Walking into many classrooms filled with nursing graduates, I hear much chatter regarding job searching for their first, and hopefully perfect, job. What seems to hold true is that the job prospect can be more anxiety-provoking than taking the NCLEX-RN® exam. In fact, we have probably told our students that they should start looking for jobs by attending job fairs at least a semester ahead of graduation.
And at the point of graduation, the hope is that future RNs have begun their job seeking long before pinning. What may seem like opportunities – a job fair, an open position posting or a ‘new grad-friendly’ hospital, quickly turns into disappointment when the small print is read:
- Job fairs – Yes, new grads are welcome BUT wait 2 hours after the ‘real nurses’ have made the rounds.
- We are hiring in SICU, but two years of acute experience required.
- We have a 12 month orientation program, but since you have worked a year in sub-acute care you are not eligible – New grads only!
So what advice can we offer then? We need to get creative. For our newly matriculated students, encourage them to begin the job search process right from the start of nursing school. There are many opportunities to network and build a career while still in nursing school. Increasing students’ awareness of the hidden opportunities can help them secure employment – and make them more savvy professionals as well.
Opportunities that Nursing Students Should Never Pass Up
Gone are the days when you could walk into your Career Adviser’s office and walk out with a job.
Summer Internships – Advocate that students take advantage of hospital internships, and during the internship students should consider themselves on a prolonged job interview. Additionally, advise students to keep in touch, and make sure that the nurse manager knows, come graduation they will be applying for a position in her unit. I know of many situations where the intern had that job spot secured months ahead of graduation.
Preceptorship Placement – During senior year, remind students that their preceptorship is more than an opportunity to work in an area of clinical interest. Research has shown that during the senior nursing preceptorship, how well they learn to practice nursing may actually determine their success in making the transition from student nurse to professional nurse (Kim, 2007). In fact, students should be both encouraged and reminded during all semesters of clinical assignments that these are networking opportunities for a potential position in the future.
Building Relationships with Senior Nursing Students and Alumnae – First year nursing students should build professional relationships and friendships with senior students and alumnae. The benefits of being in touch are numerous. The solid foundation is required when it comes time for the job search, and the less senior group can learn the ropes from those who have just navigated them.
Paraprofessional jobs – Many nursing students work during nursing school. Hands down, I recommend part-time employment in healthcare. Students should be strategic about this position. Work as a phlebotomist, unlicensed assistive personnel or unit receptionist will certainly be beneficial in building nursing knowledge, but will also put students in a strategic position. Additionally, employers often prefer to hire internally since employees will be familiar with the culture, physical plant and systems.
Career Mapping – Students should be encouraged to dream big but to also create a plan for understanding and achieving those goals. A great place to start is by reading Job Hunting for Nurses: Finding the Right Fit. Additionally, a career mapping exercise could be used as an assignment in an introduction to nursing class. Monster.com and Mycareermapping.com both have resources for creating a personalized plan.
For Educators
Be realistic with students throughout nursing school regarding what a first job may look like, and educate them to understand that career building is a multifaceted process. But also teach students to dream by sharing success stories of students who landed their first choice position. Creating a career starts the first day of nursing school. Students who understand this are better prepared to get their dream job. What suggestions have aided your students?
References
Kim, K. H. (2007) Clinical competence among senior nursing students after their preceptorship experiences. Journal of Professional Nursing, 23(6), 369-375. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2007.01.019.
