Skip to main content
Chamberlain University, College of Nursing and Health Professionals
Menu

Mobile Main navigation

  • About
    • Accreditation
    • Alumni
    • Blog
    • Chamberlain Care
    • Diversity & Inclusion
    • History
    • Newsroom
    • Online Education
    • Our Vision
    • Student Consumer Information
  • Academics
    • College of Nursing
      • 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing
      • RN to BSN Option
      • RN to MSN Option
      • Certificate Programs
      • Master of Science in Nursing
      • MSN - Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
      • MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
      • Doctor of Nursing Practice
    • College of Health Professions
      • Public Health Certificate Programs
      • Master of Public Health
      • Master of Social Work
    • Academic Resources
      • Academic Calendar
      • College Catalog
      • Curriculum Plans
  • Campus & Online
    • Campus
    • AZ - Phoenix
    • CA - Irwindale
    • CA - Sacramento
    • FL - Jacksonville
    • FL - Miramar
    • GA - Atlanta
    • IL - Addison
    • IL - Chicago
    • IL - Tinley Park
    • IN - Indianapolis
    • LA - New Orleans
    • MI - Troy
    • MO - St. Louis
    • NV - Las Vegas
    • NJ - North Brunswick
    • NC - Charlotte
    • OH - Cleveland
    • OH - Columbus
    • TX - Houston
    • TX - Irving
    • TX - Pearland
    • TX - San Antonio
    • VA - Tysons Corner
    • Online
      • BSN Online Option
      • RN to BSN Option
      • RN to MSN Option
      • Master of Science in Nursing
      • MSN - Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
      • MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
      • Doctor of Nursing Practice
      • Master of Public Health
      • Master of Social Work
  • Admissions & Financial Aid
    • Admissions
      • Transfer Guide
      • Catalog
      • Academic Calendar
      • Military Information
    • Financial Aid
      • Tuition & Expenses
      • Types of Financial Assistance
      • Financial Forms
      • Educational Healthcare Partners
      • Loans
      • Work Study
      • Grants
      • Scholarships

Mobile Secondary Navigation

  • Apply
  • Request More Info
  • Request More Info
  • Call
  • Apply
  • Request Info
  • Request Info

Mobile Utility Navigation

  • Current Students
  • Prospective Students
  • Transfers
  • Military
  • Alumni
  • Partners
  • Employers

Top Utility Navigation

  • Student Portal
  • Information For
    • Current Students
    • Prospective Students
    • Transfers
    • Military
    • Alumni
    • Partners
    • Employers
  • Chat
  • 877.751.5783
Chamberlain University, College of Nursing and Health Professionals

Main Header navigation

  • About

    About

    Chamberlain University has a 130-year history preparing extraordinary nursing graduates and healthcare professionals. 

    • Accreditation
    • Alumni
    • Blog
    • Chamberlain Care
    • Diversity & Inclusion
    • History
    • Newsroom
    • Online Education
    • Our Vision
    • Student Consumer Information
  • Academics

    Academics

    Whether you're an aspiring nurse looking to launch a rewarding career, a nursing professional looking to advance your career, or a professional looking to impact public health, Chamberlain offers the degree programs, options and resources to help you succeed.

    • College of Nursing
      • 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing
      • RN to BSN Option
      • RN to MSN Option
      • Certificate Programs
      • Master of Science in Nursing
      • MSN - Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
      • MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
      • Doctor of Nursing Practice
    • College of Health Professions
      • Public Health Certificate Programs
      • Master of Public Health
      • Master of Social Work
    • Academic Resources
      • Academic Calendar
      • College Catalog
      • Curriculum Plans
  • Campus & Online

    On Campus & Online

    Interested in becoming a nurse?
    Earn your BSN at one of 23 campuses located across the country, in just 3 years

    • Campus
    • AZ - Phoenix
    • CA - Irwindale
    • CA - Sacramento
    • FL - Jacksonville
    • FL - Miramar
    • GA - Atlanta
    • IL - Addison
    • IL - Chicago
    • IL - Tinley Park
    • IN - Indianapolis
    • LA - New Orleans
    • MI - Troy
    • MO - St. Louis
    • NV - Las Vegas
    • NJ - North Brunswick
    • NC - Charlotte
    • OH - Cleveland
    • OH - Columbus
    • TX - Houston
    • TX - Irving
    • TX - Pearland
    • TX - San Antonio
    • VA - Tysons Corner
    • Online
      • BSN Online Option Clinical in WI
      • RN to BSN Option
      • RN to MSN Option
      • Master of Science in Nursing
      • MSN - Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
      • MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
      • Doctor of Nursing Practice
      • Master of Public Health
      • Master of Social Work
  • Admissions & Financial Aid

    Admissions & Financial Aid

    Chamberlain is committed to providing quality and accessible nursing education. Our team is with you every step of the way, providing the information you need to make the decisions that best serve you.

