Nursing Students, You Need to Meet Some Nurses

If you’re preparing for nursing school, there’s no argument that the more professional nurses you meet, the better. In other words, to kickstart your new career before it officially begins, finding nurses to talk to and get to know should be on your radar and at the top of your to-do list.

For nursing students and aspiring nurses, those individuals already working in the profession are a treasure trove of information and experience. To explore the many possibilities your new career offers, connecting with working nurses is a great way to learn, build your network, and gear up for an exciting future.

Build Your Network

Whether you’re a nursing student who recently graduated from high school or a mid-career forty-something transitioning to nursing from another industry, adding high-quality connections to your network should be top of mind from the moment you sit down in a chair during your first nursing class.

Nurses generally like to connect with other nurses, and meeting and forging relationships that can serve you in the years to come is a very intelligent career move on your part.

It Doesn’t Need to be Formal

If you’re intimidated by the idea of professional connections and what could feel like high-stakes conversations from your perspective, you first need to remind yourself that this networking process is anything but high-stakes.

For instance, you may know a nurse who works in the clinic where you see your doctor. You may even have a nice rapport with her. If that’s the case, start a conversation the next time you see her, share that you’re applying to nursing school, or let her know you’ve already enrolled or begun classes. Hopefully, she’ll express excitement and be very supportive.

Groups, Meetings, and Associations

Meanwhile, there may be a nurse meetup or support group in your city or town, and that’s a fantastic place to meet other nurses. There may also be local chapter meetings of various nursing organizations, including your official state nursing association.

Expanding your vision of what’s possible, realize that many nursing organizations offer student discounts for attending national or regional conferences. Even though you’re not a nurse, no rules say you can’t participate in conferences, seminars, and meetings to learn, absorb, and do some powerful networking. Don’t hesitate to attend it if you have the time and wherewithal.

Just Do It

Whether formal informational interviews or a casual conversation over coffee, meeting nurses, learning about what they do, picking their brains, and engaging with as many members of the profession as possible will assist you in developing a vision of your new career.

While asking for advice or support may not feel natural at first, as you gain confidence in your ability to ask good questions and seek valuable information, your comfort level will undoubtedly increase.

In the final analysis, nursing students and aspiring nurses must reach out, ask for support and advice, and meet fellow members of their future profession. Nursing is a highly relational profession, so you should get into the swing of things and start cultivating relationships now. After all, these connections can be worth their weight in gold.