Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1200039
14 Working Nurse l WorkingNurse.com January 13–February 17, 2020 Schedule is an important consideration for nurses when job hunting. Fortunately, there are lots of options: Direct patient care roles can range from 8–5 office hours to 12- hour night shifts on holidays and weekends. Some roles may have on-call requirements, while others do not. Figuring out your willingness to work different schedules and envisioning how they would fit into your home and family life is a critical step in your job search process. Tip 3 Check Your Social Media ★ Before hitting "send" on those resumes to potential employers, take a moment to assess your digital footprint. Studies show that as many as 70 percent of employers check candidates' social media prior to hire. Employees are considered representatives of the organization, so employers want to know how people behave when off the clock. This isn't to say you shouldn't have a social media pres- ence. In fact, it can work to your benefit if used correctly, such as maintaining a complete LinkedIn profile. Take the time to check your privacy settings, remove provocative photos or posts (or at least make sure they aren't visible to the general public) and ensure that your accounts reflect your professionalism and ethics as a nurse. Tip 4 Ask Questions during an Interview ★ Applicants often think of job interviews as high-stress interrogations, but in fact they should be as much of an opportunity for you to learn about the hospital as for the hospital to learn about you. Take full advantage of that time. While there are some questions that are better left until after you have received a job offer, asking questions about organizational culture, how long the interviewer and/or team has been at the organization, what a typical day looks like and what potential challenges the position may entail are all great ways to gain insight and show your interest. This is also your opportunity to learn more about the ori- entation process for new hires. If you are a new graduate RN, this is critically important, as there may be additional opportunities such as new nurse residencies. When asking about orientation, include these questions: ◗ How long is the orientation process and what does it consist of? ◗ How long would you be paired with a preceptor? ◗ Are there fellowships or residencies? If so, are they 6 Job Search Tips for Nurses