Overcoming the Competition for Nursing Jobs
Traditionally, hospitals like finding their nurses from within their own rosters. That trend was started by three year diploma schools some years ago, and the practice continues into the workplace of today. Those with more experience in the field of nursing are not leaving their jobs because of the recent recession; therefore, there are less nursing jobs for up and coming nurses than normal.
The competition is fierce; however, there are ways to overcome this competition and land the nursing job you want. Below are tips on how to become a nurse in the job market of today.
1. If You Are Still in Nursing School, Start Building Your Nursing Resume Now.
If you are looking to work in the medical field and you are still in nursing school, talk to the head nurse before you graduate, not after. Take notes on what that person says that you will need to do to prepare for a position on that unit. Give your nursing resume as a candidate for a job as a nurse’s aid, and choose a mentor from that unit. Ask questions, and always be available to take care of tasks in order to become indispensable within your unit. Make people feel that you want to learn from them.
2. Work PRN and Switch When a Full Time Position Becomes Open
Because older nursing professionals are holding onto their jobs much longer, there are not as many full time positions available for those without a nursing job already. This does not mean that there are not jobs to be had in the medical field. Work PRN for many places, meet everyone, and build connections in many different environments. This will give you further experience in the field and the personal connections that you need to be placed first in line when a position opens up.
3. Use the Connections That You Already Have.
Sometimes it is not what you know; it is who you know. And if you have a friend with a job in an industry that you are prepared to work in, there is absolutely nothing wrong with having that friend introduce you to his or her boss. The field of nursing is especially small, and anyone that you know might be able to help you.
4. Use the Internet and Expand Your Geographics.
If you do not currently have a nursing job, you absolutely should be using the Internet as your personal job placement office. There are numerous web sites which are dedicated solely to listing jobs in the nursing profession. Even if there are no jobs in your immediate area, the Internet can inform you of positions across the nation and even overseas, should you be willing to travel.
As you find these jobs, you might find a position for which you are qualified in another area. Do not be afraid to move to gain the experience that you need until a job opens up in the geographic area that you prefer. You can always move back when a position opens up, and with more experience, you are that much easier to hire.
Mike Moore is a published author. He offers Resume Advice and Career Tips for Management and Professionals. He is published at more than 100 blogs and websites, including: http:www.dreamresume.com
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