Use Your Network for Jobs (LPN)

00:01 With the nursing shortage, it seems like obtaining a job would be easy, but that doesn't mean you can get a job in the area you want to work.

00:11 A good piece of advice is to use your network around you to land the job you want.

00:18 I always tell my students that anytime they're in the clinical, you are on a potential job interview.

00:26 Because it's not uncommon that a nursing student gets a job offer while they're fulfilling their clinical rotation.

00:33 Many times, managers may approach you during your clinical rotation because of your character and your work ethic while you are on the unit.

00:42 So, if you're interested in this unit, keep that manager's contact information close.

00:48 Or, hit up your nursing preceptor and let them know that, "Hey, I really like this unit. I want to work here someday." And if you're assertive in a professional way, this could definitely pay off for you.

01:02 Also, if you're a nurse aide, hey guys, this experience helps a lot especially if you already work in the healthcare facility and are obtaining your nursing license.

01:13 They may hire you on as a nurse when you graduate, so be sure to talk to your manager and let them know that you're interested in staying on the unit when you complete your studies.

01:25 This particular instance, I had the same thing come up for me.

01:29 I was a nurse aide on a medical telemetry unit for years and when I obtained my LPN license, they hired me on as a nurse.

01:38 Guys, this helped a lot.

01:40 It was helpful because I already knew kind of the flow of the unit where everything was - the supply room, the medication room, the staff, the doctors, the nurses already; and honestly, just the overall environment of the floor.

01:56 I knew the logistics and this helped me to focus more on my learning of my new scope of practice as a nurse.

02:03 Let anyone and everyone know you're looking for a job.

02:08 If you have a friend who is working somewhere you want to work, ask them to put in a good word for you.

02:14 This is actually more helpful than you might think.

02:17 If the manager knows whose application to look for, it can definitely expedite the hiring process, because Human Resources gets a lot of applicants.

02:27 Funny story about how I got my first healthcare job, I was just actually just talking to my friend from high school on the phone and she knew I was looking to start in the hospital.

02:38 So, she called her aunt and she - her aunt was a nurse in the local hospital, and shortly after, I got a call from the manager of her aunt's unit to interview for the job.

02:49 And, that's how I started.

02:51 So, just to recap, let anyone and everyone know you're looking for a job as a nurse.

02:58 You'll be surprised who knows who, who may be a nurse or someone that works in the healthcare facility.

03:04 And when you're in clinical, ask the manager, the nursing preceptor if the unit's hiring.

03:09 And do you know any friends or family connected with the local institution where you want to work.

03:16 If you're already working in the hospital, reach out to those who may be able to facilitate your transition to your ideal job.