As if juggling nursing school studies, meeting the required number of clinical hours and maintaining a certain grade point average is not enough, there comes a time when nursing students need to add “start looking for a job” to their already lengthy laundry list. The difference with this new task is that it is solely driven by the student. Most colleges and nursing programs do not provide personal assistance in the job search process so let me help you get started!
“When should I start looking for my first nursing job?” A very common question that I am regularly asked as a Nurse Career Coach. I advise starting this process about four to six months before expected graduation; it’s never too early to prepare for the real world!
I recommend beginning the job search process by researching the hospitals in the area you wish to work in. I am confident your next question will be “But what should I be researching?” Well, I am glad you asked because there are a few important areas to research for each prospective hospital or facility to help prepare you for the application process and determine which are the best fit for your first nursing position. Let's get into it!
1. Awards & Accolades
Let’s start with hospital awards, accolades and recognitions. Organizations typically have a page on the website dedicated to media, news, public relations and recognitions. These highlights will be helpful information in deciding if a facility is a good fit for you; for example, a “Top Workplace” related award is a sign of a good work culture. A very important nursing related award is a “Magnet” recognized institution.
Let me explain further, the Magnet Recognition Program was developed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The program designates hospitals that demonstrate excellence in nursing and patient care; it is a prestigious accomplishment in the healthcare industry and is evidence that the hospital has met rigorous criteria related to nursing leadership, clinical practice, education and research.
Awards and recognitions should help determine if the hospital is a good place of employment. It is also important to note that awards and recognitions should be mentioned if possible within the cover letter of the application as well as during the interview process. This shows the candidate is familiar with the environment, did their “homework” and is prepared for this opportunity.
2. Size of Hospital
It is important to research the size of the institution for a number of reasons. First, are you interested in working in a small community hospital or a large institution? Typically small community hospitals have a more intimate and personal “feel” or culture to them. I started my nursing career at a small community hospital and it was common practice to talk to the person riding the elevator with you, say hello to almost everyone you passed in the hallway and to develop rapport with staff on other units. It was a very friendly, family-like culture. On the contrary, large institutions often have less intimate work settings but they offer other noteworthy benefits. For example, large hospitals are more likely to be recognized level I or II trauma centers. Many are affiliated with universities and act as major teaching facilities often participating the latest research, practices and treatments or medical interventions. Depending on your career goals and the type of patients you are interested in working with, large institutions may be right for you.
3. Nurse Residency Program
As of May 2023, the American Nurses Association (ANA) determined that 18% of nurses leave the profession within the first year of employment. The ANA also reports that 31.7% of new graduate nurses leave their position for another within the first year of work. These statistics are alarming and highlight that new nurses commonly do not feel supported and/or that they are in a position that is a poor fit.
In order to obtain a nursing position in a supportive environment as a new graduate, the recommendation is to apply and work in a hospital that offers an accredited Nurse Residency Program.
There are two types of accredited nurse residency programs. There is the AACN (American Association of Colleges of Nursing) Nurse Residency Program and an ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center) Nurse Residency Program. While very similar, the differences between the two are in their focus, structure, and the organizations behind them.
Both accredited Nurse Residency Programs are designed to support newly licensed registered nurses (RNs) as they transition into clinical practice. They provide a structured framework for new graduates to further develop their skills, knowledge, and confidence as they begin their nursing careers. The program typically lasts for about one year and includes a combination of classroom education, hands-on clinical experience, mentorship, and support from experienced nurses.
The goals of the AACN and ANCC Nurse Residency Program include:
Facilitating the transition from student nurse to competent professional nurse.
Enhancing critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills.
Providing ongoing support and mentorship.
Promoting professional development and career advancement.
Improving patient outcomes by ensuring that new nurses are well-prepared to provide high-quality care.
Hospitals and healthcare organizations that offer accredited Nurse Residency Programs often prioritize recruiting and retaining new graduates, as these programs can help increase nurse satisfaction and reduce turnover rates.
Be sure to note which hospitals offer an accredited Nurse Residency Program and prioritize those applications and employment opportunities in order to increase chances of career success as a new graduate nurse.
4. Job Posting Site
Once you’ve compiled a list of hospitals or facilities that you would like to apply to, check their job posting site (usually a page on their website) weekly until you see a specific job post for new graduate nurses.
From my experience, most institutions post their new graduate nurse employment position a few months before graduation and then take it down after a few weeks or when they reach a certain number of applications. You do not want to miss the window for applications. If concerned, you can call the hospital’s Human Resource Department and ask if they can provide a timeline for when they plan to post new grad positions.
Summary
It is never too early to start prepping for your first nursing job. Most nursing programs do not have the proper resources to prepare students for the application and interview process related to finding a job. Be sure to research awards and achievements of each facility, the size as well as if they offer an accredited nurse residency program and then be sure to consistently check the respective job posting site for a new graduate nurse specific posting!
Check out my FREE “New Grad Nurse Dream Job Starter Kit” (click to learn more) to help get this process underway and stay organized!
For more nursing career advice, follow @levelupnurse on instagram and tiktok as well as Caroline Danna MSN, RN on Linkedin. Hope this blog post helps you get started in your nursing career, because nursing students, it's time to level up!
Nurse Career Coach Signing Off -
Caroline Danna MSN, RN
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