UWG's chapter of the Georgia Association of Nursing Students (GANS) held their annual career fair last Tuesday, March 27th in the lower level Z-6. As the nursing shortage is growing and graduation approaching, hospital representatives eagerly set up booths with the intent of recruiting senior nursing students for future employment. These representatives offered information regarding various job opportunities and externship programs for the upcoming nursing classes. Nursing students enjoyed refreshments, freebies, and raffles as they interacted with the recruiters as well as fellow nursing students and faculty.
With the current nursing shortage, job fairs are crucial in establishing environments for both hospitals and new graduates to meet. Upson Regional Medical Center recruiter Laura Stokes states that, "Schools are more successful [for job fairs] than other areas because you are targeting the audience you want to reach." With the nursing job market so highly competitive, hospitals try to appeal to new graduates with various work benefits such as increased base salaries, sign on bonuses, loan reimbursements, and shift differentials. Several hospitals also attract senior nursing students with graduate nursing programs created to aid in the transition from student to nurse.
The nursing department views career fairs as providing students with the opportunity to explore the job market and practice interviewing skills to acquire specific job information in an informal setting. Students are able to explore career opportunities not only locally but statewide. Kathy Lumpkins, RN, of Emory Healthcare, made it aware that it is a common misconception that Emory Hospitals are only staffed by Emory graduates, but are offered to all eligible candidates as evidence by statewide recruitment efforts. With the job market being so broad, it is important for students to interact with potential employers to find a job best suited for their interests. This is done by eliciting specific information about what services and departments a hospital provides; their philosophy, mission, and vision; employee benefits; and job environment.
GANS's annual job fair provides exposure of career opportunities for nursing students, as well as giving hospitals a chance to recruit. The current nursing shortage encourages competition between hospitals in an attempt to appeal to upcoming graduates. Job fairs allow students to compare and obtain information from hospitals allowing them to seek out areas in which they see a future in employment. For more information regarding nursing activities in the community contact UWG's nursing department at 678-839-6552.
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