Of course, at NIFA we're all about increasing your skill base. But even at your current level of training, if you're a perioperative nurse, you have a huge edge over the average Joe when it comes to looking for a job, because nursing skills are in demand.

But just because you can find a job doesn't mean you've found one that makes your heart sing.

That's the cue for many to start surfing the plethora of Internet
job boards for a better position. But according to my friend Lyn Chamberlin, a branding expert for corporations and individuals, that's the wrong place to start.

"I'm not saying don't use all the tools available," Lyn says. "By all means, comb through what's out there. But do it with a plan. Craft a strategy as if you were the marketing manager of your own product launch - with yourself as the product." 

That means, according to Lyn, sitting down and asking yourself some questions, like what attributes and experience do you have that others with your training don't have? What specific places would you like to work, and what specific job title are you seeking? How can you get the attention of the person with the power to hire you? And what problems does that person or company have that you can answer or solve?

At the very least, such a process helps you eliminate jobs that look interesting but aren't really right for you. A well-thought-out personal marketing campaign can put you in the enviable position of being able to cherry-pick your next job.

Since you are the product, you need to ascertain your value before launching your job campaign. Once you have cherry-picked your next job "be prepared," says Jeremy Gofton, NIFA's RNFA Program Director, "many nurses are too willing to accept the first offer from employers.

"By being prepared and knowing your value (in your market) in advance, there is a greater chance you will be able to get the rate you feel you deserve," he says. "Don't be intimidated. Well-qualified nurses are hard to find, so you're in the driver's seat. You can't lose what you don't have - so, go for it!"