Landing a Nursing Job at Kaiser Permanente

Sup nurses!

Kaiser Permanente is known for offering some of the highest nursing salaries in Northern California.

I mean, c’mon, I get paid $103/hr as an evening shift ER nurse and Monica gets paid $133/hr as a per diem night shift tele nurse.

But getting your foot in the door isn't always straightforward.

So, let's uncover some unique, lesser-known tips that can increase your chances of landing that coveted position.

1. Understand Kaiser's Hiring Cycles

Kaiser Permanente often hires in cycles based on budget allocations and staffing needs. Timing your application can make a significant difference.

- Tip: Aim to apply just before the fiscal year begins (usually in January) or mid-year when departments reassess their budgets. Hiring managers may have fresh budgets to bring on new staff during these times. I applied for jobs at Kaiser for 8 months before I finally got a follow-up email and, eventually, an interview. My start date was January 16th. Monica, on the other hand, was hired in August. So, keep this in mind when you’re thinking about applying—it can take some time!

2. Leverage Internal Referrals

An internal referral can fast-track your application.

- Tip: Network with current Kaiser nurses. Attend nursing conferences, join local nursing associations, or connect via professional social media platforms like LinkedIn. A referral from a current employee can significantly boost your application's visibility. Many nurses have used me as a referral and successfully secured jobs. So, if you’d like, feel free to use my name, Jason Nunez, as your referral (I get a referral bonus from Kaiser if you’re hired). I work in the ER department. Also, let me know the job ID you applied for, and be sure to notify me if you get an offer!

3. Tailor Your Resume to Kaiser's Values

Kaiser Permanente places a strong emphasis on patient-centered care and community wellness.

- Tip: Customize your resume and cover letter to reflect these values. Highlight any experience you have in community health, patient advocacy, or team-based care.

4. Get Familiar with Their Electronic Health Records (EHR) System

Kaiser uses a specific EHR system, and familiarity with it can set you apart.

- Tip: Train yourself on EPIC systems, which Kaiser commonly uses. There are online courses and certifications available. Mentioning this proficiency can make you a more attractive candidate.

5. Consider Less Competitive Locations

Some Kaiser facilities are in less saturated markets.

- Tip: Apply to positions in smaller cities, suburban areas, or areas that are too expensive for most middle-income Americans to live in. Apply to work at a Kaiser in San Francisco, Redwood City, or San Jose. These locations are some of the least competitive because they’re in cities with the highest cost of living in California. Once you’re in the Kaiser system, you can transfer internally after six months—no additional interview is needed.

6. Obtain Additional Certifications

Specialized skills can make your application stand out.

- Tip: Pursue certifications relevant to the unit you're applying for—like ACLS, PALS, or NIH Stroke Scale for critical care units. This shows you're committed and ready to contribute immediately.

7. Prepare for Behavioral Interviews

Kaiser's interview process often includes behavioral questions to assess cultural fit.

- Tip: Practice the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. Be ready with specific examples that showcase your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and adaptability. Before your official interview with the hiring manager, you’ll need to complete a virtual interview through HireVue’s platform, where you'll interact with a computer instead of a live person. You can visit this website to prepare for the interview.

8. Highlight Language Skills

Northern California is culturally diverse.

- Tip: If you speak a second language, especially Spanish or Mandarin, make sure to highlight this on your resume and during interviews. Being fluent in Spanish can be a huge asset in patient care. I’m pretty sure it boosted my chances of landing the job. So, make sure you highlight any additional languages you speak—it’s something you definitely don’t want to skip!

9. Engage in Volunteer Work

Community involvement aligns with Kaiser's mission.

- Tip: Participate in local health fairs, free clinics, or community wellness programs. This not only enriches your experience but also demonstrates your commitment to Kaiser's community-focused approach.

10. Follow Up Professionally

A simple follow-up can keep you top of mind.

- Tip: Send a thank-you email after your interview, reiterating your interest in the position and reflecting briefly on how you can contribute to the team.

11. Use Kaiser's Talent Network

Stay informed about new openings.

- Tip: Join Kaiser's Talent Network on their careers website. You'll receive notifications about new job postings that match your interests and skills.

12. Consider Temporary or Per Diem Positions

Starting in a flexible role can lead to permanent employment.

- Tip: Apply for per diem or temporary positions. These roles can help you get your foot in the door and showcase your abilities to hiring managers.

13. Use Recruitment Platforms Like Incredible Health

Let experts connect you with the right opportunities.

• Tip: Sign up with platforms like Incredible Health, which specialize in matching nurses with employers that fit their preferences. We've consulted several nurses who have received multiple job offers within 1 to 2 weeks through this service. Incredible Health's motto is to find a nurse a job within 14 to 21 days. These platforms can expedite the hiring process by connecting you directly with hiring managers actively looking for candidates like you.

14. Optimize Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Make sure your resume gets seen.

• Tip: Get your resume professionally written or reviewed to ensure it includes relevant keywords and formats that pass through Kaiser's Applicant Tracking System. You can use websites like Fiverr to hire a professional resume writer. An ATS-friendly resume increases the chances of your application reaching human eyes.

Final Thoughts

Landing a job at Kaiser Permanente can transform your career and financial goals. By using these unique tips, you're not just submitting an application; you're positioning yourself for success.

Remember, the journey may require patience and persistence, but the rewards—a higher salary, better work-life balance, and opportunities for growth—are well worth it.

Join the Nurses to Riches Accelerator Program

If you appreciate the transparency in this newsletter, we share even more with our members in the Nurses to Riches Accelerator Program.

This program was created for nurses who want to move to California and earn $200,000 per year while working fewer than 40 hours per week (you can actually do it while working 32 hours per week if you follow our plan).

It teaches you:

• Whether California is (or isn't) for you

• How to get licensed in California

• How to plan before you move

• How to find a hospital that makes sense for you

• How to analyze and determine your wage on a hospital-by-hospital basis using our Top California Hospitals Spreadsheet

• How to determine which city makes the most sense to live in using our Ultimate Salaries Spreadsheet with Cost of Living data

• How to work smarter, not harder, so you can reduce your working hours and make more money

• How to get rid of your debt (we paid off $128,000 in less than one year)

• How to begin investing your money

If this sounds good to you, visit our website and use coupon code “LOYAL5” to get an additional 5% off the already heavily discounted 50% off, as a thank you for being a subscriber to our newsletter. Hurry before we increase our prices!

Until next time,

Jason

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P.S. Check out our latest YouTube video where we drive around and talk about the increasing and unchecked homelessness epidemic in Sacramento.