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How to Build a Professional Network as an NP Student

NP students can build a professional network even before graduating. It takes time and consistent effort to create genuine and meaningful connections. A professional network will allow students to be well-connected when they start their careers and better prepared to succeed as an NP.

NP students can network in many ways, such as by joining professional organizations and attending conferences. They can connect with professors, preceptors, and clinical sites during rotations. They can leverage online platforms, engage with alumni, and volunteer.

Join Professional Organizations

NP students should join NP professional organizations such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). They can also join state-specific NP organizations or specialty organizations. There are many benefits to joining professional associations. Professional organizations offer access to many resources, job boards, mentorship programs, and events. They create opportunities to connect with leaders in the field.

NP students can connect with other members in local meetings, webinars, or online forums. Belonging to a community of like-minded professionals can improve job satisfaction and offer new opportunities. Many NP organizations provide continuing education opportunities as part of their membership. Some may be free, while others can be accessed at a discounted rate. Education is offered to expand and enhance NP practice and to ensure that high-quality, evidence-based care is delivered.

Attend Conferences

National conferences and local workshops in the nursing and healthcare field are prime networking opportunities. NP students are able to meet other students, professionals, and potential employers. They can network with recruiters from large corporations and healthcare systems. Many colleges and universities sponsor students to attend conferences like the annual American Nurses Association (ANA) conference. So, students can attend for free.

NP students should join relevant sessions and introduce themselves to speakers or participants during breaks. They can go around the main conference center between sessions and stop at various booths. By connecting with other nurses and experts this can lead to mentorship and job prospects.

Nursing conferences offer access to cutting-edge research and innovation in medical technology. They also host interactive and hands-on workshops that teach NP skills such as suturing, injections, and/or detecting cancerous lumps. These are essential skills that can help NPs land a job.

Leverage Online Platforms

Social media and online platforms can facilitate professional networking. NP students must create a professional LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn is a professional networking website. It can help NPs advance their careers and expand their healthcare network. Recruiters often use this platform to search for potential candidates, and post job opportunities. NP students can also connect with leaders in professional organizations and the medical industry. LinkedIn allows NPs to highlight their experience and background. It allows them to gain exposure and showcase their talents. For example, it can demonstrate that the NP is proficient in another language and specific electronic medical record systems.

Another popular website is Doximity. Doximity is a professional healthcare platform that connects healthcare professionals to collaborate, manage their careers, and share medical news. They also have a job listings page on their site. NP students can engage with others by sharing relevant content, commenting on others posts, and connecting with people they meet at events.

Connect with Professors

NP students should prioritize connecting with their professors. Professors and clinical instructors are often well-connected in the healthcare field. They can provide valuable mentorship, industry insights, and job recommendations. NP students should attend office hours and participate actively in class. They can ask for guidance or advice on career goals.

Building a relationship with professors involves getting to know them outside their teaching role. NP students should attend out-of-class events their professor hosts, such as workshops or research presentations. Students should follow up with them even after the semester ends to remain connected.

Network with Preceptors

A preceptor is an experienced clinician who assists students in applying theoretical knowledge to the clinical setting. Clinical preceptors are involved in NP student training and can offer practical advice. They can also offer networking opportunities within specific specialties. NP students should leave a good impression to benefit from their preceptor.

They should show genuine interest in their preceptor’s work and ask questions to learn about their experiences. They should be on time and act professionally. At the end of a rotation, students can send a thank you note and mention something they appreciated. NP students should stay in touch with their preceptors after their rotation ends and share updates about their plans. Preceptors can let students know when a job is opening at their practice and even recommend the NP student for the position.

Network with Clinical Sites

NP students often complete clinical rotations in large healthcare facilities or privately-owned companies. These are potential future employers. NP students should introduce themselves to staff and other healthcare providers at their clinical site to make their presence known. They should make sure to leave a good impression at their clinical site. They can do this by being a ‘yes’ person, going above and beyond to help their preceptor, and being friendly and communicative.

Patients also sometimes compliment students who leave a good impression on them on their patient surveys. NP students can inquire about any potential job opportunities at the site or any other locations under the organization. Healthcare organizations love hiring NPs who have completed a rotation at their facility, which means they are already familiar with the lay of the land.

Engage with Alumni

Many colleges and universities have alumni organizations that allow for networking. Alumni networks can help students connect with like-minded people and ask questions about their work. NP students would greatly benefit from engaging with alumni. They should contact their alumni association to learn about upcoming alumni events. NP students can help serve on committees or coordinate such events to increase their connections. Some alumni groups even offer mentorship programs.

Many alumni are willing to support current NP students and offer job insights. Since they attended the same educational institution, they already have a shared connection with them. Alumni can share career advice based on their own experiences. They can also help NP students find jobs based on their own network. Students can even utilize LinkedIn or other social media platforms, to search and engage with alumni.

Volunteer

People frequently find themselves in the service of others. Volunteering can help NP students build their network, learn new skills, and add relevant experience to their resume. They can volunteer in health fairs, community outreach programs, or local clinics. Volunteering can demonstrate their commitment to their profession and allow them to meet leaders and healthcare professionals.

Through volunteering, students can explore various career paths, expand their experiences, and connect with other NPs. It also builds self-esteem and confidence. These benefits can open doors to many professional relationships and opportunities. NP students can additionally use supervisors as professional references.

Sophia Khawly, MSN

Writer

Sophia Khawly is a traveling nurse practitioner from Miami, Florida. She has been a nurse for 14 years and has worked in nine different states. She likes to travel in her spare time and has visited over 40 countries.

Being a traveling nurse practitioner allows her to combine her love of learning, travel, and serving others. Learn more about Sophia at www.travelingNP.com.