Nursing is an occupation that doesn't stop at 5 p.m. when everyone else is heading home from work. Every night, many nurses put on their scrubs and head to work while everyone else is going to sleep. Caring for patients in hospitals, long-term care facilities and nursing homes is a 24/7 occupation.

With the new year just around the corner, many nursing professionals may be adding a new job to their list of resolutions. Whether you have a new nursing degree or many years of qualified nursing experience and education, you've worked hard to get where you are and deserve a position that is fulfilling and enjoyable. However, the reality is that the nursing job market is competitive, especially for top healthcare organizations. With the advancements in technology, employers and recruiters can quickly skim through hundreds of resumes in minutes. Here's what you need to know to stand out in the nursing job marketing in 2018.

While everyone else is lighting candles, caroling, opening gifts and spending time with family, healthcare workers are still caring for patients. Hospitals must remain fully staffed with doctors and nurses even around the holidays. Although for healthcare workers this may mean not being able to be home for the holidays and celebrate with family or friends, everyone can pull together to celebrate and make the best of their situations while caring for their patients.