How to Find the Right Nursing Job for You
Nursing is a demanding career with numerous paths to choose from. The most important decision is which route to reach your career goals and find satisfaction in your work.
Choosing the right path starts in college, when students often have a chance to experience different nursing practice areas. This can help them understand what place sings to them.
Hospitals
Many new nursing grads choose to start their careers in a hospital environment. While many nurses enjoy this route and continue working in the same hospital unit throughout their careers, others branch out to other nursing jobs. Choosing the right nursing job depends on your preferences, which can be determined during clinical rotations or even before graduation.
The type of nursing specialty you choose also influences how happy you are with your career path. For example, some nurses prefer to work in a specific healthcare setting, like hospitals or community clinics. In contrast, other nurses prefer working with a particular group of patients, such as children or seniors. Consider the pace of the nursing job, your level of autonomy, and whether or not you would like to work in a Magnet-recognized hospital.
Once you determine your preferences, research what each nursing job entails and the qualifications you need to get it. For example, some states require a registered nurse (RN) to have a minimum of an associate degree, while others require a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). You may also need to complete the steps required for state licensure. An excellent place to start is by asking current nurses or researching online. Matt Casey, a career counselor at Matt Casey Career Coaching in Cambridge, MA, recommends watching videos on YouTube of non-traditional careers in nursing to understand better what they do and why they like their jobs.
Clinics and Doctor’s Offices
While many new nursing graduates are eager to work and start gaining experience, the first job they choose must align with their career goals. Finding a job that is the right fit is critical to maintaining happiness in the field and avoiding burnout.
To find the right travel nursing jobs, you must conduct a thorough self-assessment that includes evaluating your strengths and weaknesses and examining your personal and professional values and long-term goals. This will help you narrow the options and find a nursing specialty that complements your unique skills and passions.
Clinics and doctor’s offices are more minor than hospitals and focus on outpatient preventative care. They are also generally more accessible than hospitals, as they tend to accept walk-in patients and offer flexible appointment scheduling. Pros of working in a clinic include providing more personalized care to each patient and allowing nurses to specialize in specific areas of health care.
To find the right nursing job in a clinic or doctor’s office, research the healthcare facilities in your area and the surrounding communities to identify potential opportunities. Once you have compiled a list of potential employers, reaching out to each of them is helpful to inquire about new graduate positions and see what educational and clinical experiences they may offer.
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes are another common type of healthcare setting where nurses work. In addition to ensuring patients receive the care they need, nurses in these settings also collect and record data, including health records, insurance information, medical history, and family contact details. Nurses also ensure patients receive necessary medications and document their daily vital signs.
For many nurses, the choice to become a nurse stems from personal experience caring for a loved one or a desire to make a difference in people’s lives. Choosing a nursing specialty that aligns with your innate motivation can help you find ongoing job satisfaction.
In addition to your motivation, a key indicator of whether or not you have chosen the right nursing specialty is how well your personality matches the demands of your niche. Your personality and nursing specialties match when you consistently show up to work feeling energized, engaged, and satisfied after each shift.
Lastly, pay and opportunities for advancement should be considered when choosing your ideal nursing specialty. Consider the average salary of your preferred nursing career and how it compares to the national average. For example, you should consider that nurses in some states may be paid more than those in other states, according to LoveToKnow.
Long-Term Care Facilities
Nursing is a highly respected career that pays well. Many nurses specialize in specific areas and gain voluntary certification for their work, which can increase their job satisfaction.
Many people need long-term care, including help with bathing, eating, or getting around. It’s usually required for a short or long period and is offered in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and adult family homes. Most people pay for this type of care out of their pocket, but some families have insurance policies covering part or all costs.
Some of the most challenging nursing jobs are in correctional facilities, where nurses provide all medical services to incarcerated individuals. This can be a very stressful career path, especially when dealing with inmates who have often led complicated lives and may have mental health issues.
Finding the best nursing job for you is about your preferences and what’s important. For many nurses, it’s not just about a high salary but about feeling proud of their work and fulfilling lifestyle. If you’re unhappy in your current role, it’s always worth looking into other opportunities. The right nursing job is out there for you. Just be sure you’re willing to put in the time and effort to make it a success.
