Getting Hired for Your First Full-Time Healthcare Job |
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Posted By: Julie Shenkman In: Healthcare & Medical
When you’re new to hunting for a gig in the medical or nursing field, there are some career strategies you should use to make yourself an ideal candidate.
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When you’re new to hunting for a gig in the medical or nursing field, there are some career strategies you should use to make yourself an ideal candidate. These are especially helpful for those looking for nursing and physician assistant positions.
When you’re a newly certified health professional, flexibility is the key to employability. Show a willingness to work any shift—the more availability you have, the more desirable you are to a hiring manager. However, if family concerns or other issues limit your availability, you can offset that disadvantage in other ways.
For starters, be willing to take a less-than-ideal opening position and work yourself into a better job after proving yourself. Are you looking for a job as a clinical research nurse or something similar? Find a gig that will let you get close to those positions to learn the facility’s needs, and start positioning yourself once your probationary or introductory hiring period is over.
When it comes to teaching positions like nurse educators, there’s no replacement for on-the-job experience to make you a more ideal candidate. Take all the opportunities you can to become a well-rounded healthcare professional.
If you’re after home healthcare jobs in the early stages of your career, don’t overlook the importance of being exposed to a wide range of treatment situations. Getting some initial experience in a hospital or nursing home; it may give you perspective you can’t get doing home healthcare.
Consider your career goals and ask yourself what gives you the best advantage. Nursing positions, for example, can be specialized in a number of ways. Do you want to be a critical care nurse, or specialize in ambulatory care?
Knowing what direction you want to head in is a big help when trying to narrow down your job search. It’s important to be flexible, but you should always try to move towards your career goals even if just in a general way.
Ask yourself, what are the possible outcomes if you take a particular job? Think through that question when filling out your job applications. The answers can help you make a more informed decision about your first job.
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Comments
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Posted by: Sandra Herndon
Being a Certified Medical Assistant, with CPR certification, it is tough to get hired. I know that I can do the work, but I need added experience. Where are the people who are willing to hire us?
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Posted by: Sandra Herndon
Being a Certified Medical Assistant, with CPR certification, it is tough to get hired. I know that I can do the work, but I need added experience. Where are the people who are willing to hire us?
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Posted by: terri lincoln
I am having a hard time getting hired as a CMA. Graduated May 2010, certified June 2010. I apply for positions and I either don't even get a bite or after phone interviews I am told that I either live too far away or as with everyone, not enough experience. I even took a job at a hospital that has nothing to do with CMA just to get my foot in the door along with a big pay cut and I still can't get a break.
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Posted by: jennifer tyndall
I too have completed my Medical Assistant program and am still searching for employment. I have little experience in the MA field but plenty in office management plus letters of recommendations. I want to use my skills and help patients
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Posted by: Angela Mosley
I too, have Medical experience from ?working as a Medical Front ?Assisitant. However, I had ?to ?take ?a ?leave of ?absence for a ?sick child for ?a ?couple of years (10 years). I was able to work in my prior, career for about two year. I am able to go back to work now in my prior chosen field. Nevertheless, I have send out resume and am still waiting for a reply from an employer. I am seeking an evening or night time position. I believe that we all have to continue to have faith. I am praying for all of us.
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Posted by: Clever Koala
I have a BA psych and an Associates in Billing and Coding as a MAA. I volunteer at a local hospital, but can't get a break after almost 4 years of continued loyalty to that hospital. I enjoy volunteering but feel my degree is a waste also.
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Posted by: clever Koala
I have a BA in psychology and an associate in Medical Administrative Assistant Medical Billing and Coding. I volunteer for my local hospital for about four years and have not gotten a job in either field yet. To the one who wants to volunteer as a billing specialist you cant volunteer in a specialized area for confidentiality factors. They have ans for everything. I enjoy volunteering and I get free food but I can't get into the facility though.
