Searching for jobs can be tedious and sometimes discouraging, luckily there are many resources to help, you just have to know where to look. One of the most well-known resources is LinkedIn, but there are plenty of other resources such as hospital websites, Facebook groups, nursing job fairs, and even word of mouth. This post will go into detail on where to search for your dream job!
Pro Tip: While I was in nursing school, before we even graduated, a few classmates and I put together a Google Document that we were each able to add to. The Google Doc listed various hospitals in the area, if they had a new grad program or not, when their new grad program applications opened, when they closed, and the link to apply to each. This was such a great resource and although there were only a few of us working on it, each of us adding a small number of hospital sites ended up totaling to a huge list with highly valuable information. It was also a great source of information for hospitals I didn’t even know about or consider applying to. I would highly recommend doing this for all senior nursing students.
The following are five great resources to assist you in your dream job search.
1. LinkedIn
Creating a profile and uploading a current resume is a great way to put yourself out there. Networking on LinkedIn can be a great way to help find jobs in your area. Creating a strong network of friends is important. Make sure you are only accepting peers that will help advance you in your nursing career such as fellow classmates, clinical instructors, professors, preceptors, and past employers.
If you’re getting ready to create a new account on LinkedIn, check out the following posts for some helpful tips; Resume Tips and Tricks and How to Set Up Your LinkedIn for Success.
2. Hospital websites
Start by finding out if the big hospitals in your area offer new grad programs. Typically once you find this information, you can easily find their application dates and deadlines, and what they specifically require to apply. This was one of the top resources my classmates and I used to help create the Google Doc previously mentioned and is therefore, in my opinion, one of the best resources for new grads.
3. Facebook Groups
Find a Facebook New Grad Nursing Group in your area, often times these groups are filled with new grads who are looking for jobs just like you! They post specific application deadlines and help to encourage you in your job search. Having a group of people who are in the same space as you, is really uplifting and encouraging in what can sometimes be a discouraging process.
Don’t have a New Grad Nursing Facebook Group in your area? Start your own! Add all your fellow nursing students and you’ll be on your way.
4. Nursing Job Fairs
Before you graduate, you will likely be given the opportunity to network on campus with your local hospitals. Typically, the School of Nursing will put together a job fair for you and your peers to attend. All you need to do is dress professionally, bring copies of your resume, and network with the hiring managers for each of these hospitals. Be sure to network with everyone (not only the hospitals at the top of your list), both for the experience and because you never know where you’ll end up! The more people you have in your network the better.
For more information, check out What to Bring and What to Wear for Your Interview. Along with Who to Ask and How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation. Also be sure visit How to Professionally And Successfully Network for more info on job fairs.
5. Word of Mouth
Like I said, the more people in your network the better! Open communication with previous clinical instructors, professors, and peers to see if they know of any openings or hiring hospitals that you didn’t have on your radar. They could be practicing in hospitals that have new openings. The key here is you don’t know till you ask, so ask away!
These are the most valuable resources I used to help land me an amazing new graduate nursing job at a magnet hospital in a specialized medical diabetes department where I am still at today!
It’s all about knowing where to search for jobs, I hope this helps!
Be sure to check out these posts for more info!
- Adjusting to Night Shift
- What to Expect in the First Year as a New Grad Nurse
- What to Expect Out of Nursing: Expectations Versus Reality
Unsure of what nursing specialty you’re wanting to go into? Check out the Specialty Nursing Series:
- What Makes a Good Med Surg Nurse?
- What Makes a Good ICU Nurse?
- What Makes a Good Peds Nurse?
- What Makes a Good ED Nurse?
- What Makes a Good OR Nurse?
- What Makes a Good NICU Nurse?
- What Makes a Good Labor and Delivery Nurse?
- What Makes a Good Psych Nurse?
- What Makes a Good PICU Nurse?
- What Makes a Good Onc Nurse?
- What Makes a Good School Nurse?
- What Makes a Good Home Health Nurse?
- Plus be sure to head over to their matching Specialty Nurse Interview!