How to Navigate and Succeed at the Nurse Job Fair in Jacksonville

The Nurse Job Fair in Jacksonville is one of the most significant annual events for nursing professionals seeking new opportunities in Northeast Florida. Whether you’re a recent graduate, an experienced registered nurse (RN), a licensed practical nurse (LPN), or a nurse practitioner (NP) looking to relocate or advance your career, this event offers direct access to top healthcare employers, hiring managers, and industry leaders. Unlike traditional job boards or online applications, a nurse job fair provides face-to-face interaction, immediate feedback, and the chance to stand out in a competitive market. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of preparing for, attending, and following up after the Nurse Job Fair in Jacksonville — ensuring you maximize your potential for employment and career growth.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Research the Event Details

Before investing time and effort into attending, gather accurate and up-to-date information about the Nurse Job Fair in Jacksonville. Start by visiting the official website of the organizing body — often a regional nursing association, hospital network, or workforce development agency. Key details to confirm include:

• Date and time of the event
• Location (venue name, address, parking availability)
• Registration requirements (is it free? Do you need to pre-register?)
• Expected employers and participating healthcare systems
• Special tracks or sessions (e.g., travel nursing, per diem roles, leadership positions)

Many job fairs now require online registration to manage attendance and provide attendees with digital materials in advance. Even if registration is not mandatory, signing up early gives you access to employer lists, floor maps, and pre-event webinars that can significantly improve your strategy.

Step 2: Assess Your Career Goals

Before you walk into the fair, know exactly what you’re looking for. Ask yourself:

• What type of nursing role are you targeting? (e.g., medical-surgical, ICU, pediatrics, ER, home health)
• Do you prefer hospital-based work, outpatient clinics, long-term care, or public health?
• Are you seeking full-time, part-time, per diem, or travel nursing opportunities?
• What shift preferences do you have? (Days, nights, weekends)
• Are there specific benefits or relocation packages you require?

Clarity in your goals allows you to prioritize which booths to visit and what questions to ask. For example, if you’re interested in neonatal intensive care, focus your efforts on hospitals with Level III or IV NICUs. If you’re relocating from another state, identify employers offering relocation assistance or licensure support.

Step 3: Update Your Resume and Portfolio

Your resume is your first impression — make it count. Tailor your nursing resume specifically for the Jacksonville market. Highlight:

• Relevant clinical experience with metrics (e.g., “Reduced patient fall rates by 30% in 6 months”)
• Special certifications (BLS, ACLS, PALS, CCRN, WOCN, etc.)
• Leadership roles, preceptor experience, or committee participation
• Technical skills (EMR/EHR systems like Epic, Cerner, Meditech)
• Education and licensure status (RN, BSN, MSN, APRN)

Use a clean, professional format — avoid graphics or fancy fonts that may not parse well in applicant tracking systems. Print at least five copies on high-quality paper. If you have a digital portfolio (e.g., a personal website with case studies, continuing education certificates, or patient satisfaction feedback), have the URL ready to share.

Step 4: Prepare Your Elevator Pitch

At a job fair, you’ll have 30 to 60 seconds to capture a recruiter’s attention. Craft a concise, compelling elevator pitch that answers:

• Who you are
• What you do
• What value you bring
• What you’re looking for

Example: “I’m a registered nurse with five years of experience in progressive care units, specializing in cardiac monitoring and patient education. I’ve led a unit-wide initiative to reduce readmissions by 22% through improved discharge planning. I’m seeking a full-time position in a hospital with strong nurse development programs and am particularly interested in opportunities in Jacksonville due to its growing healthcare infrastructure.”

Practice your pitch until it sounds natural — not rehearsed. Record yourself or practice with a friend to refine tone, pacing, and body language.

Step 5: Dress Professionally

First impressions matter — and in healthcare, professionalism is non-negotiable. Dress as if you’re attending a formal interview:

• Wear a tailored suit or professional blouse/blazer with slacks or a skirt
• Choose neutral colors (navy, gray, black, white)
• Keep accessories minimal and hair neatly styled
• Wear closed-toe, polished shoes
• Avoid strong perfumes or colognes

Even if the fair is casual, recruiters expect nursing candidates to project competence and reliability. Your appearance signals your attitude toward the profession and the employer.

