Student Nurses

Entry Level RN’s

Congratulations on your decision to become an RN!

Third District would like to support you in any way we can. While you are in school, you might be looking for a mentor. Please contact us to see if there is a mentor available.

If you are in nursing school and your home address is in Anoka, Carver, Hennepin and Scott Counties, you are eligible to apply for our nursing scholarships.

If you are close to graduating or graduated, you may be looking for employment. Networking is a good way to learn about great places to work and get your foot in the door. Consider joining a committee or attending one of our events to meet leaders in the local hospitals.

Look for Third District staff at the Minnesota Nurses Association’s Day on the Hill at the State Capital each year. A representative of Third District will be there and will be happy to address any questions that you might have.

Applying for nursing positions.

We contacted some of the local hospitals and nursing homes to learn about the best way to get a job for new graduates. Here are some helpful hints.

Applications – Only apply for positions for which you are qualified.

Be prepared for phone screening interview. Have an idea of when you can be reached by phone.

Interviewing – Be sure to invest in a business type outfit to wear to interview. A blazer is preferred to a sweater. Be careful about excess jewelry, perfume, cleavage and piercings. You might want to check the facility’s website to review the dress code. Accessorize like you already work there.

Show your passion for nursing – Be ready to show how passionate you are for the career and vocation you have chosen.  Attitude and communication skills carry a new grad RN far along in the recruitment process, so be positive and well-spoken.

Resumes

Resumes – Yes, nurses do need resumes. Keep the resume clean looking and simple. Some facilities only accept online resumes. The days of just dropping off a resume are over.

Document general leadership skills – Be sure to list any work experience that documents your leadership, communication and problem solving abilities. See sample resume.

Naming your resume document – If you are attaching a resume – be sure to use your full name including middle initial so they can find your resume easily. Something like Susan R Smith, RN Resume.doc works nicely.

Clinical experience – list the unit, type, number of hours and location for your clinical rotations.

Advanced Certifications – Include all advanced certifications (ACLS, PALS, TNCC, CCRN, etc) so if I search on things like that, I can find them.

List types of patients or skills that you use (COPD, IABP, etc).

References – Be sure to check with your faculty member before you list them as a reference. Include anyone who knows your ability to work with people, leadership skills and problem solving strategies.

Email and the Web

• Email Address – Make sure your email address is personal and professional. Do not use your current employer’s email address. Avoid email addresses like “partygirl@gmail.com” “wildthing@comcast.net”.
• Web postings –Check to see if any on the web postings might harm your chance at a job offer. Your best friend’s party pictures in Cancun could damage your image. If you can’t change the web site – be ready to offer an explanation or assurance that the content does not truly represent your work ethics.

If facilities are not hiring nurses, consider a nursing assistant position. Hospitals will often promote from within. A new graduate who is familiar with their facilities and general operating protocol that also has documented strong work ethics and clinical skills will definitely be considered for select RN positions.

Advanced Practice RN’s

Congratulations on furthering your nursing degree.

Please be sure to check out the APRN section of the website. You will find joblistings and opportunites to stay informated about issues that concern you. Please also note our yearly salary survey to help you negociate your compensation package!

If you are still in school you are eligible to apply for our nursing scholarships. Click here for more information.

Applying for APRN positions.

We contacted some of the local hospitals and nursing homes to learn about the best way to get a job for new APRN graduates. Here are some helpful hints.

• Applications – Only apply for positions for which you are qualified.
• Resumes – Yes, nurses do need resumes. Be sure to list any work experience that documents your leadership, communication and problem solving abilities. See sample resume. If you are attaching a resume – be sure to use your full name including middle initial so they can find your resume easily. Something like Susan R Smith, RN Resume.doc works nicely.
• Clinical experience – list the unit, type, number of hours and location for your APRN clinical rotations. Highlight other experiences that relate such as experiences with certain populations or specialties like diabetes.
• References – Be sure to check with your faculty member or preceptors before you list them as a reference. Include anyone who knows your ability to work with people, leadership skills and problem solving strategies.
• Interviewing – Be sure to invest in a business type outfit to wear to interview. A blazer is preferred to a sweater. Be careful about excess jewelry, perfume and piercings. You might want to check the facility’s website to review the dress code. Dress like you already work there.
• Email address and the web – Make sure your email address is personal and professional. Do not use your current employer’s email address. Avoid email addresses like “partygirl” “wildthing”. Also check to see if any on the web postings might harm your chance at a job offer. If you can’t change the web site – be ready to offer an explanation or assurance that the content does not truly represent your work ethics.