How can I find an ER Director position?

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation! Nurses Nurse Beth Nursing Q/A

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Nurse Beth, I am an ER nurse with over 13 years of both bedside experience and leadership experience.

I have a MSN in leadership that I obtained in 2020. Now that my daughter is getting older, I have decided to apply for various ER director positions. I was contacted by a recruiter from Iplace recently after applying for a couple of director positions on indeed. Are you familiar with them, or are there any other companies that you suggest I contact in order to help me locate my desired position?

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

The good news is that you have your advanced degree. There are a few things to consider.

Are you willing to relocate? If not, your town has a finite number of ED Director positions. Here's some helpful tips:

  •  Leverage your professional network, including former colleagues, supervisors, and contacts from professional associations. Let them know you're looking for ER Director positions, as they may have leads or know someone who does.
  • Yes, Indeed.com is a valuable Job Search engine. Continue to utilize online job boards like Indeed, Monster, LinkedIn, and specialized healthcare job websites. Set up job alerts with specific keywords related to ER Director positions to receive notifications about relevant openings.
  • Sometimes, companies post their job openings only on their hospital websites or on their website before posting on a national job site. If you are looking for a position as an ER Director, regularly check the career sections of hospitals in your desired location. Also, keep an eye on each targeted facility's job board on its website to stay updated on new job postings.

Are you currently in a leadership position? It can be challenging if you're a clinical RN wanting to move up to a Director role.

One way to prepare for this move is to work as a charge nurse, manager, or assistant manager. This will give you more experience in a leadership position and prepare you well for future opportunities.

  • Specialized healthcare recruiting firms. Look for recruiting firms specializing in healthcare placements. These firms often connect with hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations seeking leadership positions like ER Directors.
  • Professional associations. Definitely join professional associations related to emergency nursing or healthcare leadership, such as the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) or the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL). These associations often offer job boards and networking opportunities specifically for their members.
  • Executive search firms. Consider contacting executive search firms specializing in healthcare leadership positions. These firms often work with high-level executives and may have opportunities for ER Directors.
  • LinkedIn. Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your leadership experience and job preferences. Connect with recruiters and HR professionals in healthcare organizations, and consider joining LinkedIn groups related to healthcare leadership and emergency nursing.

When working with recruiting agencies or firms, clearly communicating your preferences, career goals, and desired job criteria is essential. This will help them match you with suitable opportunities.

Additionally, be prepared to tailor your resume and cover letter for each application to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications for ER Director positions.

Good luck! With perseverance and strategy, you can achieve your goal.

Nurse Beth

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