Newspaper, Friends, Internet, Nursing journals job sections, Job fairs, Open houses

What are Different ways of applying for positions

Online, Written application / hand it in,  Paper, Job fairs / open houses, Networking

1^st introduction a prospective employer will have to you

Gives employer a basic idea of who you are professionally and what your objectives are for your nursing career

·         1 page and to the point

·         Demographics: name & how to reach (address, e-mail, phone)

·         Professional objective (important to describe the position applying for, and what dept. of nursing you are interested in)

·         Professional experience (current to past – within last 7 years, what achieved in jobs) – good place to highlight skills you have that are important to employer

·         Education (college, if GPA ≥ 3.6 include it)

·         Licensure (list state of license, when issued, when expires)

·         Professional organizations (optional)

·         Honors & awards (for special skills or volunteer work, scholarships) (optional)

·         Service/volunteer work

·         Religion

·         Age

·         Marital status

·         Children

·         Pictures

·         Hobbies / interests

Good quality and condition, light colored paper

Dark ink (preferably black)

Use spacing, do not make it look cluttered

·         Addressed to someone in particular

·         State why you want the job at this facility

·         Identify your unique background that fits their needs

·         Statements that compel the recruiter to call you

·         Personal contact info at top

·         References upon request at the bottom

Business letter format / no misspellings 

Organized & energetic

Ability to solve complex problems in a fast paced environment

You should identify when you want to begin employment at the time of the interview

True or False?

From the time you leave your car

With a non-nursing employee (HR, recruiter) – AVOID use of medical terms / be friendly

With a nursing manager

With a group of employees

With one or more physicians

 What are Subjective factors that may influence the interview

·         Dress

·         Jewelry

·         Perfume/cologne

·         Punctuality

·         Voice

·         Breath

US citizenship

Native tongue

Age, Marital Status

Plan for Children

Height, Weight

Disabilities, Medical Issues

Arrested, Convicted

Military Status

·         Orientation time (all on floor or theory as well)

·         Patient ratio

·         Types of patients

·         Floor mission/philosophy (floor goals)

·         Pay (larger institution, less negotiation)

·         Service provided on unit

·         Hours and shifts required

·         Care model used

·         Opportunities for advancement

Benefits

·         Interest and actions to nurture / foster another’s growth and ability by investing personal time and energy into that person

·         Shares personal wisdom and knowledge that encourages independence, empowerment, and encouragement

·         Teaches networking

·         Trusted advisor, friend, teacher, guide, wise person

·         Informal

Characteristics of  a successful mentor

·         Communicates high expectations

·         Good listener

·         Demonstrates empathy

·         Offers encouragement

·         Offers generosity

·         Management jobs

·         Facility requirements

·         Higher education and standards

·         Ability to teach

·         Practitioner

·         Teaches better organization

Accreditation

In regards to the profession, nurses are:

·         Autonomous

·         Competent

·         Science driven, decision makers

·         Caring, compassionate and concerned pt advocates

Generalist vs. Specialist, Setting, Hours, Balancing work with family or education, Future career and educational goals, Needs for money, benefits, etc., Be architect of your career, Be informed / selective, Assess interests, Weigh pros & cons of various positions, Likes / Dislikes

·         Increased acuity in all settings

·         Increased reliance on unlicensed assistive personnel

·         Cross-training of personnel to perform new roles

·         New care settings: assisted living, senior living, etc.

·         ONLY hiring BSN nurses

·         Eliminating LPNs in certain settings