Introduction
Have you devoted your time in becoming a nurse? If so, a lot of hard work must have been devoted to the process. You deserve a great job in return for time invested. The search for a nursing job can be a time-consuming and hassling endeavor.
I am happy to say the pursuit, though most important, does not have to be so stressful. The following article will address methods to implement in finding a job as a nurse.
Visit
Go to recruiting departments at hospitals, medical centers, and doctor's offices. This is a proactive method and it is not necessary for an opening to be immediately available or advertised. Going in person provides a face with the name, will grant you an opportunity to inquire about current or incipient job openings, and will create the impression that you are professional and dedicated in your job search.
Contact
Get in touch with recruitment and employment agencies. Recruiters are there to be your legs, eyes, and ears. If you are still attending nursing school and do not have the time to devote to finding a job for when you are finished, a recruiter will make it their responsibility to find job openings and opportunities for you. Instead of submitting multiple resumes to various locations, you need only to submit one resume to the recruiter and they will do the rest of the work for you.
Internet
The Internet is a very powerful resource in finding a nursing job. Monster.com and Hotjobs.com are just two sites that will provide you with multiple leads to job opportunities. NursingJobs.org and NurseOptions.com are two more good sites to check out. The downside to taking this angle is just as you are privy to job openings, so is everyone else who has Internet access. Competition will be heavy.
Baby steps
Depending on your location and nursing courses studied, some nursing jobs may be more difficult to get than others. Do not be discouraged. There may be contract or training position available. It may not be an ideal situation or long-term position, but it will provide you with experience. The more experience you have the better your chances of getting a full-time job will become. It also will give you a chance to evaluate a place of work and the career itself before pledging yourself to a full-time position.
Who do you know?
Yell from the mountain tops, publish in the papers, and create your own commercial about how you are looking for a job. These are extreme means, but in all seriousness, let everyone know that you are looking for a job. You never know who knows who or when an opportunity may arise. Anyone who has ever looked for a job will tell you that becomes a matter of not "what you know" but "who you know." Do not miss an opportunity in alerting people of your current situation; people hiring are much willing to hire someone based on a reference from someone they know.
Overlooked avenues
The following aren't the most likely places for leads, but can be beneficial:
- School nursing jobs
- Health Department jobs
- Assisted living and nursing home jobs
- Mentor programs
- Traveling nurses
Conclusion
Be thorough, consistent, and positive. It may take some time to get a job, but if you use the aforementioned means, it should make the search easier for you. Interviews are equally as stressful, so it is recommended to buy a book or peruse Web sites that will provide you with interviewing tips. Good luck!
