Obtaining new skills is essential to job security in your current position or for landing a new nursing job when you need one. Although a skills gap can feel challenging, it doesn’t have to mean failure. There are ways to overcome it and get the position you’ve been dreaming of. According to Business News Daily, more than 90% of employers right now are struggling to fill positions due to a gap in skills. Here are a few tips on how to overcome these skill gaps when you’re looking for jobs as a registered nurse.

Understanding Skill Gaps

The first step is to understand what a skills gap is and to identify what type of gap you might have. A skill gap is the difference between the skills that an employer is looking for and the skills that you are offering. Closing a gap is crucial to ensure that you can get put into positions that need filling and to make sure that clients and patients are receiving the highest quality of care.

Do Your Research

One of the best ways to identify a gap in skills is to do your research. You’ll want to look into what different medical facilities in your area are looking for. Then, you need to compare those requested skills with the skills that you can currently offer. If there is a discrepancy, make a list of what skills you might need to work on in order to provide a comprehensive skills list for potential employers.

Find the Right Training

Once you have a list of which skills you need, it’s then time to find the right training. There are many types of healthcare training courses available to help close skills gaps and get potential medical professionals ready for the workplace. You need to get enrolled in the classes or certifications you need to fill in those gaps.

Negotiate With Employers

You might also want to consider negotiating with potential employers. If a potential employer has a desperate need to fill positions, they may be willing to provide you with on-the-job training or to make the training available. You might forego a larger salary for this benefit, but the skills you gain will make you more marketable in the future, so there is some equity in that.

These are just a few things to consider when you’re evaluating skills gaps in the nursing field as a registered nurse. Working with a staffing agency can also help you navigate the hiring process and find a new career that works for you. To get started with us, contact Concentric Healthcare Staffing today.

Posted 5/17/24