2 answers
Finley
Student
Yorba Linda, California
1
Question
Updated
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What is the most important thing to do in order to stand out when attempting to land a job in a preferred profession? For example, becoming a nurse practitioner. #Spring26
I am a high school senior looking to become a nurse practitioner.
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2 answers
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
266
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
Be genuine and true to yourself. People who review school and job applications know the difference between someone who checked the boxes vs. someone who took classes and participated in extracurricular activities because they mattered to them.
To progress in healthcare generally, and nursing in particular, you need to be able to tell your story of why you got good grades, why you took certain classes, why you volunteered at a certain place, and how your life experience will make you an excellent care provider. Take advantage of opportunities to stretch yourself. A breadth of experiences will be helpful to you. Is there a non-profit organization near you that helps people in need? Can you do something that would make someone else think you have leadership skills?
If you have a passion for anything, do it. I know successful physicians and nurse practitioners who stand out for being musicians, artists, cooks, gardeners, athletes... That means you should do what you enjoy and do well as you assure you do any compulsory training.
To progress in healthcare generally, and nursing in particular, you need to be able to tell your story of why you got good grades, why you took certain classes, why you volunteered at a certain place, and how your life experience will make you an excellent care provider. Take advantage of opportunities to stretch yourself. A breadth of experiences will be helpful to you. Is there a non-profit organization near you that helps people in need? Can you do something that would make someone else think you have leadership skills?
If you have a passion for anything, do it. I know successful physicians and nurse practitioners who stand out for being musicians, artists, cooks, gardeners, athletes... That means you should do what you enjoy and do well as you assure you do any compulsory training.
Grace Paul
Caregiving
8
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Grace’s Answer
The most important thing is to show real, relevant experience and competence, not just certificates.
To stand out, focus on:
Strong hands-on clinical experience
Demonstrating practical skills in real situations
Good communication and professionalism with patients and team
Continuous learning and improvement
In short, employers want proof that you can confidently do the job in real life, not just theory.
To stand out, focus on:
Strong hands-on clinical experience
Demonstrating practical skills in real situations
Good communication and professionalism with patients and team
Continuous learning and improvement
In short, employers want proof that you can confidently do the job in real life, not just theory.