Getting your first working opportunity in nursing can be very exciting. Like other specialties in the healthcare sector, nursing is more than just a job. Lives will be put in your hands, and people’s health will become your responsibility. But before you find your ideal spot in this noble profession, you need to start from somewhere. If you’re searching for your first employment opportunity as a nurse, these tips can help you land one.
1. Decide the right job for you
Although you want to work as a nurse, there are several specialties you need to pick from. For example, you can be a home health aide, work in nursing homes, be a health insurance provider, work as a travel nurse, or take up a nursing role in the military; the options are vast.
So, take the time to decide. Do you want to help aging people, or do you connect better with kids? Do you want to work in a healthcare facility or prefer to be on the move? Questions like these can give you a good idea of where your interest lies. But your decision should be straightforward if you already have training in specific areas.
2. What about your lack of experience?
It may be frustrating to find your ideal working opportunity only to notice they require years of prior work experience you don’t have. To jump this lack-of-experience hurdle, consider taking up internships or working as a new graduate for healthcare centers your nursing school partners with. Most nursing training schools have partnerships with hospitals and other health centers. And devoting a year or a few months as a graduate worker or intern will give you the experience you need before hunting for your ideal job, so keep this in mind.
3. Build and maximize your network
Searching for any job alone can be very frustrating if you don’t have connections or networks. Start connecting with friends, family, colleagues, and even teachers, and let them know the type of nursing job you’re looking for. You never know when a surprise call will come from someone that you were recommended to fill an opening. If you know people already working in healthcare areas you prefer, start reaching out to them asap.
4. Be the ideal candidate
Even after finding the ideal nursing job that suits you, you still need to present yourself as the best candidate to your potential employee. That’s because you’ll probably be competing with other applicants for a limited number of spots. So, even if you’re not the perfect candidate, start learning to portray yourself as one. Before any face-face-face interview, your potential employer will probably have to scan hundreds of other applications.
Ensure that yours meet all the academic qualifications needed. Next, work on perfecting your resume to convince your potential employer that you’re a perfect fit. And add a cover letter that showcases your passion for the job. The final step will be to master how to nail an interview when it becomes necessary.
