Conference at SNHU to Feature Career Fair for Nurses, NH Union Leader
Posted about 6 years ago by Nursing Network Admin
New Hampshire Union Leader
April 2, 2017
HOOKSETT — About 225 graduating nursing students will not only hear career advice Tuesday but can talk with potential employers during a conference at Southern New Hampshire University.
The annual conference has added a career fair this year, with 10 hospital and longterm health care facilities looking for workers.
“Most of the larger nursing employers are actively recruiting,” said Joan Widmer, nurse executive director with the New Hampshire Nurses Association, which is co-hosting the event. “They need skilled nurses and new nurses.”
Widmer said she had to turn away more employers for space reasons.
“The theme I’ve heard is recruitment and retention have been big issues that they’re facing,” Widmer said Sunday.
The employers include Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, Cottage Hospital in Woodsville and Dartmouth-Hitchcock in Lebanon.
CMC’s website lists 139 open nursing positions.
The sold-out conference will include advice to those starting out in their careers.
“Our theme of ‘creating your nursing futures’ sets an agenda that highlights the new nurse’s role and getting that dream job as a start to a wonderful career in one of the most trusted health professions in our country,” said Bobbie Bagley, the association’s president.
Students include those from Rivier University, Colby-Sawyer College, St. Anselm College, the University of New Hampshire, NHTI, Manchester Community College and Nashua Community College.
Speakers for this year’s conference include Bagley speaking on nurses’ role in health policy and advocacy.
“Nurses,” Widmer said, “need to be involved in the political arena, not just in the health care arena.”
Other speakers will discuss preparing for the nursing licensure exam, surviving and thriving during the job search and the benefits of joining a professional nursing organization.