15 Tips To Get A Great Job Right Out Of Nursing School


Written By: Kelsey BaderKelsey Bader, BSN, RN

Kelsey Bader is a registered nurse from Louisiana. Kelsey has a diverse range of experiences. Some of Kelsey’s work experience includes bedside nursing in ICUs at various hospitals in COVID and non-COVID units, emergency rooms. Read Full Bio »»
, BSN, RN


The time is finally here! You are in the final stretch, and you've started counting down the days until you walk across the stage, take your oath, pass the NCLEX, and officially join the field of nursing. Maybe you have already picked out your dream job, or maybe you still have no idea what you want to do with your nursing license. Either way, you are probably trying to figure out how to get a great job right out of nursing school. I mean, you did not work this hard just to graduate and end up in a job you hate, did you? Of course not!

I know there can be a lot of anxiety and anticipation around finding a job that is the right fit for you. Take a deep breath! I am going to share 15 tips to get a great job right out of nursing school. While there are different obstacles and a distinct level of competition that will accompany your recent graduate status, following these tips can help you stand out among the other applicants.



How to Get a Great Job Right Out of Nursing School?

(The following are the 15 tips to help you get a great job right out of nursing school.)

TIP #1: Start Your Search Early


About The Tip:

Starting your job search before graduating can have a significant impact on your chances of landing a great job right out of nursing school! If you are moving into your senior year of nursing school, then it is time to start looking at the available nursing jobs in your area. While it may still be too soon for you to start turning in applications, you can become familiar with the various roles and companies that exist.

Why This Tip is Important:

Starting your job search early allows you to become familiar with the available roles and their requirements. You can get an early start on researching prospective companies and taking advantage of any upcoming networking opportunities. By having ample time to review and research the different roles and companies, you can be more certain that you are applying to prospects who will be a good fit.


TIP #2: Seek Out Pre-Graduation Employment Opportunities


About The Tip:

Some facilities will hire nursing students for specific roles before graduation. These opportunities look different from facility to facility, depending on guidelines and role definitions. Whether you are working as a transporter, a monitor tech, or a nurse tech, the experience and exposure that you will gain is invaluable!

Why This Tip is Important:

These roles that you are eligible for before graduating provide the perfect opportunity to get noticed and get your foot in the door with hiring managers. If you have an idea of which area of nursing you might want to work in, then search for pre-graduation employee opportunities in that area.

For example, I worked as a nurse tech in the ER and ICU during my senior year in nursing school. The experience allowed me to explore two different areas of nursing and figure out which was the right fit for me. Throughout those experiences, I was able to build a relationship with the unit managers, and, as a result, I ended up getting hired as a new graduate nurse in the ICU. The time I had spent working in the unit gave me an advantage over the applicants who lacked similar experience.


TIP #3: Update Your Resume


About The Tip:

I know you probably have not even thought about the condition of your resume since you got accepted into nursing school. Well, now is the perfect time to revamp it and get it ready for prospective employers! You want to be sure to highlight information that is relevant to the role you are applying for, such as your education, certifications, skills, and clinical experiences. Even though you may not have actual field experience at this point, the experience and knowledge you have gained through nursing school and clinical rotations can be presented as a testament to your competency.

Why This Tip is Important:

Your resume is oftentimes the deciding factor on whether or not you get the call for an interview. It is the main document that is responsible for making a memorable impression on the hiring manager, and preferably a great one at that! You want to take the time to fine-tune your resume so that you are presenting yourself in the best possible light and accurately portraying your full potential.


TIP #4: Get Certified


About The Tip:

You most likely had to complete your Basic Life Support (BLS) training and become certified before attending clinical rotations. That’s great, as you will need to be BLS certified to apply to almost any nursing role. In addition to the BLS certification, there are additional certifications that you can obtain that will help increase your chances of getting a great job right out of nursing school. For example, you can become certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

Why This Tip is Important:

Certifications are the perfect way to portray your skillsets to potential employers. Not only do these certifications let employers know that you are trained in the various methods and techniques, but by becoming certified in the more advanced support methods, you are showing employers that you are both dedicated and driven. Plus, depending on the area of nursing that you would like to work in, these advanced certifications may be a basic requirement for employment. As a bedside nurse in the ICU, I was required to have both my BLS and ACLS certifications.


TIP #5: Become a Member of Professional Nursing Associations


About The Tip:

There are a variety of professional nursing associations like the American Nurses Association. There are even associations that are geared toward nursing students, such as the National Student Nurses’ Association. There are also specialty nursing associations, such as the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses and the Emergency Nurses Association.

Why This Tip is Important:

Nursing organizations provide an excellent opportunity for professional development. Through your membership, you can attend networking events, complete continuing education courses, and access some of the latest research publications. Not only do you gain access to membership benefits by joining an association, but it shows potential employers that you are invested in the field of nursing.


