Networking as Interviewing (Nursing)

00:01 Juanita had dreamed of working in NICU for years.

00:05 She had applied for internships for NICU.

00:08 She was assigned to other departments.

00:11 She applied to volunteer in NICU.

00:14 She was assigned to other departments.

00:17 No matter what she tried, she could not find her opportunity to make it to the floor.

00:24 Now, the time was coming for her to take her boards.

00:28 And she was discouraged because she felt as if she had not made any progress in her dream of working in NICU.

00:37 One day, she went up to the department and went to the manager to introduce herself.

00:43 She said, "My name is Juanita.

00:46 I would like to work in NICU one day.

00:49 What can I do to prepare now to achieve my dream.

00:54 The NICU manager confess that they did not have openings for the department often as it was a low turnover area.

01:02 She then looked at Juanita and thanked her for her interest and told her about an upcoming recruitment fair for new grad nurses.

01:11 Juanita went to the recruitment fair, and met with the manager again.

01:16 This time with her resume and references.

01:20 The manager thanked Juanita and said that they still did not have an opening, but she would keep her in mind if anything opened up.

01:30 Juanita took her boards and searched the job boards for nursing positions in NICU. None.

01:39 She took a job working the night shift in ICU.

01:43 She kept in continuous conversation with the nursing manager.

01:48 Six months went by and Juanita began to get discouraged.

01:53 Until one day, she got a call from the NICU manager.

01:58 There was an opening for night shift.

02:01 There would be many people applying for this job.

02:04 But the manager wanted her to know after a year of work.

02:10 Juanita finally got her dream job.

02:14 This was all because she invested in the relationships within her network.

02:20 This story is a good example of what I want you to consider in your job preparation.

02:27 I want you to consider your network.

02:30 First, you should consider recruitment fairs and events.

02:35 This is a great way for you to connect with the hiring manager.

02:39 Come prepared with your resume and questions.

02:42 Attending these fairs before you have taken your boards is an excellent way to start a relationship with the hiring managers.

02:51 Another way to build your network is to volunteer.

02:55 This is a great way to gain experience, insight and connections, all while giving back to the community.

03:02 Volunteer work in the healthcare sector may not pay in money, but can pay off big time in building your network to help champion your success, moving forward.

03:14 An internship or externship has all of the benefits of volunteering with more opportunities for hands on experience and some opportunity for monetary payment.

03:26 Within your internship or externship, be intentional to build your network.

03:31 Ask questions, and continue a conversation with the hiring manager.

03:37 Another way that you can build your network is by being involved in the healthcare community.

03:42 This might be the Nursing Student Association at your college or university.

03:48 A specialty organization like the Heart Association, or a global organization like the World Health Organization.

03:56 Discover one or two opportunities within the healthcare community and become involved proactively to build your network.

04:04 Lastly, realize that you might have to be like Juanita, who waited a year in another unit before transferring to the place where she was passionate about.

04:17 Networking does not guarantee your dream job, but it does open the door to opportunities in the future.

04:25 Networking is a critical part of career development and advancement.

04:30 And as healthcare providers, knowing other people that can help with continuous development is critical.

04:38 So here's what I want you to do.

04:41 Meet one person in the healthcare profession and say hello.