As a new nurse, finding a job in the competitive healthcare industry can be overwhelming. While job boards and online applications are great resources, using a healthcare staffing agency can be an effective way to jumpstart your job search process. Here is a guide on how to find nursing jobs as a new nurse using a healthcare staffing agency.
What is a Healthcare Staffing Agency?
A healthcare staffing agency is a company that specializes in placing healthcare professionals, including nurses, in temporary or permanent positions in medical facilities. They work with hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare facilities to provide staffing solutions for their staffing and workforce needs.
Healthcare staffing agencies can be an excellent resource for new nurses because they provide access to job opportunities not found elsewhere. Many hospitals and clinics often rely on staffing agencies to find qualified nurses because they have a wide network of healthcare providers, which allows staffing agencies to place nurses quickly.
How to Find a Healthcare Staffing Agency
Finding the right healthcare staffing agency is a crucial first step in securing a nursing job. Here are several ways to find a reputable agency:
Referrals
Talk to other nurses or healthcare professionals to see if they have used a healthcare staffing agency before. These professionals can provide first-hand experience about the agency and can guide you in the right direction.
Online Research
Use a search engine to find healthcare staffing agencies in your area. Look for agencies with positive reviews and an extensive range of job opportunities. Do research on the agency's history and credentials to ensure they are reputable.
Online Job Boards
Many job boards, such as Indeed and CareerBuilder, list nursing job opportunities through staffing agencies. You can use these job boards to research different agencies and gauge what job opportunities they offer.
Choosing the Right Healthcare Staffing Agency
Once you have found several healthcare staffing agencies, you need to decide which one to partner with. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right agency for your needs:
Job Opportunities
Ensure the agency provides job opportunities that align with your experience, education, and career goals. Research the types of job opportunities they offer, such as short-term, long-term, or permanent positions, and the types of healthcare facilities they work with.
Agency Reputation
Research the healthcare staffing agency's reputation and credentials to ensure they are reputable. Review online reviews and testimonials from previous candidates to get a better understanding of their experience with the agency.
Support Services
Consider the benefits and support services offered by the healthcare staffing agency. For example, do they provide healthcare insurance, continuing education opportunities, or relocation assistance?
Contract Terms
When working with a healthcare staffing agency, be sure to understand the contract terms thoroughly. Look for agencies with fair and transparent terms that suit your goals and needs.
How to Apply with a Healthcare Staffing Agency
After deciding on a healthcare staffing agency, you need to apply to become a candidate. Here are the steps to follow when applying:
Submit Your Resume
Submit your resume through the agency's website or via email. Ensure your resume highlights your skills, education, and experience as a nurse. Be sure to highlight any specialized certifications you have received, as these can make you more attractive to job opportunities.
Complete the Application Process
You will need to complete an online or in-person application that will provide the staffing agency with your resume, identity, and job preferences. The agency will use this information to match you with a job opportunity that meets your skills, education, and experience.
Participate in an Interview
The agency may request an interview to discuss your job preferences, skills, and experience. The interview may be in-person, over the phone, or via video conference.
Submit Required Credentials
You will need to submit any required credentials such as a nursing license, immunization records, and background check.
Job Placement
Once the agency has evaluated your credentials and experience, they will match you with a job opportunity that meets your job preferences, skills, and experience.
Benefits of Working with a Healthcare Staffing Agency
Working with a healthcare staffing agency offers many benefits for new nurses. Some of these benefits include:
Wide Range of Job Opportunities
A healthcare staffing agency provides access to a wide range of job opportunities across multiple healthcare facilities, including long-term care facilities, hospitals, clinics, and more.
Flexibility
Flexibility is a significant advantage of working with a healthcare staffing agency, as they offer temporary, long-term, and permanent job opportunities, allowing you to choose the job opportunity that best fits your lifestyle and preferences.
Industry Insights
Agencies have unique insight into the healthcare industry and can offer professional advice on career advancement, networking, and industry trends.
Competitive Pay
Healthcare staffing agencies offer competitive pay rates, which are often higher than direct employers.
Additional Benefits
Healthcare staffing agencies often offer additional benefits such as healthcare insurance, continuing education programs, and professional development opportunities, which enhance your marketability as a candidate.
Conclusion
Finding nursing jobs as a new nurse can be time-consuming, but CanLiveWell is here to help. We work with medical providers and facilities to maintain staffing levels, ensuring continuity of care. Visit our website to learn more.
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