In today’s job market, your online presence can be one of the most significant factors in securing a job. In fact, up to 95 percent of recruiters report they screen potential candidates on LinkedIn before moving forward with a hire. As the leading online network for professionals, LinkedIn is a powerful resource for nurses looking for a new job – but only if you use it right. Here’s what you should include on your LinkedIn profile if you want hiring managers to look your way. This is also great advice for what nurse credentials should go on your resume.
Key details that nurses should include on their LinkedIn profiles
1. Professional history
When you set up your LinkedIn profile, you’ll be prompted to include your professional history, including current and past positions you’ve held. As a rule, you should give extra attention to your most recent activities, as these provide potential employers a more accurate view of your current abilities. While not a skill in itself, your work experience gives a broad picture of who you are as a nurse.
2. Certifications
Most RNs know a work mate who graduated from school, passed their NCLEX, and hasn’t grown since. In contrast, seeking new training, skills and certifications showcases your dedication to nursing as a profession. Have you obtained your ACLS, PALS or other certifications? Any training you’ve received makes you more desirable as a hire, so if you’ve got it, flaunt it!
3. Education
Despite the fact that all registered nurses take the same licensing exam, employers still care about where you went to nursing school. Including your degree (and where you obtained it) shows you take pride in the education you received and tells employers they, too, should feel confident in your abilities. Likewise, it’s important for employers to know whether you have an ADN, BSN or other degree.
4. Special awards
If you’ve received special recognition for your achievements – whether at work, in school or even in personal pursuits – be sure to include it on your profile. Your achievements and awards indicate you go above and beyond what is expected by your peers (and this is what sets you apart from other candidates).
5. EHR experience
Since modern health care is being reshaped by electronic healthcare record (EHR/EMR) systems, your experience with specific EHR programs can make or break your chances with an employer. Since facilities aren’t eager to spend extra time retraining a new hire to use their recordkeeping software, these computer skills are more important than ever before. In fact, facilities transitioning to a new EMR software may even seek you out for your skills.
Keep Your Credentials Organized with Nurse Backpack
Though LinkedIn is a powerful tool for nurses, verifying the data in your profile (and keeping the information up-to-date) can seem like a full-time job. Nurse Backpack aims to change all that with a mobile app that keeps all your professional documents in one place. Check out the Nurse Backpack app if you are interested in a better way to manage your paperwork.
