these days, so what can i do in the next two years while pursuing my asn to get me noticed come time to apply? Luckily, my wife has a job that can support both of us, even if i can't have a job during this time. So what extracurriculars really look tasty to those hospitals??

Thanks all!

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Working as a nurse tech/CNA

Volunteering at a hospital (esp the one you want to work at)

Being a member of a student nurse association

Being a member of national honor society for students with a certain GPA

Having a good GPA, may be helpful if it comes up in an interview

Being a peer tutor at your college, tutoring in nursing subjects

Being enrolled in a ASN to BSN program upon graduation

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Focus any volunteer work, school projects, CNA work, etc. on the patient population that intersts you most. That will demonstrate a long-term interest in that population and some familiarity with their needs. Hiring managers prefer to hire people who have a genuine interest in providing services to their particular patient population when they can.

For example, if you are interested in working with cancer patients ... get some experience working with cancer patients and survivors. If you are interested in pediatrics, find ways to work with kids now. etc. etc. etc.

"Relevant experience" be it volunteer work, CNA work, etc. helps your resume/application stand out from those who say they are interested in working with a certain patient population, but who have never had any contact with that sort of patient.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

Definitely work as a CNA or get a nursing student internship at a hospital - make connections. Also, keep your grades up! :nurse:

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I'm volunteering at 2 hospitals. I have a crazy schedule where I can't commit to paid work right now, but I can give 4-6 hours per week. I don't sit at a desk, I interact with patients, mainly in the oncology/hematology wards since that is my area of interest.

It's all about professional networking!

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The same things that make an RN-BSN stand out. Hard work, dedication, and excellent technical skills. Degrees don't make the nurse, the nurse makes the degree (and that includes advanced degrees).

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