Are you a nurse ready for a new chapter in your career? Whether you’re a recent grad or an experienced RN seeking a different work environment, finding the right fit can shape your career trajectory and impact your personal fulfillment on and off the clock.

We asked nurses across the Providence family of organizations to share their best advice for landing your dream nursing role. Here’s what they told us.

Tip Number 1: Reflect on what type of environment you’d like to work in.

Before applying, take time to think about the kind of work environment that will make you happiest. Bustling medical center in a major city? Small-town hospital? Clinic setting? What’s right for you, your family and your personal goals?

Carrie, a nurse in outpatient infusion and oncology, has worked with us in the quaint town of Hood River, Oregon, for her entire career. And she says she wouldn’t change a thing. “It’s neat to work in a small town, knowing my patients are also my friends and neighbors,” she shares. In contrast, RN Lisa traded home health for the subacute unit at 377-bed Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in the Mission Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, and found it was just the right fit for her. Picturing yourself in different environments can help you figure out the first step in the right direction.

Tip Number 2: Apply, even if you think it’s a stretch.

“My resume didn’t fit the mold,” Lisa says. “It seemed like you either needed hospital experience or had to be a new grad to get a job.” But she applied anyway, had a great interview experience and was offered the role. “They told me, ‘We’ll work with you and get you the experience you need.’ I felt so fortunate.”

Even if that initial application doesn’t work out, it’s still worth going through the process because at times, Providence recruiters will review applications for one role and look to see if there are other roles open that you may be a fit for and reach out.

Another way to potentially be matched with roles you may not know about is by joining the Talent Network. Not only will you stay connected to new opportunities but you’ll also have the opportunity to learn more about the Providence family of organizations and hear from our amazing caregivers (employees). Read about the benefits of becoming an active member.

Tip Number 3: Ask how your employer will prioritize your well-being.

Many health care organizations have formal employee well-being programs, but ask for real-life examples in the interview.

Katie, Chief Nursing Officer at Providence Little Company of Mary in Torrance and San Pedro, California, shared how she’s seen nurses support each other at work. “One of the things our nurses brought forward was, ‘Hey, our jobs are really stressful. When we have our lunches or our breaks, we really need a way to decompress and kind of separate from the work and regroup so that we’re showing up as our best selves.’ And they got together as a group and wrote a proposal for a zen den. It has calming colors and relaxing scents in diffusers, yoga, a meditation station and a massage chair. But my favorite part of that zen den is a board right at the door before you exit. It’s like a big whiteboard. And they write inspirational messages to each other. So, it’ll say, ‘You can do this. Stay strong. We’re in it together. You’re doing amazing.’ Not only can they go sit in that massage chair and relax, but they leave a message for the next nurse who may be walking in and struggling. I think that is really a great example of how we show up for each other.”

James, a night-shift ICU charge nurse in Mission Hills, says his coworkers help ease the stress of the unit. “I work where people are in the worst day of their life every day,” he shares. “And I’m never stressed coming to work. I feel so supported. I feel like I could be batting a zero and the shift will be fine because my staff has my back.”

Tip Number 4: Make sure belonging is more than a buzzword.

A sense of belonging at work is critical for everyone. Pay attention to how employees treat each other, not just on the unit you’re applying to, but across the hospital. Do people greet each other? Do they generally seem happy?

Janie, a float nurse at Providence Portland Medical Center, has stayed with Providence for over a decade because of that sense of belonging. “The beauty of coming to work every day is that I know at any given moment somebody will crack a joke or there will be a smile on somebody’s face. What keeps me here is the people I have built relationships with, and when I say the people I mean nurses, security, environmental services, food services, the people at the admitting desks. The teamwork here is phenomenal. It’s a family.”

James agrees. “My coworkers are part of my work-life and my outside life. My daughter was born here, and they threw a baby shower for us here. We don’t have any family in California. So that was really special to us. Some of the nurses like helped me bring my daughter home. One of the nurses here taught me how to swaddle my daughter. They’re always asking about her. It’s really great.”

