General Job Preparation Tips for Nurses
Finding your ideal nursing job is often a long and nuanced process, but there are a few steps that can help streamline this process. These tips apply to nursing, but can be applied across any healthcare career.
1. Update your resume and credentials to the most current version
List all of your active nursing licenses and certifications, ensuring expiration dates are current and up to date. Make sure to highlight relevant clinical experiences to the position you're applying to, specialized skills that you've gained (like wound care, telemetry, or IV therapy), and EHR systems you’ve used. Use quantifiable examples when possible, such as “managed care for 20+ patients per shift” or “reduced wound infection rates by 15%,” as measurable success statistics help to better convey your on-the-job effectiveness.
2. Research potential employers.
Search beyond just the job title. Make sure to perform detailed research on each company that you're applying to, including the organization’s mission, patient population, nurse-to-patient ratios, and professional development opportunities. Also, utilize third-party resources like Indeed, or Glassdoor for employee reviews for companies. Here on Nurse.com, you can also review employee testimonials, available jobs, and general company information for each employer on our job board.
Many hospitals also post their Magnet® or Pathway to Excellence® designations, which can signal a commitment to nursing excellence.
3. Network strategically.
Join professional nursing associations relevant to your field, attend local nursing conferences, and connect with colleagues on social platforms like LinkedIn or the Nurse.com Community. Many nurses often find their next position through referrals rather than job boards alone, so continue to expand your network at each step of your career.
4. Practice professional communication.
From emails to job interviews, your professionalism counts. Customize your cover letter to each employer, using specific examples that align your experience, qualifications, and philosophy with the specific company that you're applying to.
How Nursing Job Preparation Differs From Other Fields
1. Licensing and compliance are key.
Unlike most professions, nurses must hold state-specific licensure. Be sure your license is active in the state where you plan to work. If you’re moving, explore multistate licensure through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
2. Clinical experience outweighs general experience.
Employers focus heavily on hands-on patient care, preceptorships, and clinical rotations. Even new graduates can stand out by describing their experiences with specific patient populations or procedures.
3. Soft skills have measurable impact.
Compassion, teamwork, and resilience are not just buzzwords in nursing, they’re essential. Use stories from clinical practice to demonstrate these qualities in interviews or cover letters.
4. Continuing education matters & is required.
Ongoing learning is a career-long expectation in nursing. Call out CE courses, certifications, or training modules that align with the position that you are applying to, such as ACLS, PALS, or wound care certification.
Tips for Being Prepared in Your Nursing Interview
1. Practice & review clinical scenarios.
Expect situational questions like “Describe a time you handled a difficult patient” or “How do you prioritize tasks during a busy shift?” Prepare structured, concise responses using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method. This is covered further in-depth by our free guide above.
2. Demonstrate teamwork and adaptability.
Employers seek nurses who collaborate effectively across disciplines. Emphasize examples of working within interdisciplinary teams, adjusting to new changes or protocols, or supporting peers during periods of high stress.
3. Prepare thoughtful questions.
Show engagement by asking about mentorship opportunities, nurse-patient ratios, or how performance is evaluated at each company. Avoid questions that focus solely on pay or scheduling until later in the process. Prepare 3-5 specific questions to ask the interviewer once they open the conversation up at the end of the interview.
4. Follow up professionally.
After your interview, send a brief thank-you email within 24 hours, reinforcing your enthusiasm, summarizing how your background fits the role, and a few key takeaways from your interview.
Browse Our Full Library of New Nurse Resources
Explore curated resources designed specifically for new nurses:
How-to Guides: Tips, stories, and practical advice to help you succeed during your first year.
Interview Prep: A continuing education bundle that covers communication, critical thinking, patient safety, and professional development.
Mastering SBAR: Learn how to master the SBAR communication technique to enhance patient care, improve efficiency, and foster collaboration.
Free CE Courses: Earn contact hours while expanding your knowledge base.
Job Search Resources: Browse open positions and find opportunities that match your goals.