If you’re an RN who’s just graduated, your future looks bright. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there’s expected to be a growth of more than 438,000 RN jobs through 2026. That’s a 15% jump from employment opportunities in 2016 and more than double the national average for job growth in other industries.
However, while the national job market for RNs is expanding overall, it’s still highly competitive and can be difficult to find nursing jobs, especially when you’re a new grad. This often comes down to location. Overall, the United States has 874 registered nurses per 100,000 people. However that number can change depending on geography.
For instance, in Washington State, there are about 977 registered nurses per 100,000 people. In Washington DC, on the other hand, there are about 1,728 per 100,000 people. In Nevada, there are 605 and in Idaho there are 736. This simply means the job market is far more competitive in DC than in Washington State, Idaho or Nevada.
Wherever you’re looking for your next RN job, expect there to be competition. While demand is high, so are expectations. Employers want RNs with experience, expertise, a good attitude and a track record of compassionate patient care. How can you stand out, especially if you’re a new grad looking for RN jobs?
Preparation is key. You have to do your homework to learn all you can about a potential employer. It’s also important to prepare answers to certain, often-asked questions – like ” why should we hire you?” – to make the best impression possible. Here are a few others you’ll often get asked:
What’s the professional accomplishment you’re most proud of?
Be ready with a story that explains a noteworthy accomplishment. What are the details? How did you achieve it? What was the impact or result? A meaningful story can go a long way in helping you stand out when you’re looking for RN or nursing jobs.
What was your most challenging situation and how did you handle it?
As an RN, you’re faced with challenges every day. Potential employers want to know you have what it takes to overcome them. Be prepared to talk about a time when you had to deal with a difficult situation or a challenging patient, the steps you took, and the outcome.
Explain a time you went over and above on the job.
What were the circumstances and why did you feel compelled to do more? Describe what you did and the end results. Also talk about how your co-workers, employer or patients were impacted by your actions.
Tell me about a time you made a mistake and what happened.
Mistakes are a part of nursing. However, you have to walk a fine line when answering this question during interviews. Explain a time when you made a mistake, what happened, who was involved, what you learned, and steps you took to improve.
What’s the hardest part of nursing for you? What do you love most?
Employers want to get behind the candidate mask and understand what you love about your job and what you’d change if you could. Be honest about this. Perhaps it’s working in a particular specialty or with a certain patient population. Just be upfront, so you ultimately find a position that’s a great match for you.
When you think ahead about how to answer these and other questions, like “Why should we hire you?,” your responses will be more insightful and memorable. You’ll have a better chance of landing the offer, as a result.
If you’d like help finding your next RN job, Provisional Recruiting is here for you. We offer a specialized healthcare division that can match you with top-paying, rewarding RN or nursing jobs in Spokane, Boise and other Northwest communities. Simply contact us today to learn more to get started.