How can I best assure that I'll get job after nursing school?

I've decided after months of stressing out over a decision that I am going to do this ADN nursing school no matter what. Because my dream is to work in the hospital and medical and help people. So now I am trying to be positive as much as I can, in spite of this recession and with the enourmous amount of new graduate nurses. This is my plan. I have only one year of required prerequisites, I'll apply to the RN program. If I get accepted right away, then I'll do it while taking some other science courses I may need in the future and do BSN bridging right after . If I don't get accepted...oh well, I'll just continue getting my A.A. and transfer to a University.
Here's the part I'm worried about....what if...like many other nurses right now, I can't get a job upon graduation and all that time spent goes wasted? Therefor I need to prepare. I need as many tips and advice as possible for getting a secured nursing job. My family is poor as dirt and already depressed as it is...I'd would be horrible if I went through nursing school to pursue my dream and never got it. =/
When you go to clinicals, get familiar with the unit/floor managers. Always be nice and such. Especially on your last semester, when doing your preceptorship and/or clinicals, meet the manager and tell them how eager you are to work at that floor after school. That's how I got hired. I graduated like 10 days ago, and I am hired at the local hospital on my favorite floor. That was the first and only position I every applied.

Also, always get along well with the floor nurses you work with, at clinicals. Make sure and leave a good impression. That also helped me get a job.

You can't guarantee anything in life, and in this job market, employment is never promised.Sooooo............I say follow the sage old advice "Study something you know you really want to do, that way if pay/job availability/benefits/location are not ideal, at least you like what you do."Not getting into the "calling vs. job" stuff, just saying, pick your area of study according to something you can see yourself enjoying. The other stuff will work itself out. Easy for me to say, I'm working, but thats exactly how I'd do it if I started all over.

Get a "per diem" position at a local hospital that you want to work for after graduation so you are in the union. When you graduate you get a shot at jobs before outsiders because you are in the union. Some students work as little as 15 hrs a month to hold the position. See if this will work where you live.

Quote from melissaplexyGet a "per diem" position at a local hospital that you want to work for after graduation so you are in the union. When you graduate you get a shot at jobs before outsiders because you are in the union. Some students work as little as 15 hrs a month to hold the position. See if this will work where you live.

I think it's unpredictable these days. I had an interview today and the NM was more interested in my 9 year history at a grocery store than my clinical experiences as patient satisfaction/customer service is a must.... Never know...

Quote from lovelaurenI think it's unpredictable these days. I had an interview today and the NM was more interested in my 9 year history at a grocery store than my clinical experiences as patient satisfaction/customer service is a must.... Never know...

Quote from eriksolnUmmmm, eh................maybe you already know this, but I want to put it out there for others who don't know. This is the new age, big fad way of interviewing people. They will ask you about jobs/situations not R/T nursing and try to get a feel for you personality.Rational: You've prepared yourself for nursing related questions. Probably not prepared for questions about dealing with the old lady who threw apples at you cause she thought the got overcharged.See, its really the same question when you get down to it:1. How did you deal with the patient who was unhappy about their pain management?2. How did you deal with (the old lady I described above)?Difference is, you are expecting #1, not #2. If asked #2, you might slip up, say the first thing that comes to mind, and show your true colors, rather than just giving a well prepared answer.

I agree with melissaplexy. Also, if you do a preceptorship/practicum make sure you get in good with the staff and speak with the nurse manager of that unit about working there after grad. This is going to be the time where they are really going to see your skills and get feedback on you because it's more than just one rotation on a particular floor and they can really get to know you. This is how I was hired.

Quote from lovelaurenI think it's unpredictable these days. I had an interview today and the NM was more interested in my 9 year history at a grocery store than my clinical experiences as patient satisfaction/customer service is a must.... Never know...

If you are able to try and get a CNA job or volunteer in a hospital. When you're in clinicals try and get a nurse intern position at a local hospital if they offer it. I've found around here that having some sort of experience in a hospital is the best way to get a job regardless of ADN/BSN. One of the magnet hospitals in the state that claims to only hire BSN will hire ADNs if they had CNA/intern experience in a hospital.

Definitely do a nurse extern program at your local hospital (externships are usally the summer before your last year in nursing school). Also if any of the hospitals offer scholarships apply to them, because they will most likely require that you fulfill at least a year at the hospital to "work off" the scholarship you received from them. It is a guaranteed job at graduation. I signed a 2 year contract with the hospital that I am externing at this summer. I am so glad that I did because now when I graduate next year all I have to worry about is passing boards and which department I want to work in. Good Luck on your journey.