Time to make a comment!

By: Sarah K. Wells MSN RN CEN CNL

The U.S. Department of Education’s (DOE) proposed changes to federal graduate student loan funding have raised alarms across higher education - and not just within nursing. While much of the conversation has focused on graduate nursing programs - such as those for nurse practitioners - the reality is that these funding limitations would affect a wide range of graduate disciplines, including social work, public health, education, counseling, and other non-healthcare professional fields.

For nursing, the implications are immediate. Advanced practice nurses are essential to addressing provider shortages, expanding primary care access, and strengthening healthcare systems. Reduced federal loan availability could discourage experienced and historically underrepresented nurses from pursuing graduate education, shrinking the future workforce of clinicians, educators, and leaders.

But the broader concern is structural: when financial barriers to graduate education increase, entire professions feel the impact. Communities rely on highly trained professionals across sectors - from healthcare to education to public service - and limiting access to advanced degrees risks worsening workforce shortages nationwide.

Submitting a public comment is one of the most meaningful advocacy actions professionals - anyone, not just nurses - can take right now:

• Leave a comment on the DOE’s website by March 2, 2026

Policymakers need to understand that graduate education funding is not a niche issue; it is a workforce issue, an access issue, and ultimately a societal investment. When pathways to education narrow, the ripple effects extend far beyond a single profession. #strongertogether

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New Thing Nurse helps the nursing and NP community thrive in their careers! Join us on IG or Facebook @newthingnurse 🩺

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About the Author: Sarah K. Wells, MSN, RN, CEN, CNL is an experienced nurse career strategist dedicated to helping nurses and nurse practitioners of all experience levels and specialties achieve success in their nursing and NP journeys. Sarah founded New Thing Nurse to help provide support and guidance to the nursing community in a simple and direct format. Sarah’s vision is to foster a more supportive and fulfilled nursing world that spreads throughout healthcare and beyond.

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I am mad at everything. What can I do about it.

By: Sarah K. Wells MSN RN CEN CNL

Even if you have only been minimally paying attention to current events, you may have noticed that a lot of nurses are mad.

I am one of them. I am really mad.

What can you do about it?

Well, in this case, other angry nurses have organized some opportunities for you to share your rage in the form of advocacy:

• Nurses Shift Change Petition: Nurses Call for Public Health and Human Rights Safeguards in Immigration Enforcement

• RNAction: Demand truth for Alex Pretti

And there is the good old-fashioned approach:

• Contact your elected officials in Congress

Have another way to funnel your rage? Let me know in the comments!

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New Thing Nurse helps the nursing and NP community thrive in their careers! Join us on IG or Facebook @newthingnurse 🩺

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About the Author: Sarah K. Wells, MSN, RN, CEN, CNL is an experienced nurse career strategist dedicated to helping nurses and nurse practitioners of all experience levels and specialties achieve success in their nursing and NP journeys. Sarah founded New Thing Nurse to help provide support and guidance to the nursing community in a simple and direct format. Sarah’s vision is to foster a more supportive and fulfilled nursing world that spreads throughout healthcare and beyond.

A FREE career resource?

By: Sarah K. Wells MSN RN CEN CNL

Looking for a new job can be stressful. Get organized with New Thing Nurse!

Navigating a nurse job search can feel overwhelming, especially in this rapidly changing healthcare landscape. Whether you’re applying for your first nursing job, transitioning specialties, or pursuing a leadership or advanced practice position, having a clear and structured approach matters. This new resource, the Nurse Job Search Readiness Guide from New Thing Nurse, was created to help nursing professionals move through the job search and application process with confidence, clarity, and intention.

The checklist breaks the journey into practical phases, guiding nurses from role exploration and resume preparation to interviewing, offer evaluation, and onboarding. It also highlights the importance of Applicant Tracking System (ATS) compatible application materials, strategic networking, and thoughtful career reflection. Designed to be both practical and empowering, this resource supports nurses in showcasing their skills, leveraging their networks, and making informed career decisions. Whether you are actively applying or simply preparing for your next opportunity, this checklist helps you take control of your career path, one intentional step at a time.