Step 6: Bring Essential Materials

Prepare a professional carry-all (such as a briefcase or portfolio bag) with the following items:

• Five to ten printed resumes
• A notepad and pen for taking notes
• A list of target employers and questions to ask
• License and certification copies (or digital access via smartphone)
• Driver’s license or state ID
• Business cards (optional but recommended)
• Water bottle and snacks (to stay energized)

Do not rely on your phone to store your resume — technical glitches happen. Always have hard copies.

Step 7: Plan Your Route and Timing

Arrive early. Most job fairs open with the highest concentration of recruiters and the least crowd. This gives you a strategic advantage — you’ll have more time to speak with hiring managers before they get overwhelmed.

Obtain a floor map in advance. Identify the booths of your top three to five target employers and plan your route to visit them first. Prioritize employers who are actively hiring for your specialty.

Factor in travel time, parking, and security checkpoints. If you’re unfamiliar with the venue, do a virtual walkthrough using Google Maps or Street View.

Step 8: Engage Strategically at Each Booth

When you approach a booth, smile, make eye contact, and introduce yourself with your elevator pitch. Then, ask thoughtful questions such as:

• “What types of nursing positions are currently open in your [specific unit]?”
• “Can you tell me about your orientation and mentorship program for new hires?”
• “Do you offer tuition reimbursement or continuing education stipends?”
• “What is the typical nurse-to-patient ratio on your unit?”
• “Are there opportunities for advancement or specialization within your organization?”
• “Do you have any upcoming hiring deadlines or interview schedules?”

Listen actively. Take notes. Show genuine interest — recruiters can tell when someone is just collecting business cards versus truly engaging.

Don’t be afraid to ask for next steps: “What’s the best way to follow up after this event?” or “Could I schedule a brief phone call to discuss my qualifications further?”

Step 9: Collect Contact Information

At every booth you visit, ask for the recruiter’s name, title, and preferred method of contact. Write it down immediately after the conversation while it’s fresh in your mind. If they hand you a business card, scan it or photograph it for digital storage.

Also note:

• Position titles discussed
• Any special requirements (e.g., “Must have 2 years ICU experience”)
• Follow-up deadlines or timelines
• Any documents they requested

This information will be critical when you follow up later.

Step 10: Follow Up Within 48 Hours

Following up is where most candidates fail — and where you can outshine the competition. Within two days of the event, send personalized emails to each recruiter you spoke with.

Subject line: “Thank You – [Your Name] – Nurse Job Fair Jacksonville”

Body example:

Dear [Recruiter’s Name],

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me at the Nurse Job Fair in Jacksonville on [date]. I truly appreciated learning more about the open RN positions on your Medical-Surgical unit and your commitment to nurse retention through mentorship programs. My experience in managing complex cardiac patients and leading interdisciplinary rounds aligns closely with the needs you described.

I’ve attached my updated resume for your review and would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team. Please let me know if there’s a convenient time for a brief call or if you require any additional information.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

[Phone Number]

[Email Address]

[LinkedIn Profile (optional)]

Personalization is key. Avoid generic templates. Reference something specific from your conversation — it shows attentiveness and genuine interest.

Best Practices

Practice Active Listening

Many candidates focus too much on delivering their pitch and forget to listen. Active listening means paying full attention, nodding, asking follow-up questions, and paraphrasing what the recruiter says to confirm understanding. For example: “So if I understand correctly, you’re looking for someone with experience in telemetry and familiarity with Epic EMR — is that right?” This builds rapport and demonstrates communication skills — a critical competency for nurses.

Ask About Culture and Retention

Top employers want to hire nurses who will stay. Ask questions like:

• “What do you think makes nurses stay with your organization long-term?”
• “How does your team celebrate successes or support nurses during stressful periods?”
• “What’s the average tenure of nurses on your unit?”

These questions signal that you’re thinking beyond the paycheck — you’re thinking about sustainability, well-being, and professional fulfillment. Employers value candidates who prioritize culture fit.

Network Beyond the Booths

Job fairs aren’t just about recruiters. You’ll also encounter other nurses, educators, and industry vendors. Strike up conversations. Exchange contact information. You never know when a fellow nurse might refer you to a hidden opportunity or recommend you for a position not listed publicly.

Consider joining the local nursing association (e.g., Florida Nurses Association) or attending pre-fair networking mixers if available. Building a professional network in Jacksonville can open doors long after the event ends.