TIP #6: Practice Interviewing


About The Tip:

Preparing for a job interview can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially when it is your first interview right out of nursing school. Do not beat yourself up about being anxious; feeling nervous is a perfectly normal response! One way to combat that anxiety and be better prepared is to practice the interview process. Whether you ask a family member, a friend, or another nursing student, get someone to roleplay with you until you feel comfortable talking about your accomplishments, defining your career goals, and practicing answering questions.

Why This Tip is Important:

Even though you can never be one hundred percent prepared for everything that will be asked in an interview, practicing does make you more comfortable and confident with the whole experience. With enough practice, you will begin to answer questions with ease, and you may even notice that you’re not as nervous as you once were. Feeling comfortable and confident with the interview process will help you get a great job right out of nursing school!


TIP #7: Take Advantage of Networking Opportunities


About The Tip:

Networking leads to professional connections and relationships that can be mutually beneficial throughout your career. Unfortunately, some new nurse graduates do not realize the benefit of networking with other nursing and healthcare professionals.

I can tell you from experience, though, whether you go to a job fair, conference, or networking event, if you take full advantage of the opportunity to build new connections and strengthen your existing relationships, it will pay off in the long run! I have made many connections through networking opportunities that I may have never made had I not taken advantage of those chances.

Why This Tip is Important:

Sometimes it really is all about who you know! You can meet all the qualification requirements for a position, but if there is an applicant who is just as qualified and has a connection with the hiring manager, then they may have an edge when it comes to being considered for the position. By aligning yourself with other professionals in the field, you can seek guidance, share knowledge, and become the first to know about upcoming job openings.


TIP #8: Create a LinkedIn Profile


About The Tip:

A LinkedIn profile is a great resource for networking and job searching. As a new nurse graduate, you can leverage the resources LinkedIn offers to build or broaden your professional online presence. Think of it as a professional portfolio, a great way to share your qualifications and accomplishments with potential employers. There are also several different resources that you can access by having a LinkedIn profile, such as learning paths and interview prep materials.

Why This Tip is Important:

By creating a profile and highlighting your education, experience, and skill sets, recruiters and hiring managers can connect with you directly when your profile appears to be a good match for an open position. You can also make new professional connections and find relevant job postings through the LinkedIn community. By sharing your LinkedIn profile with potential employers, you can present yourself in a more unique manner than just your typical resume.

It took me longer than it should have to come around to the idea of creating a LinkedIn profile. Looking back, I am not even sure why I was hesitant to begin with. I think, at the time, I just didn’t want one more thing I would have to update. However, making a LinkedIn profile completely changed the dynamics of networking and job searching for me! The platform has played a huge role in many of the career opportunities that I have been given.


TIP #9: Maintain a Professional Online Presence


About The Tip:

Nowadays, it seems everyone has some type of social media presence. It may come as a surprise to you, but more people than your close friends and family search your social media profiles. As a new nurse, it is important that you maintain professionalism on all levels, including on your social media accounts.

Why This Tip is Important:

Believe it or not, most employers search social media profiles as part of their screening process, Your social media platform can give potential employers a glimpse of who you are behind the intentional impression of a resume and cover letter. What you choose to post and share speaks to your character and values, which are extremely important in nursing. Having inappropriate or profane content on your social media account could jeopardize your chances of being selected for a great job right out of nursing school.

When I worked as an ADON, any time our team considered moving forward with an interview, I would do a quick search on social media to see what social presence the applicant maintained. Remember, with the internet - just because you think you have deleted something does not mean it is ever truly gone.


TIP #10: Write a Cover Letter


About The Tip:

Although a cover letter is not required for most job applications, it can provide an excellent opportunity for you to stand out among other applicants. With a cover letter, you can provide a more in-depth explanation of why you feel that you are the right candidate for the job. With each application that you submit, you can tailor your cover letter for the specific role for which you are applying.

Why This Tip is Important:

Nurse managers can easily receive hundreds of applications within hours of publishing a job posting. This number increases substantially if it is a highly competitive or sought-after position. With this level of competition in mind, you want to make sure that your application stands out among the crowd. Having a strong cover letter, especially as a new graduate nurse, is a great way to make a memorable impression! You can convey your passion for nursing and personality while marketing your qualifications and experience.


TIP #11: Utilize Online Job Search Resources


About The Tip:

With the advances in technology and the internet, you have a plethora of resources you can utilize when it comes to your job search right out of nursing school. While I still encourage in-person applications, when appropriate, there is nothing wrong with utilizing every resource possible to get a great job right out of nursing school. Several websites focus on connecting applicants to available job postings, such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter - just to name a few!

Why This Tip is Important:

Utilizing online job search resources will broaden your search results. Instead of being limited to the job postings of just one platform, like a local newspaper, you can conduct your search across several platforms with just a few clicks. This is a great practice because some companies favor one platform over the others, and you may not see their job postings unless you are utilizing a variety of resources.