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New Thing Nurse helps the nursing and NP community thrive in their careers! Join us on IG or Facebook @newthingnurse 🩺

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About the Author: Sarah K. Wells, MSN, RN, CEN, CNL is an experienced nurse career strategist dedicated to helping nurses and nurse practitioners of all experience levels and specialties achieve success in their nursing and NP journeys. Sarah founded New Thing Nurse to help provide support and guidance to the nursing community in a simple and direct format. Sarah’s vision is to foster a more supportive and fulfilled nursing world that spreads throughout healthcare and beyond.

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Pay Transparency in Nursing

By: Sarah K. Wells MSN RN CEN CNL

Pay transparency is a growing demand across industries, including healthcare. 

Applicants want to know the compensation for a job before applying for a position. Thanks to pay transparency laws, job seekers in 10 states currently see the wage or salary of a role in the job posting.  

Why is pay transparency important? 

Pay transparency supports pay equity, which is still a big issue in nursing. Becker’s recently highlighted gender pay disparities in nursing, which shocked me. As a former ED nurse, I’m not easy to shock. 

No transparency laws in your state? Try this:  

• Research nurse wages in your area on websites like Glassdoor or search the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website. 

• Ask someone. Snoop around on social media nursing groups and ask about pay for facilities. Do this anonymously whenever possible to avoid problems with potential employers. 

• Explore growing platforms like Bluem, where nurses will be able to anonymously report their wages. 

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New Thing Nurse helps the nursing and NP community thrive in their careers! Join us on IG or Facebook @newthingnurse 🩺

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About the Author: Sarah K. Wells, MSN, RN, CEN, CNL is an experienced nurse career strategist dedicated to helping nurses and nurse practitioners of all experience levels and specialties achieve success in their nursing and NP journeys. Sarah founded New Thing Nurse to help provide support and guidance to the nursing community in a simple and direct format. Sarah’s vision is to foster a more supportive and fulfilled nursing world that spreads throughout healthcare and beyond.

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How to Get Hired 101: Effective Communication in Healthcare

By: Sarah K. Wells MSN RN CEN CNL

When considering the qualities to highlight during a job interview, it is crucial to emphasize your ability to communicate effectively. Healthcare employers look for nurses with exceptional communication skills for every role.

The importance of effective communication in healthcare:

• Patient Safety Relies on Effective Communication:

Optimal communication among healthcare providers and during medical encounters is vital for ensuring patient safety.

• Productive Teamwork Depends on Clear Communication:

Clear communication is essential for fostering productive teamwork among the clinical staff.

• Digital Communication Skills are Essential:

Strong communication skills are not limited to verbal interactions but also extend to digital formats such as email, EMR documentation, secure texting, and more.

• Skilled Communication Promotes Equitable Care:

Inclusive communication contributes to creating equitable care environments for diverse patient populations and staff.

Need help showcasing your communication skills? Reach out to New Thing Nurse, and find out how to SHINE in your next interview!

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New Thing Nurse helps the nursing and NP community thrive in their careers! Join us on IG or Facebook @newthingnurse 🩺

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About the Author: Sarah K. Wells, MSN, RN, CEN, CNL is an experienced nurse career strategist dedicated to helping nurses and nurse practitioners of all experience levels and specialties achieve success in their nursing and NP journeys. Sarah founded New Thing Nurse to help provide support and guidance to the nursing community in a simple and direct format. Sarah’s vision is to foster a more supportive and fulfilled nursing world that spreads throughout healthcare and beyond.

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Nurses Week Gift Ideas!

By: Sarah K. Wells MSN RN CEN CNL

Nurses Week is May 6-12 - in just a few days! 

Professional appreciation is important. This year’s Nurses Week theme is "Nurses Make the Difference.” Whether you are planning celebrations for staff or looking for a cute gift for your nurse friend, check out these resources to make your Nurses Week extra fabulous: 

• Free Nurses Week Content - Nurses associations have Nurses Week websites to help you plan your week! Check out the offerings from the American Nurses Association and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. 

