Career
Student Lounge
Nursing Career Resources
WCU’s nursing programs help students advance their education and pursue rewarding careers in hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, and other healthcare settings. Whether it’s through an RN to BSN program, BSN program, MSN program, or another degree/certificate program, WCU graduates can leverage their knowledge and hands-on experience to make a difference in their communities.
This resource provides a broad overview of a nursing career.
Sample Nursing Job Titles
- Certified Operating Room Nurse (CNOR)
- Charge Nurse
- Emergency Department RN (Emergency Department Registered Nurse)
- Oncology RN (Oncology Registered Nurse)
- Operating Room Registered Nurse (OR RN)
- Psychiatric RN (Psychiatric Registered Nurse)
- Relief Charge Nurse
- School Nurse
- Staff Nurse
- Staff RN (Staff Registered Nurse)
Sample Nursing Responsibilities
- Assess patient conditions and needs
- Develop and implement nursing care plans
- Observe patients and maintain medical records
- Operate and monitor medical equipment
- Advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention
- Consult and collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals
Top Nurse Qualities
- Critical thinking – assess changes in patient health and determine when to take corrective action
- Communication skills – communicate effectively with patients and other health professionals
- Compassion – be caring and empathetic when working with patients and their families
- Detail oriented – be precise in ensuring that patients get the correct treatments and medications at the right time
- Emotional resilience – ability to cope with emergencies and other stressors
- Organizational skills – ability to coordinate numerous treatment plans and records
- Physical stamina – perform physical tasks, such as lifting patients, and being on your feet for most of your shift
For more, see the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Profile for Registered Nurses.
Preparing for Your Nursing Job Interview
Online Resources
“Hello. I am Joseph. When preparing for my job search, the first thing I did was set up an appointment with career services. Kristin was actually the person that told me about the position at TMMC. She also prepped me and guided me on how the interview process would go. During the interview, every single topic that I practiced with Kristin was brought up and it quickly felt more of having a fun conversation with the nursing panel rather than a job interview where I’m nervous and fumbling my words. One week later, they gave me the job offer and I’m currently in their new grad program. Working during COVID has been pretty interesting. Luckily, TMMC has been extremely supportive with the environment we’re in right now. There are some policies that are strictly enforced that may upset patients, but for the most part it has been a smooth transition. All the nurses at TMMC have been incredibly helpful and are always ready to help and teach whenever I am in need.”
-Joseph Bisling, BSN Graduate ’21
FAQs
What are some common nursing interview questions?
During a nursing interview, you can expect a mix of questions that range from personal to work history to philosophies of care. You might receive questions such as:
- Can you tell me about yourself?
- Why are you interested in joining our organization?
- What has been your greatest challenge with a patient? What did you do to resolve it, or what was the outcome?
- Describe your skills as a team player.
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- Describe specific ways your education prepared you to be an RN.
Check out our blog post for more nurse interview tips.
What should I include on my nurse resume?
A strong nurse resume should highlight your clinical experience, education, and certifications. Include details about your nursing school, any relevant internships or clinical rotations, and your skills with specific medical procedures or technologies. Don’t forget to list any licenses (like RN or LPN) and highlight soft skills, such as communication and teamwork.
Review our blog post on how to write a standout nurse resume for more.
Why is it beneficial to join nursing organizations?
Joining nursing organizations, such as the American Nurses Association (ANA), offers several benefits, including networking opportunities, access to continuing education, and staying updated on the latest trends in healthcare. It can also provide mentorship and leadership development, which is especially valuable for career advancement.
What are the different career paths available in nursing?
Nursing offers a wide range of career paths tailored towards unique interests and skill sets. You can specialize in fields like pediatric nursing, oncology, or emergency care. Other options include becoming a Nurse Educator or Nurse Leader. Nursing also offers opportunities in research, informatics, and healthcare policy.
How can WCU Career Services help?
Our Career Services offer a range of services, including career advising and resume review, so you can feel confident about your nursing job search. We’ll help prepare you for real nurse job interviews and give you the tools you need to make a strong impression on hiring managers.
Additionally, we partner with employers across various industries, helping facilitate meaningful connections and opportunities between recruiting companies and our student and alumni populations.
Have Questions?
Get in touch with our team
*The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.
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