TIP #12: Be Strategic With Your Applications


About The Tip:

It can be easy to submit applications online with just one click using the online resources I mentioned. While doing so is not a bad idea, you want to be strategic when you submit your applications. Keep in mind, you are selling yourself to a prospective employer here. You are a new nurse grad ready to go to work, but you must land the job first! Take your time to tailor your resume and cover letter for each job for which you are applying. The time you invest in customizing your application for the specific role can directly impact whether or not you get a great job right out of nursing school.

Why This Tip is Important:

Taking the time to tailor your resume and cover letter for each job shows genuine interest. Prospective employers can tell when you have researched their company and the job posting, and they know whether you prepared your resume, cover letter, and application carefully by the way you present it to them. Do yourself a favor and take the extra time to make it count!


TIP #13: Have Strong Professional References


About The Tip:

Think seriously about who you know that can give you a solid reference. You need people who can speak to your character, work ethic, and qualifications. Yes, potential employers really do call the individuals that you list on your application! This is why you must be selective in who you choose to list as your professional references. If you worked in a healthcare setting before or during nursing school, a former employer or supervisor would be an excellent source for a reference. If you do not have healthcare experience but do have work experience, you can still ask a former supervisor or employer for a reference, but I also recommend asking at least one nursing instructor or nursing preceptor for a reference.

Why This Tip is Important:

The references you choose are important because they can heavily impact the impression that the hiring manager has of you. If a past employer, coworker, or mentor talks negatively about you, then the potential employer may be hesitant to move forward with the interview process. You want to select references that you feel would speak highly of you on your behalf.

Always remember to ask permission when listing someone as a reference. This provides them with a heads-up that they may be contacted in the future. As someone who used to call for references for job candidates, I can tell you that there is nothing more awkward than calling a reference and being able to tell that they have been caught completely off guard. To be honest, there may have been a few times I actually felt apologetic for calling them!


TIP #14: Follow-Up After Interviews


About The Tip:

One thing you can do to make sure you stay relevant in the mind of the hiring manager is to follow up after you have completed an interview. This may entail sending a short email or making a quick phone call. It is recommended that you wait five business days before following up if no prospective timeline was given.

Why This Tip is Important:

By taking the time to follow up after an interview, you are showing the hiring manager that you take the initiative and are invested in your chances of being hired. Your follow-up should simply thank the manager for their time and the opportunity to interview, highlight your unique qualifications and express your excitement about the possibility of joining the team.

Having been the person who helped make hiring decisions before, I can tell you that when you take the time for a follow-up, it can make a lasting impression on the hiring manager. In fact, it may be just what you need to help you land a great job right out of nursing school!


TIP #15: Seek Feedback


About The Tip:

You are going to have some interviews where you just do not make the cut, and the company chooses to pursue other candidates. That's perfectly normal, especially considering you are trying to get a job right out of nursing school. Take advantage of these situations, though, and use them as a learning experience. Don't be afraid to ask a recruiter or hiring manager for feedback on how you can improve, whether it be a skill set, level of experience, or interview etiquette.

Why This Tip is Important:

This tip is important because you are just out of nursing school and trying to get established in your nursing career. While you are not expected to know everything, you cannot know what you need to improve upon unless you ask. I know this can be a tough topic to address. Instead of looking at feedback as criticism, try to think of it as instruction and wisdom from experienced nurses who can help you prepare for future interviews and job opportunities.

Any time I have been passed up for a job opportunity, I always tried to follow up with the recruiter to see what things I could work on to improve. You may find at times, like I did, that it is a lack of experience. Other times, it could be something more in your control like needing certain certifications or learning how to respond to specific interview questions. Regardless, the insight is quite valuable to your success moving forward!



My Final Thoughts


Preparing to graduate nursing school and get a job as a new nurse is an exciting time. There are many things to consider, and figuring out how to get a great job right out of nursing school is one of them. I have been where you are, and I understand that, even with the excitement, you may feel anxious. You can take the 15 tips to get a great job right out of nursing school that I have shared with you and set yourself apart as an excellent candidate for the job you want. You have come this far, and now there is a whole new world of learning and opportunity out there waiting for you!



List of Sources Used for This Article


1. “6 New Grad Nursing Resume Examples + How To Write” (nursingprocess.org)
2. American Nurses Association (nursingworld.org)
3. National Student Nurses Association (nsna.org)
4. American Association of Critical Care Nurses (aacn.org)
5. “6 New Grad Nurse Cover Letter Examples + How To Write” (nursingprocess.org)
6. “How Long Should I Wait After an Interview To Follow Up?” (indeed.com)


Kelsey Bader, BSN, RN
Kelsey Bader is a registered nurse from Louisiana. Kelsey has a diverse range of experiences. Some of Kelsey’s work experience includes bedside nursing in ICUs at various hospitals in COVID and non-COVID units, emergency rooms. Kelsey has worked in remote chronic care management, as a remote patient monitoring nurse, and has experience as an Assistant Director of Nursing.