Finding a Job as a Nursing School Graduate
Securing a job as a nursing school graduate requires planning and initiative, even in a field with promising career prospects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 7% growth in nursing jobs until 2029. In 2020, registered nurses earned a median annual salary of $75,300, with the top 10% making over $116,230. Our experts offer guidance on networking during clinical rotations and utilizing college career resources. Read on to discover how you can stand out to employers and secure entry-level nursing jobs in your chosen specialty right after graduation.
How to Prepare While in School
Nursing students can enhance their job prospects by applying for positions early. Colleges offer career resources and connections to place students in hospitals and healthcare companies after graduation. Career counselors assist with resumes and job searches, while faculty and supervisors write recommendation letters.
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Writing a Thesis for Nursing School Explained
Clinical rotations provide practical experience and networking opportunities. Registered nurse Hadley Vlahos advises students to start seeking job openings in their senior year, using clinical rotations to build connections.
Thea Stadden, another registered nurse, stresses networking within the school community. Connecting with peers and teachers can lead to referrals for jobs both during and after school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license before applying for nursing jobs?
No, you don’t need a license to apply for nursing positions. Some states allow graduates to work temporarily while pursuing licensure and taking the NCLEX exam. All registered nurses need to have graduated from an approved program with a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree, or a diploma.
When do nursing graduates take the NCLEX?
While employers might hire nursing graduates before NCLEX, hospitals often set a deadline for the exam. Graduates typically take the NCLEX about a month and a half after graduation, based on state-specific timelines.
Do all nursing students get jobs at the hospital where they did their clinical rotation?
It’s unlikely that students get placed at the hospital where they completed clinical rotations. However, leaving a positive impression and demonstrating a strong work ethic can help. Sharing your resume with clinical supervisors may also be beneficial.
How can you gain experience through work while in nursing school?
Joining organizations like the National Student Nurses Association, volunteering at healthcare or other companies, and developing technology skills are ways to gain experience while in nursing school.
What Are the Most Difficult Classes in Nursing School?
When to Look for a Nursing Job
The last year of school is a prime time to seek job openings. Hadley Vlahos suggests identifying job opportunities in your chosen specialty and researching hospitals that offer those positions. This can also help when choosing a practicum site.
Different schools offer various career resources. Clinical instructors often assist candidates in their final semester with finding entry-level nursing jobs. Hospitals and healthcare centers may visit colleges to discuss opportunities with students.
Career fairs, both in-person and virtual, are common throughout the academic year, giving students a chance to connect with potential employers.
Where to Look for a Nursing Job
Colleges provide resources for finding nursing jobs. Campus career fairs offer opportunities to meet employers, and faculty can help with internships and job searches.
Alumni networks can be useful for making connections that lead to job opportunities. Job boards like Indeed.com, NursingNetwork.com, and Monster.com are options, but the volume of listings can be overwhelming.
Directly searching hospital websites or relying on recruiters can yield better results. Recruiters may assist graduates with no nursing experience.
Networking During Clinicals
Clinical rotations are an opportunity to leave a positive impression on future employers.
“Nursing school networking mainly happens through clinical rotations,” says Hadley Vlahos. “Students who stand out positively will likely be mentioned to the manager.”
Practical experience in a hospital setting also helps build confidence and skills. Building relationships with managers and other employees is recommended.
Entry Level Nursing Jobs
Graduates with various degrees can secure entry-level nursing jobs with room for advancement. Positions like nursing assistants and orderlies are projected to grow by 8% until 2029. The top 10% of nursing assistants earn over $44,550 annually.
Home health aides, with a 34% job growth rate until 2029, earn a median annual salary of $27,080. Medical assistants have a median annual salary of $35,850 and a projected 19% job growth rate until 2029.
Explore different nursing degrees and careers available to graduates on this page.
Jobs and Nursing Shortage in the US
Aging baby boomers’ increased reliance on healthcare creates a demand for trained nurses. Hospitals and healthcare facilities across the US need skilled nurses.
The BLS considers nursing one of the fastest-growing fields. Registered nurse employment is predicted to grow by 7% until 2029. A shortage of nurses is projected, resulting in about 221,900 new job openings for registered nurses annually over the next decade.
While the shortage offers opportunities, it also increases job market competition. Specializing in fields like gerontology or having at least a bachelor’s degree can provide more job prospects.
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