Life as a Joyce Graduate

The life of a Joyce graduate is varied and diverse. There’s no one single path for our talented students to pursue after graduation. Whether you become a dental laboratory technician or a registered nurse, everyone’s day looks different. That being said, all new graduates do follow a few similar steps to get started in their healthcare careers. Whatever Joyce program you choose, follow this guide and get your healthcare career started right after graduation.

Studying for the NCLEX

If you’re planning on becoming a registered nurse, you’ll need to prepare for and pass your NCLEX exam. Before taking the test, you’ll need to register for the course and pay the sign-up fee. Once you’ve picked a test date, create a study plan and start preparing!

• Give yourself plenty of time to study, and start by gathering your study materials like notes from your classes, study books, and flashcards. Take online practice tests to get experience with test format.
• If you have time before your exam, sign up for a review course. Extra practice will reflect positively on your NCLEX score.
• You made connections while in school, so work with your classmates to prepare for the exam. Studying in groups is helpful because you can test each other on your weak points.
• Finally, it’s time to take the test. When you pass, you’ll be ready to apply for a nursing job!

Related resource: 10 Common Types of NCLEX Questions

Apply for Jobs

Whether you’re a medical assistant, a dental laboratory technician, a nurse, or an occupational therapist, everyone needs to apply for a job. If you’re hoping to have a position locked down before you graduate, start applying three to four months before graduation. The healthcare industry is booming, with projected job growth of 18 percent between 2016 and 2026. This means there are jobs to be had!

As an Joyce graduate, you’ll probably spend some time doing the following to discover your ideal position:

• Work on your resume. Make sure your resume gives a comprehensive picture of your healthcare background and training, as well as your education and certifications. Your resume should be clear, concise, and tailored to the position you’re applying for.
• Look at online job listings. Explore what’s available in your geographical area in the specialties you’re interested in. It can take a long time for HR departments and hospitals to look over resumes, so don’t stress if you don’t hear back about a job right away.
• Write a personalized cover letter. This should be an extension of your resume, giving examples of your performance and skills and showing why you’re the perfect person for this position.
• Network with your fellow healthcare professionals. Talk to your classmates, your instructors, and anyone you met while getting your degree. Get their insight into the industry and see if they know of any open positions or healthcare facilities they’d recommend. A personal recommendation can go a long way!

Related Resource:  6 Networking Tips for New Nurses

Practice for Interviews

Once you’ve got an interview lined up, you’ll need to prepare. Take your personalized cover letter and resume to the interview in case the interviewer needs a copy. This always looks professional. Reread the job description beforehand so you’re ready to answer questions pertaining to the job requirements. Practice answering interview questions and talking about your experience. Being able to speak eloquently about your skills and experience is a big plus. It’s also important to look the part. Dress professionally and consider investing in a nice outfit for interview opportunities. Creating a great first impression is vital and can make all the difference to hiring managers. Always follow up your interview with an email, phone call, or handwritten thank you note. This helps you leave a positive, lasting impression!

Related resource: Interview Tips for Your First Nursing Job