Be Honest About Your Qualifications

It’s tempting to exaggerate experience or skills to appear more competitive. But in healthcare, integrity is paramount. If you’re not certified in ACLS yet, say so — but add, “I’m enrolled in the course and expect to complete it by next month.” Honesty builds trust, and recruiters appreciate candidates who are transparent and motivated to grow.

Follow Up with a LinkedIn Connection

After sending your email, send a personalized LinkedIn request to each recruiter you met. Include a note: “Great meeting you at the Nurse Job Fair in Jacksonville — I’ve attached my resume and would welcome any advice on applying to your open roles.”

LinkedIn is often the primary tool recruiters use to screen candidates. A complete, professional profile with endorsements, publications, and continuing education credits can significantly strengthen your candidacy.

Stay Positive and Professional, Even If Rejected

Not every conversation will lead to an interview — and that’s okay. If a recruiter says, “We’re looking for someone with more ICU experience,” respond graciously: “Thank you for the feedback. I’m actively seeking additional ICU hours through per diem work and would appreciate being considered for future openings.”

Recruiters remember candidates who respond with professionalism and resilience. You may not get a job today — but you could be top of mind for the next opening.

Track Your Progress

Create a simple spreadsheet to track:

• Employer name
• Recruiter contact
• Position discussed
• Date of contact
• Follow-up sent (yes/no)
• Next steps
• Response received (yes/no)

This system keeps you organized and prevents you from missing deadlines or double-contacting the same person. It also helps you identify patterns — for example, if three employers mention a shortage of telemetry nurses, you might consider pursuing that specialty.

Tools and Resources

Official Event Platforms

Check the official Nurse Job Fair Jacksonville website for downloadable resources such as:

• Employer directory (with booth numbers and specialties)
• Pre-event webinars on resume writing and interview skills
• Virtual job fair platform links (if hybrid)

Organizers often partner with platforms like Handshake, Eventbrite, or JobFairX to manage registrations and provide digital tools for candidates.

Resume Builders and Templates

Use free, nurse-specific resume builders to ensure compliance with industry standards:

• Resume.io – Offers nursing templates with ATS-friendly formatting
• Novoresume – Includes healthcare-specific keywords
• Canva – For visually appealing (but simple) designs

Always export your final resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.

EMR/EHR System Guides

Many Jacksonville employers use Epic, Cerner, or Meditech. Familiarize yourself with the basics of these systems:

• Epic Learn – Free introductory modules
• Cerner Learning Portal – Publicly available training videos
• YouTube tutorials – Search “Epic nursing workflow demo”

Even basic knowledge of these systems signals tech-savviness — a highly valued trait.

Local Nursing Organizations

Connect with regional groups to stay informed about future opportunities:

• Florida Nurses Association (FNA) – Statewide advocacy and job board
• Jacksonville Nursing Alliance – Local networking and continuing education
• Southeast Florida Nurses Association (SEFNA) – Regional events and mentorship

Membership often includes access to exclusive job postings and career coaching.

Job Search Platforms

Even after the fair, continue your search on these platforms:

• Indeed – Filter by “nurse” and “Jacksonville, FL”
• LinkedIn Jobs – Set alerts for “RN,” “LPN,” “NP” roles
• Health eCareers – Healthcare-specific job board
• Becker’s Hospital Review – Lists openings at top hospital systems
• Florida Health Jobs – State-run portal for healthcare roles

Set up job alerts so you’re notified the moment new positions are posted.

Continuing Education Resources

Enhance your competitiveness by completing short, high-impact courses:

• ANCC – Free webinars and CE credits
• Coursera – “Nursing Leadership” or “Patient Safety” courses
• MedBridge – Clinical skills training (many free trials)
• Florida Board of Nursing – Required CE requirements and approved providers

Even one completed course listed on your resume can differentiate you from other applicants.

Real Examples

Example 1: Recent BSN Graduate Lands First RN Role

After graduating from the University of North Florida, Maria, a new RN, attended the Nurse Job Fair in Jacksonville with minimal experience but a strong resume highlighting her clinical rotations and volunteer work at a local free clinic. She prepared three tailored versions of her resume — one for med-surg, one for pediatrics, and one for telemetry. At the fair, she spoke with a recruiter from Baptist Health, who was impressed by her passion for patient education. She followed up within 24 hours with a personalized email and a link to a video she created explaining discharge instructions for diabetic patients (a class project). Two weeks later, she was offered a position on the med-surg unit with a sign-on bonus and tuition reimbursement for her MSN.

