Let’s face it – “new grad” nurses face an uphill climb to land their dream jobs, especially in a competitive U.S. job market. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) points out the employment of registered nurses (RNs) is projected to increase 15% between 2016 and 2026. Fortunately, a new grad nurse who knows how to get hired as a nurse can launch his or her nursing career right away.
For new grad nurses, landing your first nursing job is challenging, but there are lots of things you can do to quickly earn your dream job. Now, let’s take a look at four tips to help new grad nurses get hired.
1. Hone Your Job Search
You know you want to work as a nurse, but it is important to know exactly where you want to work. Nursing jobs are available at area hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, government agencies and other places. If you start your job search with a location in mind, you can identify potential employers and track new job positions. As a result, you can apply for nursing positions from these potential employers as soon as new job postings are published.
Sometimes, employers partner with nursing schools to quickly identify and hire nurses, so you should not hesitate to reach out to your nursing school to inquire about career leads. Additionally, ask your nurse colleagues about job openings. Because the more you network, the more likely it becomes that you will find your dream nursing job sooner rather than later.
2. Evaluate Each Job Description Closely
Read a job description closely before you apply for a nursing position. Then, you can tailor your resume and cover letter to show your potential employer you have what it takes to meet the job’s requirements. You can also put together a list of professional references who can verify your skills and experience related to a job’s requirements.
Sending a resume and cover letter to a potential employer is insufficient. Instead, you should follow up with a phone call or email shortly after your submit your nursing job application. This allows you to verify that a potential employer has received all of your application materials. It also ensures you can find out a potential employer’s status in the hiring process.
Also, consider your day-to-day schedule as you apply for nursing jobs, and if possible, maintain as much flexibility as you can. Employers often prefer nurses who can work different shifts throughout the week. If you are willing to work various shifts, you could distinguish yourself to potential employers.
3. Get the Experience You Need to Succeed
For new grad nurses, the question persists: how can you land your dream job without on-the-job experience? Training programs offer aspiring nurses the opportunity to get real world experience while networking with industry professionals. Some of the top courses available to new grad nurses include:
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS): Learn to handle life-threatening situations involving children with this instructor-led course.
- Neonate Resuscitation Program (NRP): Approach neonatal emergencies with confidence after completing this blended learning course
- ECG and Pharmacology: Address cardiovascular emergencies with the skills learned in ECG and pharmacology training. The course also serves as a great option for new grad nurses who have already taken PALS or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS)
- Hospital Fire Safety: Learn how best to respond to fire emergencies at nursing facilities, psychiatric hospitals, medical clinics and retirement homes. Hospital fire safety training is required for all personnel who work in a hospital setting in the City of Los Angeles.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) for the Healthcare Provider: Required for anyone who practices medicine, this certification ensures that you know how to treat patients in cardiac arrest.
These classes enable you to work with fellow nurses and other medical professionals to enhance your skill set. At the completion of a training course, you’ll also receive a certification card. This will bolster your resume, helping you to stand out to amidst a crowded field of healthcare professionals.
4. Build Your Confidence
Practice makes perfect, especially when it comes to getting hired as a nurse. If you enroll in training programs, you can increase your confidence in your nursing skills. As such, you will be well-equipped to exude confidence any time you meet with a prospective employer.
As you build your nursing skill set, you can display your confidence during both phone and in-person interviews. Regardless of how you interview for a nursing job, you should always learn about a potential employer, as well as the nursing professional who will be interviewing you. You should also review a job description and consider the interviewer’s perspective. And don’t forget to prepare a few questions to ask an interviewer about a nursing job.
Dress for success any time you go for an in-person job interview as well. Arrive on time for your nursing interview, remember to breathe and take your time to respond to each interview question. Maintaining consistent eye contact with an interviewer can make a world of difference throughout the interview process, too.
Lastly, if you don’t get a nursing job following your first interview, there is no need to stress. Persistence is key, and each job you apply for increases the likelihood of landing your dream position. Furthermore, the path to a successful nursing career is often filled with ups and downs, but each interview provides a valuable learning experience. Use any feedback a potential employer provides after your interview so you can prepare for future interviews accordingly.
Ready to get hired as a nurse? Take advantage of the aforementioned tips, and you could speed up the process of landing your dream job in the nursing field.
Did you find the above article useful? If so, for more information or to take a class, please visit us at https://surefirecpr.com or call us at 888-277-3143. SureFire CPR currently offers CPR classes in Orange County, Los Angeles County, San Diego County, San Francisco, Riverside County and the Inland Empire.
