YOUR NURSING CAREER

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CHAPTER 14

• YOUR NURSING CAREER

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Objectives

• Upon completion of this topic, the student will
  be able to
• 1. Complete a SWOT analysis.
• 2. Identify methods to initiate a job search.
• 3. Describe how to become a career survivalist.
• 4. Discuss the common skills that employers
  have identified as important to bring to a
  position.

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• 5. Explain why it is important to research a
  potential employer.
• 6. Discuss various aspects of the resume
  reasons for preparing a resume, the essential
  components of a resume, objective, education, and
  skills and experience.
• 7. Examine the principles of writing job
  related letters- cover letters, thank-you letter,
  acceptance letter, rejection letter.

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• 8. Explain the interview process - initial
  interview, answering questions, background
  questions, professional questions vs. personal
  questions, appearance, hand-shake, eye contact,
  listening skills, asking questions, the do's and
  don'ts of interviewing, and the second interview.
• 9. Discuss the factors considered in making the
  right job selection - job content, development,
  direction, work climate, compensation.

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• 10. Identify and discuss methods of ensuring a
  successful first year at a job - attitude and
  expectations, impressions and relationships,
  organizational savvy, and skills and knowledge.
• 11. Apply concepts related to career, and
  critical thinking to client scenarios and

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Getting Started

• SWOT
• Strengths
• Weaknesses
• Opportunities
• Threats

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• The SWOT analysis is an in-depth look at what
  will make you happy in your work. The acronym
  SWOT stands for
• A. Stop, Waiting, Opportunities, TriesB.
  Strengths, Work preferences, Opportunities,
  TriesC. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities,
  ThreatsD. Stagnant, Weaknesses, Options, Threats

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Career survivalist focuses...

• On be psychologically self employed
• On learning for employability
• On planning for your financial future
• On developing multiple options
• On building a safety net

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What do employers think you need to be ready to
work for them?

• Motivation, initiative, and flexibility
• Critical thinking and analytical skills
• Computer knowledge
• Problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Self discipline
• Organizational skills

• Ability to assume responsibility
• Interpersonal skills
• Proficiency/
• competence
• Teamwork ability
• Willing to work hard
• Leadership abilities

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Who is your employer?

• Review mission statement
• Philosophy and Objectives
• of Nursing
• Talk to others
• Internet search

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Resume

• Self-advertisement
• First impression
• Demonstrates potential
• Identifies strong points
• Gives you credit
• Reminder
• Provides initial introduction
• Guides

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Resume Essentials

• Standard
• Chronological
• Functional

• Objective
• School
• Experience
• Qualifications

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• A resume is your personal data sheet. Helpful
  tips when preparing a resume include
• A. Using a fancy binder that includes
  picturesB. Stating salary information and
  marital statusC. Providing educational
  background, and it should be no more than two
  pagesD. Using a small font and listing hobbies

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Job Search LettersCover, Thank you, Acceptance,
Rejection

• State purpose
• Most important first
• Organized
• Group similar items together
• Personalize
• Be direct and brief

• Use active voice
• Be positive and optimistic
• Address individual if possible
• Be honest

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The Interview

• Know the organization
• Why should they hire you?
• What kind of employee will you be?
• How long will you stay?
• What are your weaknesses?

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Professional Questions

• What is your philosophy of nursing?
• What is your greatest weakness?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
• What are your educational goals?
• Describe your leadership style?
• What can you contribute to this position? What
  unique skills do you offer?
• What are you salary requirements
• What if questions

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Personal Questions

• How would you describe yourself?
• How would your peers describe you?
• What would make you happy with this position?
• Describe your ideal work environment?
• Describe hobbies, community activities, and
  recreation

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• Questions that may lead to discrimination age,
  gender, race, religion, ethnicity are illegal

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Other

• Appearance
• Handshake
• Eye contact
• Posture
• Listening

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Additional Question Tips

• Do not begin with questions about vacation,
  benefits, or sick leave
• Begin with questions about the employers
  expectations of you
• Be sure you know enough about the position to
  make a reasonable decision

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Questions

• What is this positions key responsibility
• What are the challenges of the position?
• Why is this position open? Why did the previous
  person leave this position?
• What are your expectations?
• What are the opportunities for professional
  growth are available?
• How, when, and by whom are evaluations done?

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The Second Interview

• Dress professionally
• Be professional and pleasant
• Do not smoke
• Remember table manners
• Avoid controversial topics for small talk

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• Obtaining a second interview means that the first
  interview went well. Pointers to making a second
  interview successful may include
• A. Wearing open-toed shoes or sandalsB. Smoking
  while discussing controversial topicsC. Dressing
  professionally and remembering your mannersD.
  None of the above

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• When asking job questions during a job interview,
  begin with asking about
• A. Vacation and benefitsB. Sick time and leaves
  of absenceC. The employer's expectations of
  youD. Family and common friends

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Making the Right Choice

• Job content
• Development
• Direction
• Work climate

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The Critical First Year

• Adopt the right attitudes, and adjust your
  expectations
• Manage a good impression, and build effective
  relationships
• Develop organizational savvy
• Master the skills and knowledge of the position

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• Career opportunities are influenced by first
  impressions. To help ensure first-year success,
  it is important to
• A. Not become a team playerB. Discourage
  mentorsC. Adopt the right attitude and manage a
  good impressionD. Be a know-it-all

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Conclusion

• Finding your first position is
• More than being in the right place at the right
  time
• A complex combination of learning about yourself
  and the organizations in which you are interested
• Presenting your strengths and weaknesses in the
  most positive manner possible.

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Conclusion

• Remember
• Recognize that the independence and the ability
  to "do your own thing" may not be the skills you
  need to keep you in your first position
• Be a team player
• Learn about organizational politics
• Find a mentor