Example 2: Experienced LPN Transitions to RN

James, an LPN with 12 years in long-term care, wanted to advance to an RN role. He used the job fair to connect with Florida Coastal School of Nursing, which was offering an LPN-to-RN bridge program with employer partnerships. He spoke with a representative who explained that graduates of the program were guaranteed interviews with regional hospitals. James applied to the program the next day and was accepted. Within 18 months, he transitioned to an RN role at a Jacksonville hospital with a 25% salary increase.

Example 3: Travel Nurse Secures Permanent Position

Sarah, a travel nurse working in Jacksonville for six months, attended the job fair to explore permanent options. She brought her travel assignments, performance reviews, and references. She met a recruiter from Memorial Hospital who was impressed by her adaptability and patient satisfaction scores. She was offered a permanent position with full benefits, including housing stipend continuation for three months. She accepted — and now mentors new travel nurses in the same unit.

Example 4: Nurse Practitioner Finds Niche Role

Dr. Lena, an APRN with a focus on diabetes management, attended the fair seeking a role in community health. She connected with a nonprofit clinic that was launching a new diabetes outreach program. She presented a proposal she’d prepared on reducing A1C levels through mobile clinics — a concept they hadn’t considered. The clinic hired her as program director, and her proposal became the foundation of their statewide initiative.

FAQs

Do I need to pay to attend the Nurse Job Fair in Jacksonville?

No, most nurse job fairs in Jacksonville are free to attend for job seekers. Some may require pre-registration, but there is typically no fee. Be cautious of third-party sites asking for payment — always verify through the official event website.

Can I attend if I’m not a licensed nurse yet?

Yes. Many employers attend to recruit nursing students, recent graduates, and LPNs seeking to advance. Bring your transcript, clinical hours documentation, and proof of upcoming licensure exams.

What should I do if I don’t get an interview right away?

Don’t get discouraged. Many positions are filled weeks after the event. Continue following up, apply online through the employer’s careers page, and stay connected on LinkedIn. Sometimes, the best opportunities come from persistence.

Are there virtual options if I can’t attend in person?

Many job fairs now offer hybrid or virtual components. Check the official website for a virtual platform link, live chat sessions, or recorded employer presentations. You can still submit your resume and schedule virtual interviews.

How many employers typically attend?

The Nurse Job Fair in Jacksonville usually hosts 50–80 employers, including major hospital systems like Baptist Health, Memorial Healthcare, Mayo Clinic Florida, and smaller clinics, home health agencies, and government health departments.

What’s the best time to arrive?

Arrive within the first hour of opening. The first 90 minutes are the most productive — recruiters are fresh, and you’ll have more time to speak with them one-on-one.

Should I bring references?

Not unless asked. Have a list of three professional references ready to email upon request. Do not hand out physical copies unless requested.

Can I apply for multiple positions at the same employer?

Yes. If you’re qualified for more than one role, mention it. For example: “I’m interested in both the med-surg RN position and the float pool opportunity — could you advise which might be the best fit for my experience?”

What if I’m relocating from another state?

Be upfront about your relocation status. Ask: “Do you assist with Florida nursing license endorsement?” Many employers have processes in place to help out-of-state nurses transition smoothly.

Is it okay to ask about salary during the fair?

It’s acceptable to ask about salary ranges, but frame it tactfully: “Could you share the typical salary range for this position?” or “Is there a pay scale for RNs with my level of experience?” Avoid asking about benefits or vacation time unless the recruiter brings it up first.

Conclusion

The Nurse Job Fair in Jacksonville is more than just a gathering of employers and job seekers — it’s a strategic opportunity to launch, advance, or transform your nursing career. By approaching the event with preparation, professionalism, and purpose, you position yourself not as another applicant, but as a valuable future team member. The steps outlined in this guide — from researching employers to sending personalized follow-ups — are proven methods used by successful nurses who turned a single day into a career-defining moment.

Remember: the job fair is just the beginning. The real work happens in the days and weeks after — in your persistence, your communication, and your willingness to grow. Whether you’re a new graduate stepping into your first role or a seasoned nurse seeking a change, the tools, strategies, and mindset you develop here will serve you long after the event ends.

Take action today. Register for the fair. Polish your resume. Practice your pitch. And walk into that venue with confidence — because Jacksonville needs skilled, compassionate nurses like you.