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Posted by: Teresa
I know what everyone is going through myself. I graduated in Dec. 2010 for Medical Assisting and took my RMA exam (passed with a 92) and also just passed my CMA exam. I cannot find a job due to lack of experience. I just cannot get myself to volunteer for more experience. Working for nothing just is not what I am looking for. It seems like the more people volunteer, the less we get hired. Hey, free help right? I am deep in debt from school loan and if I don't find a MA job soon I will have to go WASH DISHES! From: Really frustrated!
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Posted by: Audrey
I'm going through a divorce, and want to relocate. I am urgently seeking a CNA position in Fla-Tampa, New Port Richey or Clearwater area. This will be an entry level position as I have no experience. I'd be greatful for any advice or help in achieving this goal. Thanks.
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Posted by: Cynthia
I also have my Medical Office Assistant Diploma, CNA, Medical Assistasnt Diploma and can't find a job because of experience. So if anyone has some advice, I am open for suggestion.
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Posted by: P Germond
I graduated with a 4.0 among the top in my class in Medical Billing and Coding in Jan. 2009 (Diploma and NCICS certification). I also have significant skills and business acumen from my previous career. It's been 3 Years and I haven't found a job. Was all the schooling a waste of time, effort and money? I still owe my student loan. I have worked with my school's career services, placement agencies, recruiters, etc. I have the same concerns as the comments I read from other folks. It seems that the schools promoting their "hot" career programs should have some accountability...especially, for their top performing students. What do we do when we can't break into the field, even at a lesser job level - due to lack of experience?
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Posted by: Sheila Perkins
I am also applying for jobs as a Certified Medical Billing Specialist, and I am having no success. How can I get the experience, when no one gives me an opportunity. Graduated as a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist, and have been Certified since August, 2010.
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Posted by: marie theodore
I have an MBA/Healthcare Administration degree and it is very hard to find a job in the healthcare field with out experience. How am I going to get experience if no one is willing to offer me a job?
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Posted by: Schelley Cunningham
I have worked in the Health Care- Senior Living field for 5 years. I was originally from the hospitality industry. When I was working to get a Director of Sales & Marketing position I had to be persistant.I sent follow up - Thank you notes for every call- interview etc. I went to after hours business mixers and got to know people. I have a good friend in HR at a local hospital, and she has told me, that showing eagerness, follow up, volunteering at the hospitals, getting involved in local healthcare organizations, goes a long way to getting that first break. Just some thoughts. The degree does go a long way- but most organizations are looking for critical thinking, creativity, etc. Medical Billing or a CNA, it does'nt matter, you need to make yourself stand out.
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Posted by: Patricia Robinson
I have a diploma in medical billng and coding and I too cant find a job. I plan on volunteering to get the experience I need to get a good job and I am going to get a bachelors degree in HIM to make it better for me in the long-run. GOOD LUCK TO ALL
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Posted by: Vicky M.
to say one thing, and that I go along with all of you about getting that one job. I to have problems finding a job. I have my Bachelors in Health Care Management along with a Medical Assistant Degree, and Medical Coding and Billilng degree. I.ve been looking for work ever sents Aug. 2010. If the medical fields are open then whay can't I fine a great job.I'v been looking in Utah, Calif, Nevada, Arizona, Organ but no luck.
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Posted by: Aundrea W.
I,m an CMA in looking for an career that will help me improve my skills and learn new ones along the way
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Posted by: Andrea Owens
I have a NCICS Certification in Medical Billing and Coding as well as a Medical Front Office Assistant Diploma. My obstacle is most medical jobs want 6 months to a year experience how can I get the experience if no one is willing to take a chance on me.
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Posted by: cathy corrigan
I agree with Ladonna Young as I have been unable to find a job as a biller and coder also. Almost all my classmates haven't gotten jobs. I feel that my money and school loans have been a waste. Especially when I don't have a job.
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Posted by: Ladonna Young
I enjoyed that article about seeking employment in the healthcare field. I have been searching for a while. I have just graduated Everest as a medical biller and coder. No one has given me that big break yet. I felt like I have went for the jobs that are related to the field but I still have not gotten a call back.
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