Davenport University nursing students recently connected with prominent West Michigan health care organizations at Davenport’s Nursing Forum and Career Fair held on the W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus. It featured a panel of ten recruiters and nurses who participated in a discussion forum, followed by a career fair.

During the forum, employers shared valuable insights for senior nursing students set to graduate in December. The discussion included tips for navigating the job market and advice for building confidence before entering the workforce. 

This event was hosted by Davenport University’s Career Services and its Nursing Department, and organized by Anne Loisch, career coach. 

“It is important to offer events like the Nursing Forum and Career Fair in order to prepare students to enter the workforce, build a strong network and increase their ability to tackle workplace challenges with confidence,” said Loisch. “As a career services professional, I have seen the job market ebb and flow. However, one thing remains constant: the desperate need for more health care professionals. With a current nursing shortage across the country, the demand for health care graduates remains high,” she said. 

Following the forum, students were encouraged to attend the career fair, where they were able to speak one-on-one with each recruiter to explore future employment opportunities.

Loisch emphasized the importance of an event like this. “It is our hope that this event will provide our nursing students with increased confidence and opportunities for success as they begin their post-graduate journey,” she said.

Students who attended the event found it both informative and empowering. Current senior nursing student, Melissa Maben, said she found the Nursing Forum and Career Fair beneficial because she was able to meet with representatives from prospective employers. “I came specifically looking to explore my options and to network with these companies to see what they have to offer,” she said.  

Shannon Pomorski, a senior nursing student, came to the event to help her decide which direction to take in her career. She valued the experience and enjoyed learning about other career paths.. “It’s important to learn about other programs and careers and see what other hospitals and employers are out there,” Pomorski said.

The Nursing Forum and Career Fair provided students with direct access to employers, resources, and connections that will help shape their paths after graduation. For seniors preparing to step into the nursing profession, it served both as a confidence-builder and a launchpad toward the next stage of their careers.

Amy Stahley, Davenport’s dean of the College of Health Professions, said that these events will support students going into the workforce during the current nursing shortage. “The Nursing Forum & Career Fair provides our students with critical access to health care leaders at a time when the nursing shortage is placing unprecedented demand on the profession,” she said. “These events ensure that our students are not only prepared academically, but also connected to the opportunities that will allow them to step into the workforce and make an immediate impact.”

The university holds a Nursing Forum and Career Fair once per semester for each graduate cohort. Nursing Forums will be held on the Grand Rapids, Lansing, Warren and Midland campuses next semester. 

Click here to read more about the statewide nursing shortage.