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You’ve completed your nursing program and you’re looking for a job. A registered nurse career can be very rewarding. However, finding a job can be stressful. With proper planning though, you can lessen the time and money it takes to find a nursing position.
- Use the Internet. This should come as no surprise: Doing the work yourself is the most cost-effective way to search for jobs. Websites such as Career Builder, Monster and Yahoo! Jobs offer updated information on the latest nursing jobs available in and around your area.
- Track job hunting expenses for tax purposes. In some cases, you can deduct from your taxes expenses related to job searches. Some of these job hunting expenses include job agency fees, driving expenses (standard allowance per mile) to go to an interview, expenses for creating a résumé including paper, postage and hiring a professional to write it, and travel expenses associated with a job interview (part of meals, airfare and lodging). As always, consult with a tax professional for detailed information.
- Don’t use a credit card. Many times, job seekers who have to spend money to find a job just use their credit card. However, interest rates are often high and the initial costs can grow exponentially over a short time.
- Remember to network. One of the best tips to shorten your job hunting time is to get out there and speak to people. The more people who know you’re looking for a job as a nurse (especially those who already work in healthcare), the better chance you have of finding a job. Some of the best nursing jobs go to those who know someone already employed with the company or hospital.
