"No one ever attains very eminent success by simply doing what is required of him; it is the amount and excellence of what is over and above the required that determines the greatness of ultimate distinction." Charles Kendall Adams
Well said Charles! For Nursing Students, getting into an esteemed school is less than half of the battle. It is the art of successfully completing your schooling, passing the NCLEX, and attaining a job after graduating that ultimately finalizes your journey.
But wait…what about the economy?! Unfortunately for new graduate nurses, being able to land your dream job straight out of school has become somewhat of a rare event. Hospitals are cutting their budgets back and semi-retired nurses are reentering the field due to economic strains. This has placed our generation’s applications at-risk for falling by the wayside when applying. News of this sort can be disheartening and cause severe anxiety for many. But, “If there’s a will… there’s a way!”
The key to overcoming this obstacle is beginning your job search EARLY! This means getting your foot in the door with an entry level position and taking full advantage of networking opportunities. Make the most of summer and winter breaks to gain additional clinical experience and skills outside of the school setting.
Hospitals all over metro-Atlanta and beyond offer programs for Student Nurses to work as Nurse Externs, PCTs, Clinical Partners, and CNAs. Paying attention to scholarship opportunities and actually applying increase your chances for obtaining tuition assistance and eventual job prospects as well. Career fairs are crucial for companies to place a face with an application, but only if you attend. Ask your clinical instructors and professors if they know of opportunities within the community…often times they have connections with past employers and are able to recommend you for a job.
Nurses are always going to be needed, but you cannot expect a job to be handed to you! Building your career is hard-work and time-consuming and simply doing nothing will get you nowhere… FAST!
As Yoda says, “DO or DO NOT… there is no try!” If your heart remains dedicated to the profession of nursing, you will go FAR! J
Below is a list of metro Atlanta hospitals offering several opportunities for Student Nurses and a few tips for those applying:
· Research!
-Review the hospital’s website prior to applying.
-Know their mission, vision, values.
-What opportunities do they offer for students?
· APPLY ON TIME!
-Deadlines are important! Late and incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
-Create your resume now! Mercer offers Career Services in order to assist you with this task!
-Pay attention to application requirements. Do you need to send transcripts, recommendation letters, and alternate forms?
· Follow up!
-Contact human resources to insure your application was received.
-Provide a valid email address and phone number for the company to be able to contact you.
· Interview successfully!
-Utilize Mercer's Career Services website for interview tips and skills.
-Dress for success!
-Be EARLY!
-Remember to smile!
· Follow up again!
-Obtain a business card and contact information for the person who conducted your interview.
-Send a “Thank You” email afterwards.
-Don’t be afraid to ask when you will hear from the employer about the job offer.
Good luck and GET TO IT!
Ashleigh M. Clark
Georgia Baptist College of Nursing, Class of 2011
