Three Effective Strategies for Identifying Nursing Opportunities
Since no job search should rely solely on one method this article discusses three effective strategies that, when combined effectively, should help you in identifying the nursing job of your choice.
The use of online job boards to target the best nursing jobs has proliferated greatly over recent years and is a prime source utilized by candidates as well as employers and healthcare recruiters. Nursing jobs are listed on the large job boards such as www.monster.com and www.careerbuilder.com, as well as on such nursing specific boards as www.nurse.com, www.nursingjobs.org, and www.medzilla.com, www.nusingjobs.com. To narrow search results within defined parameters, type the name of your specialty and preferred location into the search bar. This prevents you from having to wade through every listing posting to identify positions of interest. Most job boards also provide the option to post your resume to the site allowing potential employers and recruiters to find you. Try to incorporate relevant keywords throughout your résumé as many recruiters and employers utilize special software that searches for these words. Some of the larger job boards, such as www.monster.com also provide networking opportunities. You can access the networking option from the Monster home page by clicking on Network Now. Once you input certain keywords (job title, area of specialty, location, etc.) you will see a list of possible contacts. Click on their name to obtain a full profile and select Introduce Me if you wish to establish direct contact.
Another effective strategy for targeting nursing jobs is through networking since many opportunities are only found via the “hidden job market”. Join nursing organizations, such as the American Nurses Association, www.nurisngworld.org, which works to advance the standards of nursing practice and the National League for Nursing. www.nln.org, the country’s leading educational organization across all practice areas. ¹ For each organization you join obtain a schedule of upcoming events in your area and attend as many as you can.
A final alternative is to contact the administrator of the medical facilities you wish to work for directly. As they are usually very busy people, craft a letter of introduction and résumé. At the conclusion of the letter let the person know you will be following up over the next week or so to schedule a face-to-face meeting. If you will be sending an email, create a relevant subject line so that your message is not marked as spam and possibly auto-deleted. To further guard against your submission being sent into the spam folder, if is recommended that you send the cover letter and resume through your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Due to the nursing shortage, the demand for qualified nursing staff far outweighs the supply. This means that you are in a great position to be selective with your search. Approach the search strategically and pursue only those opportunities which closely align with your career goals in terms of compensation, responsibilities, scheduling, etc.
¹ For a complete list of nursing organizations go to www.nsna.org/resources/jan_listing.pdf
