Getting a job as a new nurse can be a challenge. A lot of jobs require experience, but how can you get experience if no one will give you a job? Today we’ll discuss the top tips to get a job as a new nurse.
1. It Starts in School...
This may be a moot point if you’ve already graduated, but making a good impression in nursing school is important. I applied and was accepted to an externship as a student. This allowed me to say “I’ve taken care of up to 6 patients at a time” during my interview.
Even if you aren’t lucky enough to get an externship showing initiative in clinical is something everyone can do.
Find out if you can shadow in an area you’re interested in.
A lot of facilities will allow nursing students to work as nursing techs while in school. This is a good way to get your foot in the door and show you’re a good worker.
2. When to Apply
This is a common question. Should you start applying before or after the NCLEX? Most places will want a passing score in hand before they will hire you. The good part about waiting is you can focus only on your test and this will give you a little bit of a break. You won’t waste your time with the jobs that won’t hire you without your boards.
However, I do know one person who was hired before we graduated. She made a good impression in clinical and was offered a job. If you have a similar situation, by all means apply!
3. Make your Resume Professional
Play up your experiences in clinical or any past healthcare experience. Have someone else read the resume to bring up any potential red flags the hiring manager may find.
You can find resume templates on Etsy specifically for nurses
4. Dress the Part
Make sure you wear professional clothing. I recommend classic clothing rather than trendy clothes. For men, a tucked in button up and slacks. For women, a casual suit or nice blouse and slacks. I’ve seen women with a lot of cleavage come in for interviews. Please keep it conservative for your interview.
5. Interviews
Interviewing is a skill that can be improved. I am introverted and hated interviews, but over time I’ve learned to relax, show my humor, and how much I care about my patients. I’ve learned to be myself during the interviews. Be honest and yourself in your interview.
Never bash anyone during your interview. This was the one thing I saw during a peer interview that resulted in the candidate not getting the job.
Practice questions by yourself or with someone. Some nursing interviews are pretty standard questions. Others will be scenario type questions.
Be prepared for anything. You may be interviewed by one person or a team or people. You may be interviewing for multiple positions at once at a hiring event. You may be interviewed by the manager and then a set of your peers.
6. Play up your best qualities
Anybody can eventually learn to place an IV or Foley. Skills will come. If you’re particularly good at a certain skill, let them know, but most managers will realize you can learn. Initiative, interest in the job, compassion for the patients, and a history that shows you’re a hard worker is far more important in my opinion.
7. Send a thank you note
I typically send this via email.
8. Think Outside the Box
You may not get your dream job as your first nursing job. Some of us, including myself, take a job to get experience. Look into different specialities than your dream job. ER and ICU jobs are sometimes harder to get as a new grad. That doesn’t mean that you CAN’T get in a job there and certainly with a little experience it will be either. You can consider smaller agencies, doctor’s offices, assisted living, or nursing homes.
Residency programs are also becoming more common. The hospital system I previously worked for, offered a job for new nurses only. This job allows nurses to rotate through 3 different ICUs and after a certain period they are guaranteed a job on one of those units as long as everything goes well.
The good thing about nursing is there are PLENTY of jobs out there and if you don’t like one job, another may be a better fit. Sometimes it takes some time to get hired, but it will happen!
1. It Starts in School...
This may be a moot point if you’ve already graduated, but making a good impression in nursing school is important. I applied and was accepted to an externship as a student. This allowed me to say “I’ve taken care of up to 6 patients at a time” during my interview.
Even if you aren’t lucky enough to get an externship showing initiative in clinical is something everyone can do.
Find out if you can shadow in an area you’re interested in.
A lot of facilities will allow nursing students to work as nursing techs while in school. This is a good way to get your foot in the door and show you’re a good worker.
2. When to Apply
This is a common question. Should you start applying before or after the NCLEX? Most places will want a passing score in hand before they will hire you. The good part about waiting is you can focus only on your test and this will give you a little bit of a break. You won’t waste your time with the jobs that won’t hire you without your boards.
However, I do know one person who was hired before we graduated. She made a good impression in clinical and was offered a job. If you have a similar situation, by all means apply!
3. Make your Resume Professional
Play up your experiences in clinical or any past healthcare experience. Have someone else read the resume to bring up any potential red flags the hiring manager may find.
You can find resume templates on Etsy specifically for nurses
4. Dress the Part
Make sure you wear professional clothing. I recommend classic clothing rather than trendy clothes. For men, a tucked in button up and slacks. For women, a casual suit or nice blouse and slacks. I’ve seen women with a lot of cleavage come in for interviews. Please keep it conservative for your interview.
5. Interviews
Interviewing is a skill that can be improved. I am introverted and hated interviews, but over time I’ve learned to relax, show my humor, and how much I care about my patients. I’ve learned to be myself during the interviews. Be honest and yourself in your interview.
Never bash anyone during your interview. This was the one thing I saw during a peer interview that resulted in the candidate not getting the job.
Practice questions by yourself or with someone. Some nursing interviews are pretty standard questions. Others will be scenario type questions.
Be prepared for anything. You may be interviewed by one person or a team or people. You may be interviewing for multiple positions at once at a hiring event. You may be interviewed by the manager and then a set of your peers.
6. Play up your best qualities
Anybody can eventually learn to place an IV or Foley. Skills will come. If you’re particularly good at a certain skill, let them know, but most managers will realize you can learn. Initiative, interest in the job, compassion for the patients, and a history that shows you’re a hard worker is far more important in my opinion.
7. Send a thank you note
I typically send this via email.
8. Think Outside the Box
You may not get your dream job as your first nursing job. Some of us, including myself, take a job to get experience. Look into different specialities than your dream job. ER and ICU jobs are sometimes harder to get as a new grad. That doesn’t mean that you CAN’T get in a job there and certainly with a little experience it will be either. You can consider smaller agencies, doctor’s offices, assisted living, or nursing homes.
Residency programs are also becoming more common. The hospital system I previously worked for, offered a job for new nurses only. This job allows nurses to rotate through 3 different ICUs and after a certain period they are guaranteed a job on one of those units as long as everything goes well.
The good thing about nursing is there are PLENTY of jobs out there and if you don’t like one job, another may be a better fit. Sometimes it takes some time to get hired, but it will happen!
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