Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2008 by Mosby Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2008 by Mosby Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

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Chapter 27Job Search: Finding Your Match

Copyright © 2014 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

Knowing oneself The choice of the first nursing position deserves study Consult an instructor, a job counselor, or a trusted

nursing mentor for objective input Review general interests, abilities, and strengths Consider physical and emotional stamina Consider energy level and responsibilities to others Consider long-term goals

Exploring Options

Copyright © 2014 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 3

Manifest a philosophy of clinical care, emphasizing quality, safety, interdisciplinary collaboration, continuity of care, and professional accountability

Recognize the value of nurses’ expertise as it relates to clinical care quality and patient outcomes

Hallmarks of the Professional Practice Environment


Promote executive level nursing leadership Empower nurses’ participation in clinical decision making

and organization of clinical care systems Demonstrate professional development support for

nurses Maintain clinical advancement programs that are based

on education, certification, and advanced preparation Create collaborative relationships among members of the

health care team Apply technological advances in clinical care and

information systems

Hallmarks of the Professional Practice Environment (cont'd)


Cover letter Provides an opportunity to sell oneself and make the recruiter look

forward to meeting an attractive candidate Reflects the nurse’s own style of writing, not copied from a book Should be a clean, direct, and perfect letter on a single page of

heavyweight bond paper Addressed to a specific person Single-spaced and three to four paragraphs, skipping a line

between paragraphs• Paragraph one: statement of purpose• Paragraph two: emphasizes writer’s suitability• Paragraph three: requests an interview appointment and gives a

range of dates Follow up by telephone 1 week later to make sure the letter was

received. Be very courteous

Written Introductions


Should compress education and employment history into an attractive, easy-to-read summary, one – two pages

Three essential sections• Identifying information• Education• Work experience and employment history

Optional information may include professional objectives, honors, achievements, and professional organization memberships

References do not need to be included but should be prepared and ready for presentation when requested

Produce the résumé neatly and inexpensively

How to Prepare a Résumé


1. Which of the following statements used in a resume for a nurse just entering the workforce would produce the best results?

A. “Graduation with high honors will be awarded along with my nursing degree.”

B. “I will be graduating with honors.” C. “A project on diverse populations will be

presented to the state nursing association before graduation as part of my course requirements.”

D. “Every week, volunteer work is donated by students from my school for the local senior citizen’s agency.“


Allows nurse to showcase credentials Provides concrete examples of professional competence

Supervisor evaluations from nonnursing positions Clinical evaluations Papers and other student projects Letters of recommendation Résumé Diploma Transcripts Honors, awards Evidence of professional community activities

Portfolio


Plan ahead Self-talk – think positively, say “I can” Rehearse

How to Interview Effectively


Be informed of available positions and minimum qualifications

Apply for available position for which he or she is qualified

Be seriously and fairly considered Have an interview and be shown a job description Be informed of the benefits package See the nursing unit, and meet the manager if one is

being seriously considered Be made aware of the orientation program Be given an expected time when a decision will be made

Applicant’s Rights


Dress appropriately Business-style clothing: neat dress, suit, or pantsuit

for women; tie and suit or sport coat for men Jeans and clothes that are too tight, short, or trendy

are not acceptable Facial makeup should be light; avoid fragrances Avoid large, distracting jewelry

Arrive on time Bring a résumé even if one has already been

submitted

Prepare for the Interview


What positions interest you? Tell me about your work history How did you choose to apply for a job here? Do you want a full-time or a part-time position, and

what shift are you looking for? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What would you do if…? Why should we hire you? What questions do you have?

Eight of the Most Frequently Asked Questions


The recruiter should inform applicants of basic human resource policies regarding job descriptions, compensation, benefits, and staff development

Examples of appropriate questions to ask: May I see the job description? What is the nurse-patient ratio? How long is the orientation program? How will my performance be evaluated? What will my salary be? What other benefits are there? What will my schedule or shift be?

How to Interview Effectively


2. Which of the following questions would be inappropriate for a nurse recruiter to ask during an interview?

A. “What is your religious preference?” B. “Why did you leave your last job?” C. “Why do you want to be a nurse?” D. “Why are you applying to this organization?”


Assess the climate of the work environment Is a tone of respect and pride used by the

organization? In the hallways, do people acknowledge each other? Read in-house publications that are available to you

The Applicant’s Tasks


Ask for a tour Ask to meet the immediate supervisor Pay attention to pace, staff interactions, and morale Is the manager accessible to the staff? How do people seem to be getting along? Note bulletin boards and public displays of staff

recognition Opportunities for the applicant to meet with the staff

may be offered

The Applicant’s Tasks (cont'd)


Assessment tool for decision making Standards of nursing practice are evident and integral to patient

care Nurse-patient ratio is adequate and is adjusted for patient acuity Orientation is structured, individualized, and adequate for new

graduates Opportunities for horizontal transfer and advancement exist Salary is competitive and reasonable Benefits are competitive Continuing education is available A nurse administrator is responsible for delivery of nursing

services



Follow up Send a thank-you letter to the recruiter a few days

after the interview• Demonstrates courtesy• Reminder of the applicant’s interest in receiving a timely

response Avoid impulse decisions

• Do not feel pressured to accept a position while still unsure• Offer to telephone the recruiter with an answer within an

agreed on time• Compare other job offers



Weigh options Does the position match the nurse’s qualifications? What are the actual responsibilities of the job? Does the position lead the nurse in the direction of

projected career goals? How will the work be compensated?



Determine qualifications Meets the minimum requirements for the position? Suitable for contributing to the mission of the health

care delivery system? Any evidence that the nurse is impaired in terms of

providing safe nursing care?• Incompetence or unprofessional conduct• Unreliability in attendance• Chemical dependency• Criminal activity

Validate applications: work history and references will be checked to ensure accuracy

The Employer’s Tasks


Pre-employment physical examination Done at the employer’s expense Probably includes urine drug screen Ensures protection for patients Ensures that the person can carry out the necessary

physical responsibilities of the job Even after a job offer is made, start dates might be

contingent on final screenings, reference checks, and résumé verification

The Employer’s Tasks (cont'd)


Pre-employment skills testing: may include a pharmacology test and clinical skills test

Commitment Once applicant has been selected, agency has

committed to costly training and orientation A thorough selection process indicates a desirable

employer for a committed professional

The Employer’s Tasks (cont'd)


Mosby items and derived items © 2011, 2008 by Mosby Inc., an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

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