New Grad Nurses — How to Stand Out & Get Hired
If you missed our recent virtual event, New Grad Nurses — How to Stand Out & Get Hired, you can read a recap below as well as watch the full recording here! We have so many virtual events for you in the pipeline, so stay in touch with us to hear about what’s coming next!
During our recent event, we discussed ways in which new grad nurses can stand out and get hired straight out of nursing school. Our event was led by new grad experts, Ashley Haugstatter, BSN, RN, CPN, CCRN and Tiffany Gibson, MSN, NPD-BC, CPN, GHDL.
Ashley is a Manager of Nursing Relations & Retention at Crouse Health, former Pediatric ICU Nurse, founder of The Nurse Mentor, and is currently in a nursing leadership role focused on recruitment, retention, and recognition of nurses and students.
Tiffany is a Clinical Nurse Educator and Development Specialist at Abington Jefferson Health. She is a former Pediatric Med/Surg Nurse, founder of New Nurse Academy, and is currently in a nurse leadership role focused on workplace violence, CNA orientation and healthcare diversity, and equity & inclusion advocacy.
Let’s jump in!
Applying for Your First Nursing Job
You might be asking yourself, what position is right for me? Or where do I find eve jobs?
First, take time to reflect on what you are looking for:
- Patient Population
- Shift
- Type of Facility
- Culture
- Future Goals
Next, make sure you use a multitude of methods in your job search:
- Job Boards - Indeed, ANA Career Center, Monster, Career Builder
- Hospital Careers Website
- Residency Program Search
- Networking
Standing Out
So, once you’ve gone through the above steps, how can you set yourself apart to land an interview?
To stand out when applying for a job:
- Optimize Your Application
- Custom Resume and Cover Letter
- Connect with Leadership
- Set up a Shadow Experience
- Attend a Career Fair
Interviewing
Do your research
- What is the role?
- Mission, Vision, Value
- Reputation
Brag about yourself
- Be your own Advocate
- Illustrate soft skills
- Stand Out
Ask questions
- Engage in conversation
- Clarify what’s uncertain
- Engage the Interviewer
Mentorship
Often working with a mentor as you move through the above steps, and your career as a whole, can be tremendously rewarding and helpful. How? A mentor can provide:
Network
- Socialization
- Exposure
- Opportunities
Education
- Provide information
- Tips to improve
- Advice
Investment
- Experience
- Encouragement
Advice
Lastly, here is some general advice that’s good to follow at any points in your career.
- Take every opportunity for professional development
- Build a network of support and contacts for the future
- Seek feedback, ask questions and set goals
Here are Three Tools to Help Get You Hired
Resume Builder
Put your best foot forward with a polished resume.
Salary Explorer
Research how much you can make in 450+ cities across the country.
Residency Search
Easily see which facilities are hiring new grad nurses.
Looking for more new grad nurse resources? Check out these nursing blog articles:
