How do nurses get their first job?

[Teebtong]

Hello all,

My name's Steve and this is my first post (nice to be here!) I'm thinking about switching careers to nursing, but before I do, I have done A LOT of research (what degrees, specialities, etc). I don't want to make the same mistake again (jumping right into something only to realize that there are about 5 jobs in the country for that). One thing that I haven't heard much about is how do you go about getting that first job right after you finish your degree. Could anyone help me out with that? I want to make sure I'm not just wasting money on getting a nursing degree and then not be able to find a job.

So, for sake of example, say I'm going to graduate at the end of the next semester. What should I do? Who should I talk to/where should I submit resumes? Healthcare staffing agencies? Directly to hospitals? If someone could give me a step-by-step account of what they did so that I might know what to expect I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks everyone and I look forward to hearing back soon!

[HealthyRN]

The majority of nurses apply directly to hospitals when they first graduate. Many of my classmates already had jobs lined up by the time that they graduated, but I waited because I was moving out of state. Most hospitals have job postings and applications online. I applied to several hospitals online and I got offers for interviews within a few weeks. I went to five interviews and got job offers for four positions.

Staffing agencies are best reserved for nurses with a few years of experience. Hospitals and health care organizations that search for nurses through staffing agencies should be looking for experienced nurses because they usually don't offer thorough orientations.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

I agree. Most of the time we apply directly to jobs for positions we're interested in. My facility has job fairs periodically and they invite students. Often at student nurses conventions recruiters have booths set up.

You'll be having a variety of clinical experiences which might expose you to various facilities and that will help you decide where to work.

[Teebtong]

Ok thanks! I was just unsure as to how one went about getting their first job in nursing. On a different note, I'm glad this forum is here; I'm much less worried about starting out in nursing knowing this is here. Thanks again!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

It also depends on your the supply and demand of nurses in your local job market. Some areas are in desperate need of nurses; hence, you can quickly snap up jobs in these places. Other areas suffer from having too many nurses in the local job market; therefore, it might take a little longer to find work in these regions.