Page 233 - Essentials of Nursing Leadership and Management, 5th Edition

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220 unit 3 | Professional Issues CikguOnline
trends in nursing, adjacent fields, lateral moves, frequently for advertising and recruitment
and special projects presents other options. (Hunsaker, 2001).
■ Build a safety net. Networking is extremely Regardless of where you begin your search,
important to the career survivalist. Joining pro- explore the market vigorously and thoroughly.
fessional organizations, taking time to build Looking only in the classified ads on Sunday morn-
long-term nursing relationships, and getting to ing is a limited search. Instead, speak to everyone
know other career survivalists will make your you know about your job search. Encourage class-
career path more enjoyable and successful. mates and colleagues to share contacts with you,and
do the same for them. Also, when possible, try to
What do employers think you need to be ready to
speak directly with the person who is looking for a
work for them? In addition to passing the National
nurse when you hear of a possible opening. The
Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX),
people in Human Resources (Personnel) offices
employers cite the following skills as desirable in
may reject a candidate on a technicality that a nurse
job candidates (Shingleton, 1994):
manager would realize does not affect that person’s
Oral and Written Communication Skills ability to handle the job if he or she is otherwise a
good match for the position. For example, experi-
■ Ability to assume responsibility
ence in day surgery prepares a person to work in
■ Interpersonal skills
other surgery-related settings, but a human
■ Proficiency in field of study/technical
resources interviewer may not know this.
competence
Try to obtain as much information as you can
■ Teamwork ability
about the available position. Is there a match
■ Willingness to work hard
between your skills and interests and the position?
■ Leadership abilities
Ask yourself whether you are applying for this posi-
■ Motivation, initiative, and flexibility
tion because you really want it or just to gain inter-
■ Critical thinking and analytical skills
view experience. Be careful about going through the
■ Computer knowledge
interview process and receiving job offers only to
■ Problem-solving and decision-making abilities
turn them down. Employers may share information
■ Self-discipline
with one another, and you could end up being
■ Organizational skills
denied the position you really want. Regardless of
Active job searches may include looking in a where you explore potential opportunities, use these
variety of places (Beatty, 1991; Hunsaker, 2001): “pearls of wisdom” from career nurses:
■ Public employment agencies ■ Know yourself.
■ Private employment agencies ■ Seek out mentors and wise people.
■ Human resource departments ■ Be a risk taker.
■ Information from friends or relatives ■ Never, ever stop learning.
■ Newspapers; professional journals ■ Understand the business of health care.
■ College and university career centers ■ Involve yourself in community and professional
■ Career and job fairs organizations.
■ Internet Web sites ■ Network.
■ Other professionals (networking) ■ Understand diversity.
In recent years, three trends have emerged related ■ Be an effective communicator.
to recruiting. First, employers are using more cre- ■ Set short- and long-term goals, and strive
ativity by using alternative sources to increase continually to achieve them.
diversity of employees. They commonly have
advertisements in minority newspapers and maga- Researching Your Potential Employer
zines and recruit nurses at minority organizations. You have spent time taking a look at yourself and
Second, employers are using more temporary help the climate of the health-care job market. You have
as a way to evaluate potential employees. Nursing narrowed your choices to the organizations that
staffing agencies are common in most areas of really interest you. Now is the time to find out as
the county. Third, the Internet is being used more much as possible about these organizations.