Now that you have your RN license, it’s time to start looking for a job. While it can be intimidating to step into the arena, Coast Medical Service can help you with the best tips for finding nursing jobs in Los Angeles. Read here to prepare yourself for writing resumes, applying for jobs, and interviewing for potential positions.

1.  Know What You Want

You already know that nursing is the career for you, but with so many different types of opportunities out there, it’s good to know what they are. To find a great nursing job in Los Angeles, you need to explore all your options. From per diem nursing and travel nursing to a long-term position, here are a few of the places you should consider:

• Area Hospitals
• Clinics
• Health Insurance Providers
• Nursing Homes & Residential Care Providers
• Rehabilitation Centers
• Home Health Care Agencies
• Local Government Agencies

2.  Improve Your Experience Level

Since you’re probably fresh out of school with minimal experience, you will need to find a way to accumulate at least one year of experience before working with a staffing company like Coast Medical Service. Don’t fret- finding a nursing job in Los Angeles is within your grasp once you reach out to the career center at your nursing school. They may already have partnerships with local hospitals that hire new graduates. You can also search for shadowing programs and internships that you may be overqualified for, but show future employers that you’re willing to put in the effort.

3.  Consider Growth Opportunities

Before locking yourself into a single position for convenience or to start earning as soon as possible, consider your ultimate career goals first. Do you want to work in hospital administration? Perhaps you want to specialize in a specific field, like labor and delivery? Whatever your dream job is, head down a path that will lead you to it. All nursing experience can be useful, but it doesn’t mean you have to accept the first offer you get.

4.  Prepping Your Resume

To discover the right nursing jobs in Los Angeles, you should learn how to market yourself. Building a network of people who have worked with you is crucial and should be complemented by a quality resume. Make sure your resume follows best practices including:

• Incorporating Relevant Keywords
• Customizing a Resume & Cover for Each Employer
• Using Action Verbs to List Your Responsibilities
• Avoiding Fancy Fonts & Distracting Additions

After you send in your resume, give it about a week before following up.

5.  Getting Interview Ready

So you’ve been asked to come in for an interview! It’s time to start prepping for the types of questions you might need to answer. Start thinking about your career goals, why you decided to become a nurse, and what you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses. Make sure you describe what makes you a good fit for this position and how your experience can make you an asset.

How Coast Medical Service Can Help

Nursing jobs are in high demand throughout the nation and Coast Medical Service can help you find the perfect fit. In addition to the best tips to ensure you find nursing jobs in Los Angeles, we can also offer our services to help pair you with hospitals looking to fill nursing positions. Reach out to us today!