• Shop Etsy for Nurses Week - I love Etsy for meaningful gifts for friends and colleagues. I can always find fun and unique items to show others that they’re appreciated. 

• Nurses Week Discounts + Freebies - Businesses are already sharing their Nurses Week freebies and discounts! Don’t miss out on a deal by following the curated list from Nurse.org or this freebies and discounts blog from AACN.

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New Thing Nurse helps the nursing and NP community thrive in their careers! Join us on IG or Facebook @newthingnurse 🩺

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About the Author: Sarah K. Wells, MSN, RN, CEN, CNL is an experienced nurse career strategist dedicated to helping nurses and nurse practitioners of all experience levels and specialties achieve success in their nursing and NP journeys. Sarah founded New Thing Nurse to help provide support and guidance to the nursing community in a simple and direct format. Sarah’s vision is to foster a more supportive and fulfilled nursing world that spreads throughout healthcare and beyond.

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Where is nursing going?

By: Sarah K. Wells MSN RN CEN CNL

Nursing is constantly changing. Here are a few trends on the horizon for our profession: 

• Stabilizing the Workforce - Moves to improve staffing and retention will continue to be a priority. Check out recommendations from national nursing organizations to overcome staffing challenges. 

• Virtual Everywhere - Virtual nursing opportunities will expand. Learn what virtual nursing is and how it could impact your healthcare organization. 

• Innovation in Nursing - Nurses are leading the way in innovation. Listen to an interview with Dr. Bonnie Clipper, CEO and Founder of Innovation Advantage, discussing revolutionizing how virtual nursing care is delivered in hospitals. 

• School or No School? - There are now many ways to achieve your career goals in nursing without more school. Learn about non-traditional nursing roles that might interest you

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New Thing Nurse helps the nursing and NP community thrive in their careers! Join us on IG or Facebook @newthingnurse 🩺

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About the Author: Sarah K. Wells, MSN, RN, CEN, CNL is an experienced nurse career strategist dedicated to helping nurses and nurse practitioners of all experience levels and specialties achieve success in their nursing and NP journeys. Sarah founded New Thing Nurse to help provide support and guidance to the nursing community in a simple and direct format. Sarah’s vision is to foster a more supportive and fulfilled nursing world that spreads throughout healthcare and beyond.

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Do you love this?

By: Sarah K. Wells MSN RN CEN CNL

February is Heart Month. My question: is your heart in your current job?  

Here are few prompts to consider when thinking about this question: 

• Resonating? - Is your job resonating with your professional values and passions? If not, consider why and if that can be changed. 

• Balanced? - Does your job allow you to have a good work-life balance? Or are you sacrificing one for the other? Are you able to make it better? 

• Satisfying? - Do you leave work feeling fulfilled or deflated? Is your time at work satisfying you? Professional satisfaction can come in many different forms. 

• Growth? - Is there opportunity for growth in your position, personally or professionally? Are you progressing towards your career goals? 

If your heart isn’t in your job, chat with New Thing Nurse to plan your next career move.

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New Thing Nurse helps the nursing and NP community thrive in their careers! Join us on IG or Facebook @newthingnurse 🩺

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About the Author: Sarah K. Wells, MSN, RN, CEN, CNL is an experienced nurse career strategist dedicated to helping nurses and nurse practitioners of all experience levels and specialties achieve success in their nursing and NP journeys. Sarah founded New Thing Nurse to help provide support and guidance to the nursing community in a simple and direct format. Sarah’s vision is to foster a more supportive and fulfilled nursing world that spreads throughout healthcare and beyond.

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How to set 2024 career intentions…

By: Sarah K. Wells MSN RN CEN CNL

Setting intentions in our careers helps us set goals, focus our behaviors, and begin to create a path forward to achieve them. 

How do I set 2024 career intentions? 

•  What is #mywhy? – Spend some time considering what fuels your nursing fire. Your “why” may be the goal of your intentions.