Tip Number 5: Consider how the organization can support you in every stage of your career.

Even if retirement feels far off, it’s good to consider how you’ll be supported when the time comes.

Peggy, an ICU RN who works with us in Medford, Oregon, says the full suite of Providence benefits has helped her manage the changing needs of her family over the years. She particularly appreciates the health insurance for herself and her children, the ample paid time away and 401(k) savings that will support her as she approaches retirement. In addition, she felt supported in caring for her aging parents. “I have had family issues with elderly parents and have been so grateful for family leave. There has been much to be grateful for.”

Tip Number 6: Find a workplace that prioritizes your career growth.

Continued growth as a nurse will help your work feel fresh and fulfilling. We believe in helping nurses grow as far as they’d like to, with opportunities from tuition reimbursement to leadership training to RN Residencies and Fellowships. Providence Nursing Institute ensures that, regardless of role or position, each nurse has access to professional development support and options for career expansion.

Janie shares, “I believe Providence has opened up doors for me and if I didn’t accept the role at Providence initially, my career wouldn’t have skyrocketed at the rate in which it did. I started at an entry-level position and I was able to take advantage of the tuition reimbursement to obtain a college education and reach my goal of becoming a registered nurse. I’ve been given the flexibility to juggle multiple jobs, be a parent and still achieve my goals. I’m now part of leadership. They’ve allowed me to come in with ideas, and my leaders are extremely supportive. It’s up to me where I take my career next.”

Tip Number 7: Ask how long nurses stay.

A great way to evaluate the culture of an organization is to find out how long nurses have worked there. James says, “I think a common trend in hospitals, especially ICUs now in this day and age after COVID, is holding onto staff is almost impossible. To work in a place where the staff has been here for five, 10 years or longer and wants to stay, is something that I haven’t seen anywhere lately. It’s really unique to this hospital. We have nurses on staff whose parents used to work in the ICU who have now retired. It’s really special. The caregivers love this hospital and live in this community and just want to be a part of it. This is the best team I’ve ever worked with.”

Tip Number 8: Even if you’re experienced, ask how new nurses are trained.

The way an organization trains and mentors its new nurses impacts the whole team, as confident and empowered nurses can significantly enhance the culture and performance.

Hannah, a newer ED RN at Providence Little Company of Mary, says, “You basically know nothing when you first start. Nursing school does not prepare you for the job. It just prepares you for NCLEX. You learn everything about the job on the job. All of my coworkers are very well-equipped to teach the new grads. They’re very welcoming, super nice, always helpful. I don’t think I had a single bad experience as a new grad interacting with the nurses that had been working here for like five, 10, 15 years. I really think what contributed the most to my really good experience as a new grad was my coworkers.”

Tip Number 9: Ask about Magnet status.

Magnet achievement is considered the “gold standard” of nursing excellence in the United States and Pathway to Excellence recognizes hospitals that create healthy work environments for nurses. At Providence, our ministries (hospitals) have achieved or are journeying toward Magnet or Pathway to Excellence achievement through the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®. For nurses, this means:

• Autonomy in clinical practice
• Higher rates of job satisfaction
• Lower incidence of needle stick injuries
• More appropriate registered nurse mix

Tip Number 10: Find an employer that supports you spiritually, whatever that means to you.

Providence believes in caring for the whole person, mind, body and spirit. In addition to a host of other well-being benefits, we support the spiritual well-being of our caregivers. This reinforces our commitment to honoring the religious and faith traditions of all—including those who do not identify with any religion or spiritual practice.

Veronica, a nurse at our hospital in Hobbs, New Mexico, was drawn to our organization because her personal values align with our Mission. “I truly feel that God put me where He needs me to be,” she shares. “If you are looking to be a blessing to others, to have a Mission, to have a drive, to serve God’s children, this is a place where you absolutely want to be.”

Work with us

With our 38k+ nurses across seven states, Providence is defining what it means to be a nurse. If you’re ready to take the next step in your nursing career, explore opportunities in:

• Alaska
• California
• Oregon
• Montana
• New Mexico
• Texas
• Washington