You’re a nursing student about to graduate. What are the best ways to find a job that’s right for you?

To assess your strengths and skills, reflect on your clinical experiences and identify what you enjoyed and excelled at. Seek feedback from mentors and peers, and consider any awards or recognitions you've received. List your technical skills, such as specific medical procedures, and soft skills, like communication and teamwork. Avoid the mistake of underestimating your abilities or failing to recognize your accomplishments.

As a nursing student about to graduate, exploring your options is the best way to find the right job. One place to start is in clinical! During clinical, you can work with other nurses and feel the energy of the various units during your rotations. It makes it easier for you to decide where you would like to work after graduation. You could also volunteer at a local facility or unit that piques your interest. My last tip is to do your research and have your resume ready to go.

Be clear about what you excel in, and be sure to highlight those skills on your resume and in cover letters and interviews. "Hard" clinical skills are important, but don't forget so-called "soft" skills like emotional and relational intelligence, collaboration, communication, motivational interviewing, etc. And remember that computer skills are highly valued in 21st-century healthcare, so talk about what you know and where your strengths lie.

Seek out a facility with magnet status and a well regarded preceptor program. And ask to talk with other recent grads who have completed the program and have worked there for 6 months or more to gauge the culture.

It is important to always keep your resume updated. Include relevant work experience, certifications, awards, presentations, etc. It is an opportunity to showcase your talents and achievements while searching for new opportunities.

I agree with other contributors that quantifying and qualifying your skills and accomplishments is important. If you took part in any special projects, committees, initiatives, etc, highlight those since it shows that you're involved, engaged, curious, and interested. Keep track of your certifications, the EMRs you've been trained to use, and other details that can add to the value you bring to an organization. Your resume needs to be flawless, well-written, and showcase you as an individual.

In my experience, resumes come alive when you quantify your achievements with data. Instead of just listing "patient education," showcase the impact you made. For example, "Reduced patient readmission rates by 15% through implementing a new, standardized discharge education program focused on medication adherence." Numbers make a clear and compelling case for your skills.

I always encouraged my students to create a portfolio of their clinical experiences to show what kinds of patients they cared for and skills they learned. This will prepare them for the job interview. What did you enjoy most in school? Try looking for positions that focus on that. Be prepared that you won't land the perfect job immediately. Use the experience to learn and grow professionally. Sometimes you can be surprised about what opens up for you even if the first job wasn't what you wanted. Look to the future. Plan on returning to school for advanced degrees. You might want to work where you have education incentives. Don't give up. Keep trying. Hone your interview skills. Stay positive. Good luck.

It's crucial to research how organizations care for employees. Look for a place that aligns with your self-development journey and fits your bandwidth for challenges. Prioritize organizations that prioritize staff well-being and growth. Prioritizing is crucial because it directly impacts job satisfaction, morale, and ultimately, the quality of patient care. By choosing a workplace that values and supports its staff, nurses can thrive in their roles, leading to better outcomes for both themselves and their patients. Additionally, aligning with a workplace that fits one's personal and professional needs ensures a fulfilling career journey and contributes to overall well-being and satisfaction in the nursing profession.

If you still have time before you graduate, volunteering or getting a role in a support position at a healthcare facility is a great way to network and be considered an internal transfer. Hospitals are big on supporting those currently involved in their systems.

The nursing world can feel small, and connections often lead to unexpected opportunities. Don't underestimate the power of staying connected with former classmates, instructors, or even patients you've built rapport with. A casual conversation at an alumni event or a follow-up email to a grateful patient could be the key to unlocking your dream job. Remember, professional associations and online communities are also fantastic resources for networking and learning about new openings. Be proactive, respectful, and don't be afraid to ask for advice or mentorship from experienced nurses in your field of interest. You might be surprised by the doors that open up.

Graduating is a huge milestone, but finding the right job can be challenging. Networking is key for discovering opportunities and gaining insights. Join professional associations like AAMN and PNAA, leverage alumni groups, and use social media platforms such as LinkedIn. Participate in online forums and attend events to meet potential employers and mentors. When reaching out, be polite and specific about your needs. Offer help or show gratitude to those who assist you. Don't hesitate to ask for referrals or recommendations. Networking is a two-way street; be genuine and proactive. #NursingGraduates #Networking #CareerTips #HealthcareProfessionals #NurseLife #NewNurse #NursesOnLinkedIn

Think outside the box, going beyond former preceptors or rotations. Securing the dream job is about strategic networking and meaningful connections. Focus on quality interactions by attending industry events like conferences and webinars. Actively engage in discussions, showcasing your passion and eagerness to learn. Craft a concise and compelling "elevator pitch" highlighting your clinical experiences and career goals. Leverage social media platforms, especially LinkedIn, to expand your network, connect with potential employers, and stay updated on job opportunities in the dynamic healthcare landscape. By prioritizing these connections, you'll create a solid foundation for a successful transition into the field of nursing.