• It’s the journey instead of the destination. – Focus on the steps to get to the goal and write down those action items. 

•  Make it action oriented. – Intentions can be physical actions or something that supports your mental or physical wellbeing that will help you achieve your goals. 

•  Refer back. –  Carry your intentions on a piece of paper or in a note on your phone. Look at them frequently to guide your actions over time. 

Celebrate your success! – Occasionally consider the intentions that you have fulfilled and be proud of your work.

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New Thing Nurse helps the nursing and NP community thrive in their careers! Join us on IG or Facebook @newthingnurse 🩺

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About the Author: Sarah K. Wells, MSN, RN, CEN, CNL is an experienced nurse career strategist dedicated to helping nurses and nurse practitioners of all experience levels and specialties achieve success in their nursing and NP journeys. Sarah founded New Thing Nurse to help provide support and guidance to the nursing community in a simple and direct format. Sarah’s vision is to foster a more supportive and fulfilled nursing world that spreads throughout healthcare and beyond.

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Nurse Holiday Gift Ideas

By: Sarah K. Wells MSN RN CEN CNL

Still need to do some gift shopping for the holidays?

Whether you’re buying for your nurse boos, the boss RN, your nursing staff, or nursing students in your life, here are some gift ideas to make the holidays a little more fabulous:

• Personalized Stethoscope Tag - Add a little personalized flair that will help keep stethoscopes from getting lost.

• Black Angels: The Untold Story of the Nurses who helped Cure Tuberculosis - Black southern nurses moved to New York City to work in Sea View Hospital after white nurses left en masse. While caring for the city’s poorest residents, these nurses, known as the Black Angels, helped find a cure for tuberculosis.

• Lululemon Belt Bag - Cute and practical, this bag can work on and off shift.

• Midnight Nurse Coloring Book - Color your stress away with these delightful #nursehumor coloring pages.

• Rad Girl Creations Pins - Perfect for your badge or bag, these pins are fun to collect or swap with healthcare worker friends.

• Burt’s Bees Hand Cream - Those hands work hard so give the gift of soothing hand cream for home or the hospital.

• Latinas in Nursing - Latinas in Nursing is a compilation of the beautiful and powerful stories of the challenges, triumphs, growth, and discovery from Latina nurses working across the United States.

• Tribe RN Badge Guru Set - 88 nursing cheat sheets on 44 badge cards, this educational resource can help a nurse of any experience level.

• Sockwell Compression Socks - Hug those calves so that they can go the extra mile for you and your patients.

• Journal of a Black Queer Nurse - This book is by Britney Daniels, a Black, masculine-presenting, tattooed lesbian emergency nurse, who shares their personal perspectives and work experiences. I loved it.

• Figs Catarina Scrub Tops (Women) - My favorite scrub top, this classic style has the pockets you need to get the job done.

• Figs Leon Scrub Tops (Men) - Same thing. Easy scrub top that looks good and will get you through the shift in style.

• Dickie’s Scrub Top (Women) - A basic scrub top that will not break the bank and keep you body fluid free all shift long.

• Dickie’s Scrub Bottoms (Unisex) - Scrub bottoms, no pockets, but cheap and durable.

• Blackout Curtains - Make daytime sleeping better for the nightshifters in your life.

• Portable Charger Power Bank - For the nurse on the go who needs to keep their devices charged up, this power bank is a basic essential.

• Safe with Me Badge Stickers - Let LGBTQIA2S+ patients know that they are safe with you.

• Caffeine til GCS 16 Sticker - This sticker makes me laugh every time and is 100% accurate.

• Healthcare Affirmation Card Set - An affirmation card set made especially for healthcare workers.

Have more gift ideas? Share them in the comments below!

Happy shopping!

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About the Author: Sarah K. Wells, MSN, RN, CEN, CNL is an experienced nurse career strategist dedicated to helping nurses and nurse practitioners of all experience levels and specialties achieve success in their nursing and NP journeys. Sarah founded New Thing Nurse to help provide support and guidance to the nursing community in a simple and direct format. Sarah’s vision is to foster a more supportive and fulfilled nursing world that spreads throughout healthcare and beyond.

