25 Insider Career Tips for Nursing & Healthcare Students (From the Experts)

Starting a career in nursing or healthcare requires more than just good grades. It demands quick thinking, physical stamina, and the ability to connect with patients who may be scared or unwell. To help you navigate your first year and build a lasting career, we've gathered 25 practical tips from seasoned professionals.

Explore Nontraditional Health Roles

Brooke Skovira, MBA, BSN, RN, advises: "Remember that there is more than one way to help people. Don’t be afraid to explore non-traditional roles in startups, especially those building in health tech and clinical AI. Your education and clinical experience can set you apart. Stay curious, explore what’s out there, never stop learning, and don’t be afraid to build a path that looks a little different!"

Build Bedside Foundations

Aalaa Ahmad, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, shares: "Don’t rush out of bedside nursing. I spent a decade in the ICU and neuroscience unit. That clinical foundation became my credibility. Recruiters hiring for advanced or niche positions consistently look for nurses who’ve handled real pressure. When employers come to your campus, flip the script: ask them, 'What does the first two years of growth actually look like here?' That question separates candidates who want a job from candidates who want a career."

Coordinate Whole-Person Care

Justin Wright, Founder & Clinical Director, emphasizes: "Learn to read the whole patient, not just the chart. Get comfortable being the person who asks the 'dumb' question—like whether a patient’s prescribing physician knows what’s about to happen in your department. The nurses and allied health professionals who flag gaps early are irreplaceable. Employers worth working for will notice who asks about interdisciplinary communication on day one."

Question Evidence Critically

Andrzej Kulesza, Co-Founder & Medical Director, advises: "Learn to read evidence critically and treat statistics as a core skill. Biology graduates who can tell a strong study from a weak one and explain the difference in plain language are rare and valuable. Also, get close to real patients early, even through volunteering. Mechanisms make far more sense once you’ve seen what a disease actually does to a person and their family."

Choose Strong Supervision

Joshua Zeises, BBA, CEO & CMO, suggests: "Look closely at the supervision and support available after orientation, not just the employer’s name or compensation. Ask who provides support when you’re unsure how to proceed, how escalation works, and what happens when the usual supervisor is unavailable. Clear answers help you understand how the organization handles supervision and decision-making. Choosing a first job with clear supervision builds confidence and sound professional habits."

Protect Your Emotional Well-Being

Shebna N. Osanmoh, PMHNP-BC, MSN, psychiatric nurse practitioner, says: "Prioritize emotional resilience and self-care boundaries right alongside your clinical skill development. Healthcare demands immense physical and emotional energy. Learning to protect your mental well-being early on is as vital as mastering technical protocols. Build strong support systems and boundary-setting habits now for a sustainable, long-term career."

Document Experiences for Interviews

Michael McMahon, Ed.D, Vice President of Enrollment Management, advises: "Document your clinical experiences—such as a difficult patient interaction that was resolved or a situation where you played a significant role. This documentation provides evidence of being a hard worker and a good teammate when asked in interviews. Also, research the organization before the interview to know what types of patients they serve and their values. Professionalism begins months before you start work."

Gain Hands-On Experience

Jan Lutz, Director HR, recommends: "Get real hands-on experience before you graduate. Good grades are important, but they are not enough. Volunteer at local healthcare facilities, request job shadows, take courses for certifications like first aid or CPR, and talk to practicing nurses about the most shocking things they learned on the job. Employers look for experience and compassion—include these on your resume!"