    • Admissions
      • Transfer Guide
      • Catalog
      • Academic Calendar
      • Military Information
    • Financial Aid
      • Tuition & Expenses
      • Types of Financial Assistance
      • Financial Forms
      • Educational Healthcare Partners
      • Loans
      • Work Study
      • Grants
      • Scholarships

Secondary Header Navigation

  • Apply
  • Request More Info
  • Request More Info
  • Call
  • Apply
  • Request Info
  • Request Info

Featured

Chamberlain University Irwindale Campus
Chamberlain University Opens New Campus…
Kenya Beard
What is Social Mission? Find Out from…
COVID-19 VIRUS Vaccine Clinic (Chicago)
Vaccine Hesitancy and Medical…

Tags

Browse articles by category
Alumni
Campus News
Careers
Health Professions
Nursing Today
Tips for Students

Share

Blog Social Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Email
  • LinkedIn
  • Home / Blog / Careers / Networking for Nurses: 7 Ways to Make a Good First Impression
Careers

Networking for Nurses: 7 Ways to Make a Good First Impression

September 22, 2013 by Danielle Logacho
networking for nurses

Networking is one of the top ways to find a job. But successful networking depends on good first impressions – whether you’re making connections during your clinical or practicum, or working the room at a networking event.

That’s because you usually have a only few seconds (or a few minutes at most) to give people an idea of who you are and what you have to offer. Here are seven tips for starting things off right:

  1. Dress the part. Keep in mind that plain equals professional. If you’re wearing scrubs, that’s simple enough. But what about when you’re at a professional association meeting?Remember that you want to stand out because of your attitude and abilities, not because of your appearance. Men, that means avoiding loud ties. Women, make sure skirts are not above the knee, and avoid wearing tops that are too low cut or heels that are too high. Jewelry, watches and bracelets should be kept to a minimum, as should any cologne or perfume.
  2. Know thyself. Networking is not a job interview – you shouldn’t expect to spend lots of time discussing your qualifications in detail. Still, someone will probably ask you about yourself. Your answer should not include a list of your hobbies, or a discussion of personal information. Instead, focus on the highlights of your path as a nurse, including any past work experiences that have given you transferrable skills. Practice in front of a mirror, or in front of a friend, until you feel confident.
  3. Look ‘em in the eye. Whether you mean it or not, a lack of eye contact during a conversation can be interpreted as a lack of interest, or even a lack of respect. If you feel like you have trouble keeping eye contact, try practicing with friends. You don’t even need to tell them you’re practicing eye contact – just be mindful of it when you’re talking to them during a regular conversation.
  4. Give a good handshake. When you meet someone for the first time, the handshake is one of the very first impressions that he or she will have of you. Make it a good one. You want a moderately firm shake, but you also want to be conscious of how the other person is shaking your hand, and try to match what he or she is doing. If you question your own handshake at all, don’t hesitate to practice with people you know. And don’t forget – when shaking someone’s hand, be sure to keep that eye contact!
  5. Put on your active listening hat. Feel uncomfortable talking about yourself? Being an active listener is easier, and it’s actually more beneficial. Focus on what others are saying. Show them you’re genuinely interested. Nod occasionally and ask follow-up questions. Not sure what to ask? Treat your conversations like a mini informational interview, especially if other people are more advanced in their careers. Ask them how they got there. If you’re interested in them, they’ll be interested in you, which will keep the conversation going in a more natural way.
  6. Limit your own distractions. Let’s face it – networking can get awkward at times. But don’t be tempted to check your phone during a lull, because it might be seen as a lack of interest. To avoid the temptation, keep your phone in your pocket or purse.
  7. Keep it going, but keep it professional. Depending on the type of networking situation, you might consider asking for someone’s business card at the end of your conversation. Follow up by connecting to that person on LinkedIn. (And have your LinkedIn profile ready so you can continue making a good impression). Sending a Facebook friend request, however, is a big no-no.

Nurses, what other tips do you have for making a good impression while networking? Leave your comments below.

By Danielle Logacho

More from Careers

View all >
Adult Gerontology Nursing
4 Reasons to Consider a Career as an Adult-Gerontology…
Read more
msn option
4 Reasons to Consider an Accelerated MSN Option
Read more
Kristen McCay
What is a Family Nurse Practitioner?
Read more
How to Choose an Online Nursing University
How to Choose an Online Nursing School
Read more
Show more >

Request More Information

To receive the Chamberlain University Program Guide, including associated career paths, please select a program of study.

Footer Social Media Navigation

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest

Secondary Footer Navigation

  • Apply
  • Request More Info
  • Request More Info
  • Call
  • Apply
  • Request Info
  • Request Info
Chamberlain University, College of Nursing and Health Professionals

Chamberlain University
500 W. Monroe St, Suite 28
Chicago, IL 60661

Footer Menu Mobile Column 1

  • Current Students
  • Student Consumer Info
  • Alumni
  • Partners
  • Transfers
  • Military

Footer Menu Column 1

  • Campus Locations
  • Online Programs
  • Alumni
  • Military
  • Leadership

Footer Menu Column 2

  • Student Portal
  • Student Consumer Info
  • Accreditation
  • Parent Organization
  • California Disclosures

Footer Menu Column 3

  • Careers
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Terms of Use
  • Contact Us
  • Accessibility
  • † Chamberlain University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post graduate APRN certificate program at Chamberlain University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, (https://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE). For the most updated accreditation information, visit chamberlain.edu/accreditation. See accreditation and state authorization information or view a full list of program approvals by state.

    To report unresolved complaints to the Illinois Board of Higher Education visit their webpage at http://complaints.ibhe.org/ or by mail to 1 N. Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 333, Springfield, IL 62701-1377. View Chamberlain's complaint process.

    Chamberlain University is a member of Adtalem Global Education, Inc. www.adtalem.com
    ©2021 Chamberlain University LLC. All rights reserved.