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New Thing Nurse helps the nursing student, nurse, and nurse practitioner community achieve their professional and academic goals! Join us on IG or Facebook @newthingnurse 🩺

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New LinkedIn Features for Nurses

By: Sarah K. Wells MSN RN CEN CNL

Fact: 2 nurses apply for a job on LinkedIn every minute. 😮😮

LinkedIn revealed new ways for nurses find their dream job: 

• Customizable Job Filters: New job search filters such as Specialty, Shift, Schedule and License help you tailor job searches to your qualifications or preferences. 

• Job Alerts: Set up a job alert for specific work opportunities to receive a notification when a relevant job is posted.  

• List Skills & Credentials: LinkedIn has added 65 new nursing credentials and 35 new skills. Select what applies to you so that your profile shows off all your qualifications. 

• Follow Leading Healthcare Voices: Expand your network and follow leading healthcare voices. Here are a few of my favorites: 

• Dr. Anna Valdez

• Dr. Danielle McCamey

• Sarah Warren

• Casey Green

And you can always follow me, Sarah K. Wells, and New Thing Nurse to keep up with all things nursing!

Need help giving your LinkedIn profile a refresh? Contact New Thing Nurse to explore our LinkedIn Profile Service.

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About the Author: Sarah K. Wells, MSN, RN, CEN, CNL is an experienced nurse career strategist dedicated to helping nurses and nurse practitioners of all experience levels and specialties achieve success in their nursing and NP journeys. Sarah founded New Thing Nurse to help provide support and guidance to the nursing community in a simple and direct format. Sarah’s vision is to foster a more supportive and fulfilled nursing world that spreads throughout healthcare and beyond.

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New Thing Nurse helps the nursing student, nurse, and nurse practitioner community achieve their professional and academic goals! Join us on IG or Facebook @newthingnurse 🩺

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How to Deal with Imposter Syndrome in Job Interviews...

By: Sarah K. Wells MSN RN CEN CNL

Imposter syndrome strikes everyone at different times. We question our worth, our skills, and sometimes, our why. 

If imposter syndrome attacks during interviews, try these tips from Lisa Bonsall, MSN, RN, CRNP: 

• Recognize Your Expertise: Pause and think about what you do well. Consider making a list before your interview and reviewing it to prepare. 

• Try to Reframe Your Thinking: Try to think, “I have strengths. I know how to ______.” Positive self-talk can help you better manage stress.

Remember That No One is Perfect: Even if you stumble, it is just one question in one interview. There will be more opportunities to shine and advance your career.

Need more help preparing for your next job interview? Explore the Interview Coaching services offered by New Thing Nurse.

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About the Author: Sarah K. Wells, MSN, RN, CEN, CNL is an experienced nurse career strategist dedicated to helping nurses and nurse practitioners of all experience levels and specialties achieve success in their nursing and NP journeys. Sarah founded New Thing Nurse to help provide support and guidance to the nursing community in a simple and direct format. Sarah’s vision is to foster a more supportive and fulfilled nursing world that spreads throughout healthcare and beyond.

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New Thing Nurse helps the nursing student, nurse, and nurse practitioner community achieve their professional and academic goals! Join us on IG or Facebook @newthingnurse 🩺

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I just got off orientation and already want to quit. HELP!

By: Sarah K. Wells MSN RN CEN CNL

Starting a nursing career can be overwhelming, especially when faced with limited support. If you find yourself in this situation, consider these strategies to advocate for the change you need:

• Talk to Preceptors, an Educator, or a Charge Nurse – Have an honest conversation with your preceptor, educator, or charge nurse about the challenges you're encountering. Keeping them informed is crucial as they can offer guidance and support.

• Don’t Throw Anyone Under the Bus – Avoid assigning blame to colleagues. Use "I feel that..." statements to maintain a neutral and constructive tone during discussions. 

• Take Accountability – Recognize areas where you can improve and own it. Acknowledging your efforts to grow will earn respect from your coworkers

• Offer a Recommendation – Suggest improvements without being condescending. Share valuable resources like articles or best practices that demonstrate effective and evidence-based interventions. 

Need more help? Book a FREE consultation with New Thing Nurse!

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About the Author: Sarah K. Wells, MSN, RN, CEN, CNL is an 11+ year nurse dedicated to helping nurses of all experience levels and specialties achieve success in their careers. Sarah founded New Thing Nurse to help provide support and guidance to the nursing community in a simple and direct format. Sarah’s vision is to foster a more supportive and fulfilled nursing world that spreads throughout healthcare and beyond.

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New Thing Nurse helps the nursing student, nurse, and nurse practitioner community achieve their professional and academic goals! Join us on IG or Facebook @newthingnurse 🩺

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How much should I be making as a nurse or nurse practitioner?

By: Sarah K. Wells MSN RN CEN CNL

To know whether you are making a fair wage as a nurse or nurse practitioner, it is important to be aware of average pay in your state. 

How do I find that out? 

Thankfully, there are companies and government agencies out there sharing this information!

• RN’s look here >> RN Average Wage for All 50 States, 2023 - Becker’s Hospital Review

• LPN’s + LVN’s look here >> Licensed Practical & Licensed Vocational Nurses: Occupational Employment & Wages, May 2022 - US Bureau of Labor Statistics 

• NP’s look here >> Nurse Practitioners: Occupational Employment & Wages, May 2022 - US Bureau of Labor Statistics

How does your job stack up? 

Use the Winning Nurse Resume & Cover Letter Templates to land your dream nurse job!

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About the Author: Sarah K. Wells, MSN, RN, CEN, CNL is an 11+ year nurse dedicated to helping nurses of all experience levels and specialties achieve success in their careers. Sarah founded New Thing Nurse to help provide support and guidance to the nursing community in a simple and direct format. Sarah’s vision is to foster a more supportive and fulfilled nursing world that spreads throughout healthcare and beyond.

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New Thing Nurse helps the nursing student, nurse, and nurse practitioner community achieve their professional and academic goals! Join us on IG or Facebook @newthingnurse 🩺

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How to beat the Resume Bot (ATS) >> Resume Keyword Loading

By: Sarah K. Wells MSN RN CEN CNL

Let’s talk about how to load up your resume with the keywords that help you get picked by the Resume Bot AKA Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Software. 

To review, ATS software scans your resume for keywords. The more keywords you put in your resume, the better chances you will have of being picked by ATS and having your application reviewed by HR to be considered for an interview. 

Where do we put the keywords? The best place to #keywordload is in a “Professional Summary” section near the top of your resume. But what words do you use? 

If you look at any nurse job posting, you will see the “required qualifications” and the “preferred qualifications”listed. The “preferred qualifications” sound very generic, but often these are the keywords ATS is programmed to look for! Consider using similar wording as the job posting to ensure that your resume is chosen by the Resume Bot!

Is this all making your head spin? Reach out to New Thing Nurse and get the support you need to get your resume picked every time.

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About the Author: Sarah K. Wells, MSN, RN, CEN, CNL is an 11+ year nurse dedicated to helping nurses of all experience levels and specialties achieve success in their careers. Sarah founded New Thing Nurse to help provide support and guidance to the nursing community in a simple and direct format. Sarah’s vision is to foster a more supportive and fulfilled nursing world that spreads throughout healthcare and beyond.

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New Thing Nurse helps the nursing student, nurse, and nurse practitioner community land dream jobs! Join us on IG or Facebook @newthingnurse 🩺

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Where do pronouns go on a resume?

Where do pronouns go on a resume?

By. Sarah K. Wells, MSN, RN, CEN, CNL

A person’s pronouns can never be assumed. It is important to ask what pronouns people use when speaking to them at work. This can be difficult during job applications. Most online job application software do not have a space for pronouns, and pronouns are important. 

