I'm sorry if this is a topic that has been addressed before. I've searched around and didn't really come a cross an answer that's relevant to my concerns but I'm wondering if having a LinkedIn account as a nursing student/new grad is really necessary? Or even for nurses in general. I know a couple of folks who have accounts and several who don't or have accounts but have never updated or kept up with their accounts even after graduating and have had no problems getting jobs.
I can see why LinkedIn would be beneficial: makes you look professional, gives you opportunities to network, contact with recruiters, etc. But I'm more concerned about privacy. I'm really the type of person who would prefer to keep sensitive information off the internet as best as I can. I especially hate those websites that collect public domain information and put it in a neat little package for people to find at the tip of their fingers on Google. I have a really uncommon name as well so it'd be very easy to find me (not including recruiters/job opportunities or anything like that, just people in general) and that thought is a little unsettling.
Honestly, I'm really not into social networking and while I have a Facebook account, I use my nickname, have it set on the highest possible privacy settings, and I don't include sensitive info (work, education, location, etc.). I only really post benign things like photos or articles and even then I'm rarely on it but I keep it so I can contact family overseas.
Most people or at least articles in regards to LinkedIn have leaned towards having an account or that it's imperative to have one in this day and age†but I'm wondering as a prospective nurse/someone working in health care if it's really necessary since it seems to be geared more towards those in business/marketing type jobs. At least from what I've seen. Would it greatly diminish my chances of finding a job if I didn't have an account? I really value my privacy!
Here's the thing, OP, you say you want to be "out there" for recruiters or employers but are uncomfortable sharing anything "personal" on the Internet. The two don't really go together.
I never said I am willing to go through with it 100% just yet. Had a feeling the way I worded the my last reply would be taken out of context. My apologies if it seemed contradictory. It is something I am WILLING TO CONSIDER if it's an absolute necessity. I guess I don't really understand this shift in the way people need to look for employment.
I'm not that far in my career yet so things may change. Thanks anyway.
I agree it depends on your area. Here in the Midwest, I feel we are a little behind. I got my most recent job the old fashioned way. I got in touch with HR depts, went to a job fair specifically for the hospital, handed in my resume on resume paper, and interviewed. Then, I followed up. No social media needed!!! Lol.
It's useful but not necessary and I don't really think many people get bedside jobs that way. I do get contacted by recruiters on the regular through it, but never for bedside positions.
I don't have a LinkedIn account and I never will. I may be wrong, but it seems like desirable jobs would have enough people applying for them that they wouldn't need to look for people on LinkedIn, so I'd be wary of the types of jobs that would have to use a networking site to find someone to work them.
I don't feel I've really benefitted from my account. I have some connections, but we don't actually interact, and there haven't been job postings that weren't also posted elsewhere.
Specializes in Pharmaceutical Research, Operating Room.
I started my LinkedIn account after I'd already left the hospital, and I've received several messages from headhunters in the pharmaceutical industry. I'm happy where I am now and don't plan to move anytime soon, but it's been nice to have that kind of interest in such a short amount of time. I've also used it to connect with colleagues in my company in areas I'm interested in, as well as across the world, which is neat!
I did not obtain my first nursing job using LinkedIn at all, so I don't think it's necessary for you to be successful. Also, contrary to the experiences of others, Monster, etc. did absolutely nothing for me, in terms of being hired or professional growth. That doesn't mean those aren't good resources in a job hunt, just how it went for me I guess!
VANurse2010
1,526 Posts
Here's the thing, OP, you say you want to be "out there" for recruiters or employers but are uncomfortable sharing anything "personal" on the Internet. The two don't really go together.