Alyssa
As a freshman or sophomore who hasn’t yet had clinical experience, it may seem difficult to try to find opportunities to build your resume. Externships and jobs want to choose well rounded applicants, so I recommend looking into different opportunities to stand out. Keep reading if you want to learn ways that I became more involved in the nursing program and how to build your resume as an underclassman!
1. Get involved in Decker’s student groups: The Nursing Student Association and the Mary E. Mahoney Support Group (MEM)
All Decker students are automatically members of the Nursing Student Association (NSA), and it’s up to you how active you want to be! The NSA has social events for nursing students, as well as fundraisers. There is a Buddy System, where you can be matched with a group of a senior, junior, sophomore, and freshman, and you can all mentor each other. Decker Semi-Formal is the biggest event, where faculty and students come together for a fun-filled night! MEM also offers a friendly and supportive environment for nursing students. If you are interested in becoming an executive board member for either of these groups, it is a great way to become even more involved! I've been involved on the NSA e-board since I was a freshman, and have loved every second of it!
2. Participate in research
As a freshman and sophomore, I enrolled in NURS 499, which is an Undergraduate Research Seminar. There is one course focused in asthma and the other focused in tobacco. I chose to do the asthma one, and became a trained asthma education facilitator through the American Lung Association, as well as trained in CITI Human Subjects. I was part of a poster presentation at Binghamton University Research Days to present our research findings. It was a great opportunity to get to know faculty, explore the idea of research in nursing, and get involved as an underclassman!
3. Find a job within Decker
One of the best decisions I have made in my college career is applying to be a Peer Advisor. Starting this year, the Decker Division of Advising and Academic Excellence offers 2 different positions as a Peer Advisor or Decker Ambassador. These positions are great if you want to collaborate with current and prospective students through advising and special events. I am also a Standardized Patient through the school, where I assist in graduate level simulations for students to practice hands-on skills.
4. Volunteer at a local hospital
My sophomore year, I volunteered on Seton 2, an orthopedic unit, at Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton. It was awesome to be able to help out patients and interact with nurses, who are full of advice. I recommend reaching out to the Volunteer Coordinator to see if you are able to help out!
5. Become a TA for a class that you excelled in
I personally was a TA for Anatomy and Physiology I, but if you excel in a course and think you would do well helping to teach it to other students, I recommend reaching out to the professor to see if you are able to be a TA for the next semester!
6. Take up a minor if you have time
I currently have 2 minors: One in Health and Wellness Studies and the other in Forensic Health. I declared both minors as a sophomore. Decker students are able to minor in any Harpur or Decker minor, so find something that interests you!
7. Take interesting elective courses that may make you stand out
You don’t necessarily need to take up a minor to be able to take courses that will complement your nursing education. I recommend any of the HWS or Forensics elective courses, Medical Spanish, and Wound Care in Nursing.
There are definitely more ways that you are able to build your resume as an underclassman, but these are just a few ideas that personally worked for me! I also recommend making valuable connections with all of your fellow peers and faculty if you have the opportunity. Also MAKE A LINKEDIN and NETWORK. If you have questions about anything, I’m more than willing to elaborate on any of my experiences. Best of luck!
Alyssa :)
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