A resume can help fix that. You can list your pronouns at the top of your resume next to your name: 

Examples: 

Sarah K. Wells (she/her)

Sarah K. Wells (they/them)

Sarah K. Wells (she/they)

New Thing Nurse offers inclusive support to all nurses as they work to achieve their professional and academic goals. Your resume should reflect who you are. The New Thing Nurse Winning Resume Template Series offers a standardized space for pronouns to make it easy to share your true self with future employers. 

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About the Author: Sarah K. Wells, MSN, RN, CEN, CNL is an 11+ year nurse dedicated to helping nurses of all experience levels and specialties achieve success in their careers. Sarah founded New Thing Nurse to help provide support and guidance to the nursing community in a simple and direct format. Sarah’s vision is to foster a more supportive and fulfilled nursing world that spreads throughout healthcare and beyond.

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New Thing Nurse helps the nursing student, nurse, and nurse practitioner community land dream jobs! Join us on IG or Facebook @newthingnurse 🩺

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How to negotiate higher pay for nurse jobs

How to negotiate higher pay for nurse jobs

By: Sarah K. Wells MSN RN CEN CNL

Consider these strategies when negotiating higher nursing wages: 

Is this a union position or is there a clinical ladder? If yes, then there will be a structured pay scale. To ensure receiving the highest pay possible, confirm that the organization is giving you full credit for years of experience, education level, any special certifications/trainings you may have, etc. 

Do you have other offers? Sometimes you can leverage other job offers to get higher pay:

You: I am excited at the opportunity to work at XXX facility. However, I have another offer from YYY facility. They are offering ZZZ pay. Is there any flexibility in the compensation package to match the other offer?

Are there other compensation options available? Ask if the facility would consider a sign-on bonus, student loan repayment, extra PTO or funding for other professional development opportunities.

Might need some more help? Let New Thing Nurse get you the best compensation package possible!

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About the Author: Sarah K. Wells, MSN, RN, CEN, CNL is an 11+ year nurse dedicated to helping nurses of all experience levels and specialties achieve success in their careers. Sarah founded New Thing Nurse to help provide support and guidance to the nursing community in a simple and direct format. Sarah’s vision is to foster a more supportive and fulfilled nursing world that spreads throughout healthcare and beyond.

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Looking for YOUR nurse dream job? Join the conversation on IG or Facebook @newthingnurse and join nurses and nursing students who are focused on success!

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Nurse Interviews: The Winning Introduction

By: Sarah K. Wells MSN RN CEN CNL

The first thing you will be asked in every interview is some version of, “Tell us about yourself.” 

To successfully introduce yourself, you need to craft an elevator pitch about yourself. This is an attention-grabbing 30 to 60 second pitch about you as a nurse that gives an idea of who you are and why employers should hire you.  

Here is my recipe for a winning nurse introduction: 

• Gratitude: Start with, “Thank you for having me.”

• Your Full Name: Make sure you use the name that is on your resume. 

• Nursing School: Mention when you graduated and your degree.

• Clinical Experience: Give a brief overview of your healthcare experience with emphasis on types of units where you worked, any special training you received, and the patient populations served.

• Outstanding Qualities: What makes you different from other applicants?

• A Closer: “These qualities and experiences are why I would be a great member of your care team.”

Practice makes perfect of course, and it is best to practice with a partner! New Thing Nurse offers interview coaching for all your nurse interview needs. Practice with the best to SHINE during your next nursing or nurse practitioner interview!

Schedule time with New Thing Nurse to perfect your nurse elevator pitch and learn to be your own best hype person!

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About the Author: Sarah K. Wells, MSN, RN, CEN, CNL is an 11+ year nurse dedicated to helping nurses of all experience levels and specialties achieve success in their careers. Sarah founded New Thing Nurse to help provide support and guidance to the nursing community in a simple and direct format. Sarah’s vision is to foster a more supportive and fulfilled nursing world that spreads throughout healthcare and beyond.

Looking for YOUR nurse dream job?

