Why health care professionals should consider LinkedIn

These tips were compiled by Edson Alumni Coordinator, Angie Haskovec and Associate Director for Alumni Engagement at ASU, Melanie Burm.

LinkedIn is the largest online network for working professionals, which is why creating and maintaining a profile is extremely beneficial for those in the health care industry or those interested in getting into the industry, including students.

The top reason to have an account on LinkedIn is so you can expand your professional presence far beyond the reach of your current position and immediate colleagues.

Using this platform is an easy, practical and relevant way to build and strengthen your nursing and health care network.

One way to start building your network is to join organizations or industry groups that you’re interested in. These groups house a wealth of information allowing you to connect with peers in other health care systems and stay up to date on the latest trends and research in the field.

It’s also a great place to establish yourself as a subject-matter expert—we’ll have more on that later.

The bottom line is that connections are key to creating a strong, vibrant LinkedIn community! Don’t be afraid to reach out and make new ones, or reignite old ones.

Following the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation page and adding CONHI under your education makes it simple to connect with old classmates and fellow alumni.

Having a solid profile and network will really come in handy if you find yourself in the market for a new job.  

Many health care companies, hospitals and clinics post current openings directly on their LinkedIn pages.  Not only can you find details about how to apply for the job but you can see what connections you have with other health care professionals working at the same place.  You can send messages to those contacts through LinkedIn to get an inside perspective on what it is like to work for that employer.

Because LinkedIn is available 24/7 it doesn’t matter if you work the day shift, night shift or in-between. Connecting with others and expanding your professional network is always available to you.