So, you finally got your RN license, and it's probably one of the proudest moments of your life. You're ready to start working in the nursing profession, but there's one big problem. You don't have any healthcare experience, and it can be very overwhelming knowing where to start. The good news is that there's never been a better time to be a nurse. Nursing is growing at a much faster rate than other professions. The demand for registered nurses is expected to grow by 19%.
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Getting your license as an RN opens a lot of doors, and the possibilities for career choices are endless. Everyone has to start somewhere, and there are steps you can take to make applying for and landing your first nursing job much smoother.
Market yourself.
The first step in landing your first nursing job is one most people overlook: marketing yourself. How important is marketing yourself to land a job? Well, consider this: sixty percent of jobs are found through networking--not online. A great source of job opportunities may come from your extended network--your friends and family. How about the people you met in nursing school? Tap into your former nursing school network to find out about job leads. You should also reach out to your alumni office about job placement. The main idea is that you have to be proactive about your career. Put yourself out there. Let the people in your life know that you're in search of new career opportunities. They just might know a few people who may know people that can help you land your next career.
Know the best time to begin the application process.
Still, your job search may begin with a job application, and you should know the best time to start the process. A one-size-fits-all resume probably won't work. The application process may look different for each organization. Know deadlines and requirements for the job you're applying which you apply.
Still, there are some things almost all healthcare employers share:
- Spring and winter is the prime time for hiring recent nursing graduates.
- Begin applying to jobs at the beginning of your last semester of nursing school and follow-through on any deadlines.
- Your application may have a written and video portion.
- Try applying to jobs directly on the employer's website or through job portals like LinkedIn.
- Find out the name of starting nursing positions at your local hospital (i.e., Graduate Nurse, Introductory Nurse, etc.). Knowing the exact title of the job you're applying for will help you search for open positions on job boards.
As an aspiring nurse, you may notice that many positions require some experience as you begin filling out applications. Don't get too concerned. Find out if your nursing school's career center partners with any local hospitals to hire new graduates. You can also gain experience with internships or job-shadowing opportunities. It's a great way to network and show potential employers your abilities.
Temporary, on-call positions are another option if you're an aspiring nurse with little healthcare experience. On-call and per-diem nurses are typically due to staff shortages and often require less experience. Taking a temporary position may allow you the opportunity to gain experience in the specialty you want or stay in your ideal location.
Prepare for the interview.
Suppose you made it past this point and got a job interview; the phone screening will typically be your next step before an official one-on-one chat. The phone interview helps employers screen candidates who don't meet the basic requirements. Usually, in the phone interview, the employer just wants to know if you understand the nature of the job and have all the necessary licenses and experience. If you successfully pass this portion, your next step is an in-person interview.
Be prepared by knowing the answers to these common questions:
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- What motivated you to become a nurse?
- What are your biggest strengths? Weaknesses?
- Describe a time you had a challenge on the job and how you overcame it.
Your aim in these interviews is to convince the employer that you are the best fit for the job. Describe how your nursing education and experiences (such as clinicals or internships) helped you and how this job position is the next logical step in your career.
Consider the career potential.
Don't just take the first job offer you get, instead consider your long-term goals. For example, if you know you want to work in hospital administration eventually, you should try building up your hospital experience. The same thing applies if you plan to work as a labor and delivery nurse, then you should start with a job in an obstetrician's office. Remember, you don't have to aimlessly pick a starting point or go for the first offer you get. Aim for the jobs that would be a logical starting point for the career that you want.
Follow up with prospective employers.
After you submit your application, you may have to wait a few days for a response. Because of the nature of healthcare jobs, you should wait at least a week to follow-up. After an interview, it is appropriate to send a follow-up thank-you email message to your interviewers within 24-hours. Still, resist the urge to follow-up until a week or two has passed. After that time, you can send a polite email asking when you can expect to receive a response. After you have followed-up with your prospective employer 3-4 times, you should probably focus on other opportunities.
Closing Thoughts
Getting started as a nurse with no experience can be challenging, but landing your first job can be easier than you think if you follow the steps outlined above. Having a solid education is the first step in landing a nursing job, and Achieve Test Prep can help. Our nursing bridge programs allow you to fast-track your degree using Credit-by-Exam, a process that allows you to test out of general education courses. Want to find out more? Contact us today to get started.
