Finding a nursing job can be tricky. While the nursing field is growing, jobs in certain areas of the profession are more competitive than others. To that end, we hope you can use these tips to help steer your job search.
Assess Your Education and Experience
Take stock of what level of nursing education you have. Do you have a nursing diploma, associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN), Master of Science in nursing (MSN), or a clinical doctorate? Facilities want nurses prepared for complex care. Many now expect new hires to have a BSN at a minimum.
Review your transcript. Note the rotations you completed. Did you train in a specialty unit like critical care or psychiatry? Include all placements worked to highlight well-roundedness.
Inventory your past nursing roles. List out units, job duties, certifications earned, and specialized skills gained. This shows adaptability.
Target Where the Jobs Are
Location is key when job hunting. Certain states and cities have major shortages. Others have too many nurses vying for work.
For example, California and New York have a glut of nurses already. Positions get dozens of applicants quickly. Competitive cities pay less too since supply outweighs demand.
Places like Georgia need nurses badly. According to the people at SouthlandMD, thousands of jobs for nurses in Georgia go unfilled. Openings may get just a couple of candidates. So Georgia employers pay higher wages to attract talent.
Evaluate your options location-wise. Moving opens more doors. If relocating, research the housing costs, taxes, commutes and more in potential destinations. Make sure a higher salary offsets increased living expenses.
Know the Market Needs
Some nursing specialties are hot, others not so much. Hospital nursing has options in ER, ICU, NICU, oncology, psych and more. Outpatient roles encompass school, public health, research, and occupational nursing.
When deciding your specialty focus, see which job fields are growing. A specialty with low demand now may be obsolete in five years. One with high demand could provide decades of security, though.
Play up skills fitting growth specialties. Get extra training if you can. For example, becoming an ER nurse is hard with no relevant experience. But cross-training in a busy med-surg unit makes you a stronger candidate.
Optimize Your Resume
Nursing resumes showcase abilities unlike any other field. Treat your resume as a living document. Update it each time you complete new certifications, skills courses, or competencies.
Structure your history chronologically going from most recent job down. List key facts like:
- Facility name and location
- Position title
- Dates worked
- Unit details
- Notable achievements
Sprinkle in keywords from each job ad that are relevant. Many hospitals use tracking software. It scans all resumes submitted, flagging ones missing vital search words.
Have several versions saved. Customize it slightly for each place you apply to. Match key terms in the ad to keywords in your application.
Master the Interview
When invited to an interview, prepare adequately. Study the job posting again highlighting core tasks. Refresh memory on disease processes and drugs you may handle there.
For example, in a cardiac ICU role, review the steps of treating heart attacks. Prepare to share how you stabilized declining patients. Employers want real nursing stories.
Bring copies of your license, resume and certifications. Ask insightful questions about training, patient ratios, practices and culture. Display dedication. Follow up within 24 hours restating interest.
Conclusion
Finding that first nursing job takes effort no matter your experience. Prepare to apply widely and often before getting offers. Expand your options by gaining new nursing credentials or moving locations if feasible. Stay positive through the downs of job hunting. See each interview as practice for the next.
