What would you do differently?

[RPN_2012]

Now that you've all graduated, and hopefully passing your boards and looking for jobs. :) I wanna hear some advice for all of us who are just starting out (I'm just starting NS in a few days)!

Let's make some sort of pot luck/melting pot of ideas, suggestions, advice, wisdom, habits.

As you look back on your NS experience... What would you do differently, if anything? What would you do at all/not do at all? What worked, what didn't? And I don't just mean studying! I mean everything, like family, socializing, time management, schedule, health, sleep, interaction with teachers and classmates, patients and preceptors, and all others and of course school work, group work, studying, exams, and everything else in your life during NS?

So again, what would you differently if you were to do it all again/if you were just starting out? :)

Go!

[m_aidez]

Although, I have one more year to go in Nursing school, I wish I volunteered more and participated in more extracurricular activities while in university. Oh well, I'm making it all up right now in my final year.

[koslik1]

I wish I got a part-time CNA job at a hospital while I was in school...Hospitals are trying to hire LVNs and RNs from within, and its so hard to find jobs for new grads in south california...I am even considering moving out of state...

[lizzy33]

I wish I got a part-time CNA job at a hospital while I was in school...Hospitals are trying to hire LVNs and RNs from within, and its so hard to find jobs for new grads in south california...I am even considering moving out of state...

I agree, definitely try to get a job in a hospital (if thats where you want to work after graduation) you are far more likely to be hired as a RN if you're an internal applicant. There are very few states hiring new grads right now, and its extremely competitive!

[orange juice]

In my situation I would have moved out of state to get my BSN. Apparently ADN equals no job unless you know someone even if you have a lot of volunteering and certifications. I wanted to stay close to home so I did the ADN. I know BSNs are having a hard time too but its worse for ADNs.

I would have never quit my job as a clinic assistant during nursing school. People told me I wouldnt be able to handle both at the same time. At this point I would have rather suffered for 2 years than have a 2 year gap in employment. I know some of you are thinking but you were in school. It doesnt matter. The only people I know that have jobs worked in a medical related job during school or knew someone high up the totem pole to get them a job. As of now Im jobless like hundreds of grads on this site and I am taking classes for my BSN 3 months after finishing.