Nursing Jobs Overview
Nurses dedicate themselves to healing sick and injured people in a safe, comfortable environment. Responsibilities for nursing jobs include everything from running tests and administering treatments to communicating with patients and collaborating with healthcare professionals. Nurses often build relationships with their patients as they see them every day.
Full-time nurses often have rotating eight-, 10- or 12-hour shifts. Work environments range from elementary schools to bustling hospitals where you greet about 20 patients per shift. Considering there is a 6% job growth rate and high demand for nurses around the world, this profession offers excellent job security.
To work as a registered nurse (RN), you must first complete a nursing degree program and then pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). As you advance in your career and training, you may decide to focus on general nursing or a medical specialization. Some nursing specializations include:
- Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner: Diagnose and treat mental health issues in patients through therapy and medication.
- Pediatric nurse practitioner: Treat newborns through young adults, focusing on common ailments and conditions associated with children.
- Palliative care nurse practitioner: Provide care, assist with managing pain for those with chronic and terminal illnesses, and help improve quality of life.
- Orthopedic nurse practitioner: Help patients who have injuries and conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, from osteoporosis to arthritis and broken bones.
- Dermatology nurse practitioner: Diagnose and treat skin conditions and infections, including acne, skin cancer, and psoriasis.
- Certified nursing assistant: Support higher-level nursing staff by taking care of basic patient needs, like bathing and feeding.
- Licensed practical nurse: Measure vital signs, listen to patient concerns, help with changing bandages, and update health records under the supervision of registered nurses and doctors.
- Nurse anesthetist: Prepare and administer anesthesia to patients before surgery and monitor patients’ condition during procedures.
- PACU nurse: Look after patients in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) who have come out of surgery and check on their vital signs and progress.
- Triage nurse: Assess patients’ conditions in an emergency room setting to determine the level and urgency of care needed.
Average Salaries for Nursing Jobs
The median salary for registered nurses is $81,220 a year. Nurses who work in hospitals, government facilities, and nursing homes earn the highest salaries.
Some nurses get fixed wages and work regular 9 to 5 hours. If you desire nontraditional shifts and overtime opportunities, you'll find many options at hospitals and 24-hour healthcare facilities.
Find nursing salaries in your area with the Monster Salary Tool. Choose a job title and city, and then view the pay range and how it compares to national salaries.
How to Find the Right Nursing Jobs
Nurses work in a variety of settings, including:
- doctor's offices
- hospitals
- schools
- nursing homes
- hospice centers
- pharmacies
- private residences
Ask yourself what you value in nursing jobs. Do you prefer rotating shifts or regular office hours? Do you want to work in a clinic or visit people's homes? Every position offers a new environment with its own expectations, benefits, and company culture.
Likewise, search for nursing jobs that play to your strengths. If you're knowledgeable about medication, you'd enjoy working in a pharmacy. Natural caregivers do well in nursing homes and home-care settings. People who work well under pressure can juggle multiple patients in a 12-hour hospital shift.
You'll also make practical considerations, such as your education and level of experience. Starter jobs may require only a two-year degree, but you'll have to go back to school for advanced positions.
Once you've settled on your needs, review job descriptions to ensure that they align with your career goals. Look for growth opportunities and read about the company's values on its website. Additionally, search for reviews to see what former employees say.
Applying for Nursing Jobs
When hiring managers scan resumes, they look for the same qualifications mentioned in the job listing. That's why it's a good idea to use the job description as a guide for tailoring your resume. For example, if the responsibilities include "administering an anesthetic," be sure to highlight any applicable experience you have with local and intravenous anesthetic.
Some of the most popular keywords for nursing jobs include:
- patient advocacy
- medical records
- wound care
- compassion
- HIPAA
- diagnostics
- decision making
Do you have resume writer's block? Refer to this sample nurse practitioner resume; it starts with a summary, and then details the applicant's professional experience and highlights their education, credentials, and memberships. Clean formatting and bullet points make the resume short and scannable.
If you want help scoring interviews, hire Monster’s Professional Resume Writing Services. The basic tier offers a clean, professional resume with relevant keywords. Advanced packages include a professional cover letter and LinkedIn makeover that show off your strengths and impress employers.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter
Most nursing jobs require a cover letter, which is a single-page document outlining your skills, experience, and desire for the position. As shown in this sample nurse cover letter, you'll want to keep it short and immediately grab the manager's attention. Including your contact information at the end reiterates your desire to hear back.
