Nursing Job and Internship Fair brings students and employers together

On Tuesday, March 20, Binghamton University’s Decker School of Nursing and Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development held a Nursing Job and Internship Fair, attracting more than 100 students from across Decker’s undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. The event was held from noon to 2 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. in the University Union on Binghamton’s Vestal campus.

Attending the event were representatives from 19 healthcare organizations across the region who came to the fair looking to fill a wide range of nursing positions and to familiarize students with their organizations and what they have to offer. In addition, representatives talked to students about internship and externship opportunities.

Christine Mathewson, director of human resources at Cayuga Ridge, a nursing and rehabilitation center in Ithaca, N.Y., said events like these have immediate and long-term benefits. “You have to get your name out there for students to see,” she said. “These students are the nurses of tomorrow and we hope they will remember seeing us here.”

“This was the first time Geisinger has participated in the Decker School of Nursing Job and Internship fair,” said Becky Jacobs, talent management consultant for Geisinger Health Systems in northeastern and central Pennsylvania. “We thoroughly enjoyed meeting and connecting with the students and were impressed by the talent. Can’t wait until the next fair!”

Bryan Claveria from Bergen County, N.J., attended the fair with fellow senior nursing student Vivian Lee, from Brooklyn, N.Y. “As a senior, it’s important to see the different opportunities available for nurses, especially the options for employment,” he said. “This was a good way to learn more about different organizations.”

Lee agreed, adding, “Since this is the first event like this, I thought it was a great opportunity to put myself out there and see different hospitals around New York. When I came here I was just looking in my area, but now I’ve expanded my options outside my location. I think this is a great benefit for all nursing students, freshmen through seniors.”

Between the two main sessions of the fair, five nursing recruiters participated in a panel discussion for students. Jacobs was one of the panelists, along with Geisinger colleague Ann Mackourey; Ann Freer from Rochester Regional Health, Rochester, N.Y.; Kathy Ramiza from Springbrook, Oneonta, N.Y.; and Wendy Getchell from UHS, Johnson City, N.Y.

About two dozen students participated in the panel presentation, where they learned what makes a good (and bad) résumé, as well as how to prepare for an interview, how to master the art of networking and how to prepare for the transition from nursing student to registered nurse.

One of the key recommendations from the panelists is that students explore the healthcare organizations they are applying to by researching their mission, goals, philosophy, career and educational development programs, scheduling approach and more. Part of the investigation may include a visit to the facility or system and possibly spending time on a nursing unit.

“We would love to have students come tour, interview or shadow in any of our units,” said Jacobs.

Based on the success of the event, the Fleishman Center and Decker School intend to make the Nursing Job and Internship Fair an annual occurrence.