So, you are just about to complete your qualification to be a nurse, and now you have to start looking for a job. It can be quite daunting stepping out into the world if you don’t have the necessary experience. Usually nursing homes and medical institutions require that applicants have experience in the field, which can be difficult if you weren’t sent out to get hands-on experience while studying.
In this article we take a look at ways you can pro-actively find and land your dream nursing job, without necessarily having that experience. Let’s get started!
1. Be Specific
Firstly, you’ll need to have a very clear idea of exactly what you want to do, and where you want to work. Consider all your options, and pursue the one that suits your goals best. If you wish to provide home care nursing, pursue that. If you want to work at a nursing home, look for jobs there.
2. Volunteer
It is very important for potential employers to know that you do have some experience. Volunteering is the best and easiest way to do it. If you need to pay off your study loan, consider asking around at hospitals whether they are in need of extra standby nurses.
3. Be Pro-Active
Now that you have a very good idea of where you want to work and what position you wish to have combined with some experience, you can start the job hunt. You’ll also be able to easily find the right nursing homes or hospitals offering positions.
4. Keep Looking
Always keep in mind that landing your dream job is a full-time job on its own. You have to continue looking everywhere. There is also a good chance that the institutions you wish to work for is not hiring at the moment, so always keep looking and applying.
5. Put Yourself Out There
Get yourself in the game and be ready to be employed. Visit events and conferences to network as this will bring you closer to your goal. You can also make use of powerful tools such as LinkedIn to network with peers and search for your dream job.
6. Be Interview-Ready
Finally, once you’ve started applying for jobs and working part-time, you need to make sure that when you do get that call you are prepared. Make sure you go through the necessary steps in preparation before your interview, have some questions for the interviewer, and stay calm and confident!
And remember, never get discouraged or side-tracked. Landing your dream job is within your reach, never stop looking and stay positive. We trust that you’ll find the perfect job for you, and that you’ll have a successful career in nursing.
If you are interested in getting involved in volunteering or fundraising for the elderly, be sure to have a look at how you can do so with Age International. We wish you all the best!
