On May 4, Marian University for St.Vincent Health hosted an Open House for our Indianapolis accelerated nursing program. The highlight was a panel of current students and alumni who took questions from the audience on the accelerated BSN program and the realities of being a nurse. We've already shared their advice about working and transitioning back to school. In this third and final post about the panel, we discuss getting a job.
Q: What tips do you have for securing an RN position upon graduation?
A: Nick, class of August 2011: I took a patient care technician position while in the program. Not only did I receive additional hands-on patient care experience, I was able to develop contacts throughout the hospital. I made a friend who worked in the emergency room and asked for the opportunity to shadow. I knew that was where I belonged. I reached out to staff here at Marian to express my interest and see who they knew. They made calls of recommendation on my behalf. I received an offer from St.Vincent Emergency Services and have been working there ever since. So my advice is to work in a patient care role while in school (if you can), then network, shadow and make a positive impression everywhere you go.
A: Erin, class of December 2011: I knew exactly where I wanted to work and that was the NICU with Riley Hospital. I did a lot of networking with nurses I met during my clinical rotations. I had a couple offers in other areas but held out for a position in NICU. That’s a personal decision, but I knew what I wanted. I held out patiently and continued to do a lot of networking. I benefited from introductions from Marian staff. I finally got the offer I dreamed of and have been working as a NICU nurse ever since.
A: Chase, class of August 2014: Marian University has such an excellent reputation in the hospital community. We can thank all the nursing graduates before us for that. When I went through the hiring process for a patient tech position at Community, they said how much they loved Marian students. They wanted to know when I graduated and were quick to acknowledge the added value an accelerated student brings to the table in terms of life skills and business experience.
For more on the program, contact our admissions team or call 866.892.6463.