How to Find a Nursing Job

If you're a nurse—or studying to become one—you’ve probably realized that nursing offers one of the most in-demand and rewarding career paths out there. But with so many specializations, shifts, and healthcare environments to choose from, finding the right nursing job can feel overwhelming. Whether you're a new graduate, transitioning specialties, or relocating, this guide will help you focus your search, market yourself effectively, and explore the best places to find nursing jobs online.

Step 1: Know What Kind of Nurse You Want to Be

Before diving into job applications, get clear on what kind of nursing role suits your skills, goals, and lifestyle.

Here are some questions to consider:

  • Do you prefer fast-paced or slower environments? ER and ICU are intense, while clinics and long-term care facilities tend to be steadier.

  • What population do you want to serve? Pediatrics, geriatrics, mental health, or surgical recovery all require different strengths.

  • What kind of schedule fits your life? Are you open to night shifts or looking for more consistent hours?

Some common nursing roles include:

  • Registered Nurse (RN) – The most common and versatile nursing role.

  • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN) – Focuses on basic patient care, often in long-term care.

  • Nurse Practitioner (NP) – Advanced practice with diagnostic and prescriptive authority.

  • Travel Nurse – Short-term contracts in different locations, great for flexibility and higher pay.

  • School Nurse, Hospice Nurse, Home Health Nurse – For those looking for non-hospital roles.


Step 2: Update Your Resume and Certifications

A well-organized resume is crucial. Highlight your clinical rotations, certifications, specialties, and any measurable outcomes (e.g., reduced patient wait times, improved patient education). Make sure your license is active in your state—or if you’re open to relocating, check for compact state licensing through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).

Also ensure the following are up to date:

  • CPR/BLS/ACLS certifications

  • Vaccination records (often required for hospital work)

  • Nursing license numbers and expiration dates

  • Specialty certifications (e.g., CCRN, CPN, CNOR)

Step 3: Use Trusted Nursing Job Boards

The best way to find opportunities is to use platforms that specialize in healthcare roles. While general job boards are helpful, healthcare-specific sites will give you a more targeted experience.

Here are some top job boards to find nursing jobs:

  • ClickClickJobs (clickclickjobs.com) – A user-friendly site that lists a variety of healthcare and nursing roles, including hospital positions, outpatient care, and home health.

  • Nurse.org (nurse.org/jobs) – Offers thousands of nursing jobs across the U.S. and great resources like hospital reviews from real nurses.

  • Health eCareers (healthecareers.com) – Focuses on medical professionals with advanced search filters for nursing specializations.

  • Incredible Health (incrediblehealth.com) – Nurses apply once and get job offers from hospitals directly—great for experienced RNs.

  • Travel Nurse Source (travelnursesource.com) – Perfect for those looking to travel while working short-term contracts.

  • Indeed and Glassdoor – Still useful for local and entry-level roles, but can be more generalized.

Step 4: Consider Alternative Nursing Opportunities

You don’t have to work in a hospital. Depending on your experience and interest, other options include:

  • Telehealth Nursing – Increasingly popular, especially for triage and follow-ups.

  • Public Health Nursing – Community clinics, outreach, and education.

  • Occupational Health Nurse – Working in corporate or industrial settings.

  • Research Nurse – Supporting clinical trials and data collection.

  • Case Management – Managing care for patients with complex needs, often remotely.

Step 5: Network With Other Nurses

It’s not just what you know—it’s who knows you. Reach out to former classmates, instructors, and colleagues. Many hospitals and clinics prefer to hire referrals.

Tips for networking:

  • Join local or national nursing associations like the ANA or specialty-specific ones.

  • Attend hiring fairs, especially those hosted by major hospitals.

  • Connect on LinkedIn, and let people know you’re looking.

  • Ask nurse managers directly if you can shadow or apply.

Step 6: Stay Open and Stay Encouraged

The nursing job market is strong, but competition can vary by location, specialty, and experience level. It’s normal to face a few rejections—especially as a new grad—but persistence pays off.

Pro tip: If you're struggling to land your ideal position right away, consider accepting a stepping-stone role in a related area. Many nurses start in long-term care or med-surg units and transition to their dream specialty later.

Your Next Nursing Role Is Out There

Whether you’re just starting your career, transitioning into a new specialty, or looking for something with more flexibility, there’s a nursing job that fits your life and goals. Use the tools available, stay confident in your skills, and don’t be afraid to explore non-traditional routes.

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