A maior parte das vagas de trabalho são preenchidas por indicação. Por isso, aproveite o período de graduação para criar conexões com professores e desenvolver habilidades. Ao participar de atividades acadêmicas que envolvam profisisonais externos, crie vínculo com eles. Ao longo do estágio, conheça os colegas que atuam no campo. Toda essa rede de contatos pode ser útil na busca da primeira colocação.

If this is a staff nurse role, research the union status. Look at the labor contract. Ask about patient ratios. Ask about attitudes toward safety and a just culture. Ask to tour the unit or meet potential colleagues.

Encontrar o primeiro emprego pode ser cansativo e estressante. Então, o passo inicial é saber em qual área deseja atuar. Esteja minimamente preparado através de cursos extras. Pesquises vagas que se encaixem no perfil e envie currículos apenas para as vagas adequadas, evitando a famosa "panfletagem". Essa atitude, além de assertiva, evita a frustração de inúmeras negativas e o aumento da ansiedade, o que poderá fazer desistir da profissão antes mesmo de ingressar na área.

The very first nursing job as a graduate nurse may not align with the nurse's passion or may not be the "best fit." In my experience, many graduates wanted to start their career in specialty units such as peds, L&D, ICU, or ED, but only a few of them were given such opportunities. To find a better fit, research other fields or specialties while gaining and refining nursing skills in the current position. Reach out to HR to see if they can arrange shadowing opportunities for you or connect you to a nurse who works in the area of interest. Identify your strengths and skills. What values can you bring? What skills are transferable? Why do you think you may be a good fit? Submit the updated resume/cover letter and prep for the interview.

Seja estratégico em sua busca, defina um objetivo específico vai ajudar a filtrar as oportunidades de trabalho de forma mais otimizada para que você possa se aplicar às vagas que realmente fazem sentido para você.

Para cada entrevista, reúna informações sobre a empresa e o perfil desejado para a vaga, destacando as suas qualidades que estejam alinhadas a esses requisitos. Esteja preparado para responder a perguntas difíceis, como "quais são os seus defeitos". Treine em casa com amigos e/ou parentes para ganhar mais segurança. Durante a entrevista, peça detalhes sobre a vaga, demonstrando interesse. Pergunte sobre plano de carreira, quais os desafios e, de forma respeitosa, destaque pontos que possam convencer o recrutador a contratá-lo.

Understanding who you are interviewing with (unit/org/mission) is important! Use specific examples from your personal experiences to explain why YOU are the best candidate for them. Separate yourself through thorough examples and shine like the star that you are!

El mejor trabajo dei vida como enfermero me lo dieron porque brillé en la entrevista Me estudié los valores de la empresa Si historia También preparé posibles preguntas con un experto

This couldn’t be more accurate! How often I’ve seen new grads take an offer which is $0.25 more per hour and NOT consider the benefit package. Take your time and do the math and ask yourself, long term, who has the benefits that align with your goals! •Education reimbursement •Education loan payback •401K/403B plan •Vested timeline •Healthcare insurance •Vacation/Sick time The list goes on!!

No início da carreira, para adquirir experiência, você pode julgar adequado aceitar uma oportunidade que esteja distante de casa ou mesmo não traga tantos benefícios, como plano de saúde, por exemplo. Agora, se você tem um nível de experiência maior está em busca de um melhor salário, pode ser adequado declinar de algumas oportunidades. Portanto, ao buscar por um emprego, tenha em mente o que deseja para esta fase profissional e o que está disposto a ceder - ou não. Isso ajudará a manter o foco e organização durante este processo.

Consider nurse residency programs or internships for new graduates, as these provide additional training and support to help you transition into professional practice. These programs often offer structured learning experiences, mentorship, and hands-on training in various clinical settings, making them an excellent option for building confidence and competence as you start your nursing career.

Almost every outpatient specialty you may find yourself interested in will require at least 1 year of bedside nursing in the hospital. Get it under your belt and see where it takes you!!

I suggest that student or graduate nurses should not pidgeonhole themselves into feeling like they should do a particular specialty, either because of what others say (e.g. the good old med surg suggestion) or even because it's something you went into nursing school thinking you wanted to do. There are a lot of pathways you can take in nursing and many ways to move up the ladder as well. Be open minded. Network with people you meet throughout nursing school, it could lead to something. I think it's important to consider what will feel right to you. You may be surprised where you end up being happy 😊