Landing with a degree is indeed an exciting part of life. However, that piece of paper may be a great achievement. It means little without being able to help someone find and secure the type of employment that they are looking for. Though education can (and should) prepare graduates for the industry and role with technical skills, and knowledge, flourish in a nursing career, that’s just a checkpoint on the path to employment.
Graduation and passing the NCLEX is only one of a collection of factors that actually open the doors for a potential job offer. Hopefully, final employment in a satisfying and stable career. In fact, though many colleges prepare students to do good work in their careers, they often don’t equip or inform graduates with details.
Whereas spending years studying has its challenges, finding employment can be one of the more tiring segments. In order to potentially make short work of a process that can be very frustrating at times. There are a few tips that can be helpful to streamline the process.
Here are some pre- / post-graduation work-hunting tips for finding a career in nursing.
The Current Landscape of the Nursing Job Market
In the process of preparing to take the next step toward becoming a registered nurse, it is necessary to understand the nursing work market in order to equip oneself with the right tools and strategies during the job search.
Being that the market is very fluid, with a high demand for qualified professionals in many various healthcare settings such as neo-natal, or family nurse practitioner. Becoming familiar with the options is necessary to narrow down what path to take.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is projected to grow by 7% from 2019 to 2029, significantly faster than the average of other occupations. Just because there are many openings does not mean the process of finding the right position should be rushed.
Before starting to apply for positions, research the market in different locations; consider the demand for nurses, the types of healthcare facilities that are hiring, as well as which specialties may be in high demand. Understanding the current job market trends will streamline the search.
Tips for Navigating the Nursing Job Market
Despite the fact nursing job can land you with a great lifestyle, its exam might not be as easy as you expect. Hence, the following are some tips that may help you:
Start Networking Early
Networking is a powerful tool in the job search process, especially in the competitive field of nursing. It can be a very effective tool to attend career fairs, join professional organizations, or to connect with alumni and industry professionals. Doing so will help put a face to a name and resume, causing someone to stand out. It will also help to expand any future network.
Building relationships with potential employers or past colleagues is often a much more effective way to open doors to opportunities. It is also a great way to glean valuable insights into the industry.
Tailor a Resume and Cover Letter
Crafting a well-written resume and cover letter— one that highlights relevant skills, earned clinical experiences, or certifications— is a must in job searching. Each opportunity should typically have a resume that is tailored to it, this better demonstrates qualifications and how they align with the specific requirements of the position. A tailored resume and cover letter are also a clear way of communicating attention to detail or a genuine interest in the role.
Resumes should always be up-to-date. Education, clinical experiences, and any relevant certifications or volunteer work are all required things to note. Make sure to highlight skills and experiences.
Before any interview, spend time researching the particular healthcare facility you are interviewing with. Become familiar with their unique stances or achievements will show that someone is more than just looking for a job, but desires to align with a mission. Understanding a company’s specific mission and values shows interest and preparedness during the interview, which will further help to stand out.
Practice Common Nursing Interview Questions
Whereas every interview is unique, there are common nursing interview questions that would be wise to prepare for. Being able to answer well will only help the chances of getting a job. Research and practicing any responses to such questions makes someone feel more prepared going into the interview process.
Final Words
This article covered various tips and tricks that can help you land a nursing job even before graduation. The more you hustle to pass the exam, you need to understand its nuances and details. If you find this write-up helpful in any way, consider sharing it with your friends and peers.