Join the conversation on IG or Facebook @newthingnurse

and join nurses and nursing students who are focused on success!

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What is ATS and what does that mean for my nurse resume?

By: Sarah K. Wells, MSN. RN. CEN. CNL

Resumes have CHANGED over the years. Today’s resume has to work to work for humans AND computers. #saywhat

The reason why your resume has to work for computers is Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software: 

• What is ATS? ATS is computer software, often incorporating AI, designed to scan resumes for keywords and then filter out the ones that do not match the job description. 

Your resume today has to be a SMART document with formatting to be compatible with the ATS. 

I like to tell people that your resume is the key and the ATS is the lock to the door of the interview. If your key doesn’t fit the door’s lock, you will never be considered for the job. 

ATS & The #BlackHoleEffect

So in short, resumes today have to be compatible with ATS software. You can think of ATS as a Resume Bot that can be your best friend or worst enemy. 

What does this look like? 

I call this the #BlackHoleEffect. This is the phenomenon that occurs when nurses apply to dozens or even hundreds of job postings via hospital websites and never get a call back. It is not because they are not qualified for the job. It is simply because their resume document is not compatible with the ATS software. 

Read that again - because of a document problem, nurses are not getting considered for nurse jobs during a historic staffing crisis. 

How to Beat the Resume Bot - Formatting

First, you need to know that ATS software often CANNOT read certain formatting. To make sure that your resume is ATS software friendly, do the following:  

• Use a White Background - Your resume needs to have a white background. Any color that is not white - meaning gray, beige, pink, anything that is not white - can prevent your resume from being selected  by ATS software. 

• Say No to Photos or Complex Graphics - ATS software often cannot read files with photos or graphics. That means no cute ECG strips in your header or photos of yourself. These are fine for resumes attached to an email or printed out to hand to someone, just not for uploading to an online job application portal. 

• Upload Your Resume as a PDF File - Many ATS software systems have trouble reading MS Word or Note files. To make sure that your resume gets considered for a job interview, always upload your resume in a PDF file format. 

Resume Keyword Loading

Now, let’s talk about how to load up your resume with the keywords that help you get picked by the Resume Bot.

ATS software scans your resume for keywords. The more keywords you put in your resume, the better chances you will have of being picked by ATS and having your application reviewed by HR to be considered for an interview. 

Where do we put the keywords? The best place to #keywordload is in a “Professional Summary” section near the top of your resume. But what words do you use? 

If you look at any nurse job posting, you will see the “required qualifications” and the “preferred qualifications”listed. The “preferred qualifications” sound very generic, but often these are the keywords ATS is programmed to look for! Consider using similar wording as the job posting to ensure that your resume is chosen by the Resume Bot

This is all making my head hurt.

It’s a lot, I know. But to be competitive in today’s nursing job market, you need to be an informed consumer who is educated on the tech used in hiring processes.

And I have good news! New Thing Nurse is here to help!

How New Thing Nurse can help you beat the Resume Bot!

New Thing Nurse has the tools and services to help you land the interview for your nurse dream job!

New Thing Nurse offers nurse and nurse practitioner resume templates that are SMART formatted to be picked by ATS and are eye-catching to healthcare leaders. Easy-to-use, written with ATS-compatible suggested wording HEAVY on the keywords, and affordable for any budget, this is a perfect answer to the #BlackHoleEffect:

• Winning Nurse Resume Templates: Experienced Nurse Edition

• Winning Nurse Resume Templates: New Grad Nurse Edition

• Winning Nurse Resume Templates: Travel Nurse Edition 

• Winning Nurse Resume Templates: Nurse Practitioner Edition

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About the Author: Sarah K. Wells, MSN, RN, CEN, CNL is an 11+ year nurse dedicated to helping nurses of all experience levels and specialties achieve success in their careers. Sarah founded New Thing Nurse to help provide support and guidance to the nursing community in a simple and direct format. Sarah’s vision is to foster a more supportive and fulfilled nursing world that spreads throughout healthcare and beyond.

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