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!
Thanks for all the feedback everyone. I started this thread because I wanted to know if services like LinkedIn are useful to nurses or prospective nurses. Maybe my concern for privacy wasn't really relevant and I should have left that bit out.
As far as using LinkedIn or any related website I think I'll just keep it in the back of my mind for now. Thanks again!
I guess its only valuable to one if they 1. found an employee or 2. a job by it. In my case, it opened a whole new world to me in terms of companies, positions, and recruiters. I had 3 solid leads for jobs by being part of Linkedin over traditional sites like Indeed, where I'm thrown into a bin with hundreds of other people, with no human to contact. If you consider nursing a professional business, it can open doors for you. I also network with people now, read articles, and feel more involved than just being a "hospital employee." Recruiters definitely reach out to you for pharma and medical device opportunities. They are polite and ask you to call them, or they ask if you're interested in a certain job, and you can click yes or no. Second, I was able to express my talents and experience far better than any resume could speak to. There are sections where you describe certain things and can really give an employer an idea who you really are. I like this. Gone are the days of walking into HR and chatting.
Specializes in Nursing Education; Leadership/Management.
If you have posted anything on Facebook, especially pictures, then you are 'out there' even if you didn't use your name. If a hacker wanted to find you, he/she could.
As VANurse2010 said, "...you want to be 'out there' but are uncomfortable sharing on the internet. The two don't really go together." Considering your past history with the internet, I wouldn't risk it.
I thought LinkedIn was useless until about a week ago I was contacted by a recruiter from a major local hospital in my area regarding an open position. I had not updated my account in years because I thought I wouldn't get anywhere but I did. In this day and age, it isn't about what you know but who you know and if you don't have the right connections to get the job you are qualified for and deserve you wont get anywhere..............at all !! In terms of privacy, its all about what you put out on social media. If you have sent nude photos to significant other and have questionable photos and various social media outlets, then I would be worried. I find LinkedIn a great way to network to get better employment opportunities.
I don't even have social media and I have a LinkedIn. I am actually amazed at the contacts I have made on it and even caught up with some old co-workers. It has only been a benefit to me. I am in the process of moving back to my hometown and by chance was contacted by a recruiter in that area that is very interested in my PACU experience. An opportunity I would have never even thought of if not for LinkedIn. It's something to think about when you get farther in your nursing career. I am always thinking about my next step...
Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency, Education, Informatics.
The whole social media environment is changing. It has become useful for both clinical education, networking etc. Like all tools you get out of it what you put into it. In todays market, using every tool you have available is a smart thing to do.
As a new grad, LinkedIn prob isn't going to help that much, as you gain skills and knowledge it can be very helpful. I've gotten a number of contacts from recruiters. Keep updating skills, and knowledge as you go.
What I do get out of it is to keep in contact with others that have similar interests. The same goes for twitter, and Facebook. I don't use Facebook because my professional organizations use it. I use twitter to follow others in critical care and emergency medicine. The MD's treat me as an equal and we can discuss the implementation of the latest and greatest. I talk with nurses and doctors from around the world.
after signing up for Linkedin, since you have to make you profile public for people to find you, all i got was tonnes of spam email and nothing of value. I have sinced closed my account. Nothing beats a hello and a handshake - that's social networking.
I guess it depends on your career aspirations and position.
It is essentially a requirement for those in leadership positions or those wanting positions "other than" clinical bedside. I have received many job leads and found some interesting and useful information about others using LinkedIn.
Pro tip- For those who are complaining about spam, adjust your email subscriptions and filters. Always have a professional head shot, that awesome picture of you drinking the margarita in Cabo does not count as professional.
I really think it depends on the area. I have gotten quite a few inquiries from HR from a variety of places so I think it'll be helpful if jobs aren't plentiful.
Surprisingly I have been contacted and have worked with individuals who need a subject matter expert on a topic on my posted resume on Linkedin. Plus I have access to professionals and professional websites to help these individuals get the information they need. It is contracted work and it pays very well and I can do this and work my regular shifts. Plus I like that when people google me, they get the professional information I have submitted and that is what people see first. Not my facebook page but my professional linkedin account.
I have been a nurse a few years and finally set up a Linkedin acct. I set it up because I am growing professionally and think it is a good thing to have when you're in management.
Of course you can get other jobs/opportunities, etc. however, some HR recruiters and prospective employers do check to see if you have a linkedin acct. It can only help you but that is my opinion.
You receive job postings, great articles, and build your network of professionals that you choose.
Wrench Party
823 Posts
Honestly, I haven't seen it help nursing much in my area. Hospitals and agencies have their pick of nurses, so we go to them, they don't come to you.
That being said, LinkedIn seems to be very important for other fields. Many of my friends use it for technical, business and science connections.