Social media plays a significant role in our lives nowadays. It’s a pretty easy way of communication between people from all over the world. As much as it is used for fun, it’s also beginning to be used professionally. Some platforms allow users to connect in a professional setting — one of these is LinkedIn. Let’s talk about why nurses need LinkedIn and how to use it.

Going professional online as a nurse

Although nursing may seem like a traditional job that is not usually associated with social media, the field has kept up with the times.

Nurses of today most often need a LinkedIn for a variety of reasons. If you’re unfamiliar with the site and how to operate it, here’s a handy guide to help you find your way around LinkedIn.

Why do nurses need LinkedIn?

LinkedIn can be a way of networking

It allows nurses to connect with other healthcare professionals, share their experiences and expertise, and stay informed about any developments in the industry. LinkedIn may help you find a mentor or professional friends who can help build your career. 

It can be an effective way for nurses to build professional relationships and advance their careers.

Show credibility and trustworthiness

A professional profile on LinkedIn can allow nurses to demonstrate their qualifications, certifications, and experience in the healthcare industry. You can also showcase your skills through endorsements and recommendations from your peers.

This system of endorsements and recommendations will boost your credibility as your co-workers leave behind tangible proof of your capabilities.

Can lead you to nursing groups and organizations

Why nurses need LinkedIn and how to use it is not only limited to individuality. LinkedIn is an excellent platform for nurses to connect with nursing groups and organizations. 

Joining relevant nursing groups can lead to opportunities for you to step up your career ladder. These groups and organizations will often help you enter specialties or pursue further education.

There are groups for specific specialties and nurses working in particular areas. Joining these groups can give nurses access to valuable resources, such as continuing education opportunities and networking events. 

You can even create your group to connect with other nurses and share knowledge and resources.

Help employers perceive you

This platform in social media can showcase your professional qualifications and experience to potential employers. 

Making a comprehensive and well-crafted profile highlighting your education, certifications, and work experience in the healthcare industry will grab an employer’s attention.

Nurses can use LinkedIn to connect with other healthcare professionals, including potential employers, which can increase their visibility and help them get noticed by recruiters and hiring managers. 

Engaging in professional groups and discussions will demonstrate your field knowledge and expertise. This, in turn, helps employers perceive you as a valuable and skilled nurse. 

How to use LinkedIn?

Now that you know how nurses need LinkedIn, let’s move forward and discuss how to use it.

Select a profile picture

Choose an image that is professional and represents you well. A good profile picture should be a recent headshot with a neutral background and be in proper focus.

Remember to dress appropriately and have a natural expression. Avoid using selfies or casual photos, and opt for professional pictures.

Selecting a professional and appropriate profile picture can make a positive first impression and stand out among your peers.

Add in your credentials

Showcase your qualifications and expertise to potential employers and colleagues. Some examples of credentials you can add include your education, certifications, licenses, and awards.

Ensure to include the name of the institution you attended, the date of graduation or certification, and the specific degree or certificate you received. 

You can also add any publications or presentations you have made, professional memberships, and any volunteer or leadership experience. A life hack is adding your credential to your name by typing it in as part of it. This way, it will appear to employers as soon as they see your name.

Provide a brief narration about yourself

LinkedIn requires an opening spiel that will entice people to look at your profile. Let your personality shine through in this brief segment while keeping it appropriate.

State what you want when using LinkedIn, and be polite and decent. This should be catchy and serve as the hook to lure people into your profile. 

Summarize your resume and experience

It is also a good idea to list your skills and expertise on your profile. Add in any relevant industry experience, as it helps to give a comprehensive picture of your qualifications to potential employers or colleagues.

Pick the highlights and most important parts of your resume and put these on your LinkedIn.

Obtain recommendations

The best way to ensure your LinkedIn profile seems trustworthy is through recommendations and endorsements. Get your colleagues to leave honest reviews about your work.

Use LinkedIn to jumpstart your career

LinkedIn is an essential digital tool for a nurse. It can be the gateway to more opportunities and an introduction to who you are as a nurse. There are many reasons why nurses need LinkedIn, and how to use it is relatively easy. Start creating and curating your LinkedIn as early as now, and you will reap the rewards.