Nursing is a rewarding career path that many describe as a calling. If you’ve decided to answer this call, you may be wondering what your next step should be. What’s the right path to the nursing job you’ll love?
Whether you’re an aspiring nursing student, a first-year nurse, or an experienced nursing professional who wants to advance your career, you’ve come to the right place! At Gale, we’ve helped thousands of nurses find positions that fit their scheduling needs and professional goals, – and we’re confident we can guide you towards your ideal nursing job, too.
Get the Proper Education
First and foremost, becoming a nurse or certified nursing assistant requires the proper education and certifications. Depending on your long-term goals, you may decide to pursue a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or a Registered Nurse (RN) license. Degree requirements vary by state for each certification, so you should confirm your state requirements as you formulate your educational game plan.
If you plan to specialize in your nursing career or have your eye on an advanced degree, pursuing a four-year degree may be the best option for you; it’s a preliminary requirement for many advanced programs. That said, there are multiple jobs available for CNAs and nurses with two-year degrees.
Beyond a degree, you may also need to acquire additional certifications to qualify for your dream nursing job. Nursing certifications build upon the skill set you’ve already gained. They enhance your knowledge in specialized areas such as ambulatory care, cardiac care, labor and delivery, and more!
Gain Practical Experience
One of the best ways to find a nursing job that aligns with your interests and skills is by gaining on-the-job experience. Some nursing environments, such as hospitals, provide access to multiple specializations. Whether you feel called to work in an operating room, emergency room, pediatrics, psychiatry, or geriatrics, telling your manager what you’d like to experience is an excellent first step towards the specialization that interests you.
This step will require initiative on your part. Managers want to set their nurses up for success, but they may not have time to meet with you and ask about your plans. Don’t be afraid to speak up and let them know what areas of nursing most interest you.
Consider Temporary Assignments
Once you’ve acquired the necessary education and certifications, you’ll probably be eager to get started experiencing as many specializations and environments as you can. Signing up with firms that offer temporary assignments is a great option. Temporary staffing firms can connect you to a variety of healthcare settings. These positions will typically be on a per diem or temporary basis, giving you the opportunity to experience a wide range of nursing environments. Many nurses also enjoy the flexibility that temporary assignments provide. For nurses who enjoy visiting new cities and areas around the country, travel nursing positions are another option.
Choose Gale Healthcare
If you’re interested in temporary work options, you’ll discover there are multiple options to choose from. Why not go with the industry leader?
At Gale Healthcare Solutions, we’re on a mission to ensure no person goes without care. Our clinicians assist us with this mission every day, while also pursuing the career they love.
Gale helps healthcare facilities around the country fill their open shifts through per diem, temporary, travel, and permanent placement positions. Our clinicians enjoy:
- Scheduling when and where they want to work through the easy-to-use Gale app
- Same day pay – and not just partial advances, but 100% of earnings.
- Health and dental insurance options
- W-2 employment status
- Overtime and holiday pay.
Simply put, Gale puts you in control of your career — and makes finding your dream nursing job easier than ever!
