More job-seeking healthcare professionals are turning to social media websites for job leads, networking opportunities, career-building activities, and to submit applications. While the innovative new platforms offer ample opportunity for those in the healthcare field, the NNA warns Notaries to always protect their private information to prevent identity theft or fraud.
Findings of the second annual ANM Healthcare “Use of Social Media and Mobile by Healthcare Professionals” survey show that in 2011, more physicians, nurses, allied health professionals and pharmacists turned to social media and mobile devices than had the prior year. Of those, most reported having spent more time on the sites, and having secured interviews, offers and new positions as a direct result of mobile job alerts.
AMN Healthcare reported the following survey findings:
- In 2011, 1 in 3 respondents cited use of social media when searching for a job, compared with 1 in 5 in 2010.
- Nearly half of all healthcare professionals surveyed said they use social media for professional networking.
- More healthcare professionals are using mobile job alerts year-over-year and success rates are up as well. Of those using job alerts, 10 percent received an interview, 14 percent received a job offer and 8 percent secured a job (compared to 1 percent securing a job from social media in 2010).
- Physicians continue to be the heaviest users of mobile devices among their medical colleagues for professional reasons; 41 percent of physicians cited use of mobile devices or tablets for healthcare-related content or jobs in 2011.
- Facebook was once again chosen by 3 out of 4 healthcare professionals surveyed as their most favored site for career-seeking opportunities.
Healthcare professionals who use social networking platforms — whether via a computer or mobile device — should always exercise caution and never share private information that could result in fraud or identity theft.