Before sending off your cover letter and resume, double-check for grammar and formatting errors. Remember to sign up for a Monster account to streamline the job search and application process — it’s so easy! With a Monster account, you can save your information, set up job alerts, apply for thousands of jobs, and receive a free resume review.
Tips on Following Up
If you don't hear back after a week or two, send the hiring manager a follow-up email. Let them know that you're still interested, and re-state some of your strengths. Include your contact information again and express your interest in speaking with the hiring manager about your qualifications.
The job description usually lists the hiring manager's email, which will generally be the best contact option. Call the company if you can't find their information — a representative should help direct you to the right department.
How to Succeed in Your Nursing Job Interview
Hiring managers will generally start by scheduling a phone interview with their preferred candidates. If you perform well, the manager will schedule an in-person interview to discuss the position in more depth. Due to the level of responsibility required in the healthcare industry, some nursing jobs require two or three interviews before you land the role.
Prepare for Your Interview Questions
The more you prepare, the more comfortable you'll feel during the interview process. While there's no way to know for sure which questions they'll ask, you can practice common inquiries such as detailing your strengths and weaknesses. Be sure to respond with clear details and specific stories that emphasize your work ethic.
You'll also want to prepare for behavior questions, in which the interviewer seeks to learn how you would behave in a certain scenario. These questions give you the chance to highlight your previous experience and accomplishments.
For example, an interviewer might ask, "When did you resolve an issue between two coworkers?" You could discuss an occasion when you noticed tension between your colleagues over an issue with a patient. When you brought the issue to human resources (HR), everyone found an amicable solution. This is like giving the manager a video clip of your performance.
In an interview, the hiring manager shouldn’t be the only one asking questions — you should have questions for them about the position and the company. Asking questions after the interview shows that you take initiative, care about your position, and researched the company beforehand. Plus, you'll build a stronger relationship that could lead to a job offer.
Typically, hiring managers invite questions after you've completed the interview. Browse the company's website so that you can ask relevant questions, such as "What does the average shift look like?" and "What does success look like in this clinic?"
Following Up After the Interview
It's important to send a thank you message to the hiring manager within one business day after your interview. By writing a simple email, you'll show that you appreciate their consideration and are serious about the job opportunity.
Some employers will take several days or even weeks before they make a hiring decision. Wait at least five more business days before you reach out about the position. In your message, re-state your interest and politely ask about the status of the job.
Steps After Receiving an Offer
Once you receive your offer, take time to review the documents. Don't worry about answering right away — employers expect a short waiting period.
To start, review the offer to ensure that it aligns with the original job description. Ask your employer if you notice any discrepancies.
Afterward, research the average salary in your area. Check other employers to see how their benefits packages compare to your offer. Benefits should include paid sick leave, vacation time, retirement plans, health insurance, free food, tuition assistance, and other amenities.
Finally, review your shifts, hours, team, and growth opportunities. Does this position align with your goals? Would a slight adjustment improve your work/life balance?
Now you can decide to accept the offer or negotiate. If you decide to negotiate a job offer, consider the average salary and benefits package for someone at this point in their career. When you emphasize your qualifications, the hiring manager might agree to more benefits, a higher salary, or special accommodations, such as childcare reimbursement.
Nursing Career Paths
Nurses have hundreds of career options. Broader roles include nurse practitioners and nurse technicians, while specialized nursing jobs include orthopedic nurse practitioners, psychiatric nurses, and school nurses.
Your skills and goals determine your career path. Pursuing advanced education, such as a bachelor's or master's degree, opens up higher-paying job opportunities. Earning a doctorate is a step toward becoming a licensed physician.
Nurses also choose from countless certifications, including Pain Management Nursing Certification, Gerontological Nursing Certification, and Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification. To earn a license, you'll meet the eligibility requirements and pass the exam. Once you pass, you'll periodically renew your license to operate legally.
Nursing is one of the few universal professions. No matter where you go, people need nursing care. As a result, nurses enjoy high levels of job security, extensive hours, overtime opportunities, and the chance to work virtually anywhere.
Long-term trends include increased AI use, more digital appointments, and solutions for staffing shortages. Your ability to adapt ensures a long career in nursing ahead of you.
Similar Occupations