Networking is a fantastic way to meet other nurses. Networking can help you grow professionally while learning about job opportunities, expanding your nursing knowledge, and making connections with people in the nursing profession. The University of Colorado College of Nursing at Anschutz Medical Campus wants to see students excel, and the college has helpful ways to start (or grow) your nursing network.
Join Professional or Student Organizations
There are professional organizations you can join as a student nurse (or once you’ve graduated). Professional organizations offer continuing education, career guidance, scholarship opportunities, and networking events.
Another great option is joining an organization on campus. CU Nursing has several opportunities to get involved, including CU Nursing Student Council, CU Student Nurses Association, and Future Voices. These groups plan student-focused events and allow you to connect with classmates and faculty.
💡CU Nursing Tip: Students can join CU Student Senate, a campus-wide organization, to connect with other healthcare professionals. The Senate acts as a liaison between students and the campus administration and is involved with planning campus events.
Attend Conferences, Workshops, and Campus Events
Joining a professional organization can give you a chance to attend nursing conferences or workshops. These are great opportunities to meet other nurses, learn about trends in nursing, attend presentations, and participate in seminars or discussions.
Locally, CU Nursing (and the Anschutz Medical Campus) hosts events throughout the year, including Lunch & Learns, events put on by student groups, and speaker series. These are easy ways to meet with other nurses and healthcare professionals on campus. The CU Nursing Alumni Association also hosts various events throughout the year.
💡CU Nursing Tip: Check out the college’s calendar, which lists college and campus events. Flyers are posted around campus informing people about upcoming events.
Sign Up to Volunteer
There are several ways to volunteer in your community. Local clinics or hospitals have opportunities in different areas. Plus, these types of volunteer opportunities will give you valuable healthcare experience, but make sure to check if there are certain requirements.
💡CU Nursing Tip: Students can volunteer at the campus-run DAWN Clinic to get healthcare experience. CU Nursing also has volunteer opportunities for alumni, including becoming a preceptor to mentor our students.
Connect with Faculty, Preceptors, and Alums
Faculty and preceptors have a wealth of nursing knowledge! They’re always willing to answer questions about nursing. Send an email to a faculty member to set up a time to chat or stop in during office hours to talk about careers in nursing. And, take advantage of our career fair and alumni mentoring event, where you can get your resume reviewed and connect with alumni in the community.
Utilize Social Media
Join groups on social media to connect with other nurses, share experiences, and find job opportunities. You can also use social media to see if there are any local nursing or healthcare volunteer opportunities and see what professional organizations have to offer.
💡CU Nursing Tip: Follow CU Nursing on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn for news and updates, including information about nursing events!
Use CU Nursing’s Resources
CU Nursing’s Career Services page is a resource offering career support, mentorship, employment, and professional development opportunities. The college can help you reach your career goals.
Once You Graduate, Become an Active Alum
Keep your information up to date for the CU Nursing Alumni Association. The association holds events throughout the year, allowing the college’s alumni to network and celebrate being a CU Nursing alum.
Put Yourself Out There
It can be intimidating to find the right way to start networking. You have the confidence to do it! Remember, a lot of people get nervous (and many nurses were in your position before), so don’t be afraid to ask questions, attend nursing-related events, or volunteer. You never know who you might meet, and it could lead to a connection that will further your nursing career.
