1. CHAPTER 14
YOUR NURSING CAREER

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. Getting Started
SWOT
Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats

7. 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, Tries B. Strengths, Work preferences, Opportunities, Tries C. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats D. Stagnant, Weaknesses, Options, Threats

8. 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

9. 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

10. Who is your employer? Review mission statement
Philosophy and Objectives
of Nursing
Talk to others
Internet search

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

12. Resume Essentials Standard Chronological Functional Objective School
Experience
Qualifications

13. A resume is your personal data sheet
A resume is your personal data sheet. Helpful tips when preparing a resume include:
A. Using a fancy binder that includes pictures B. Stating salary information and marital status C. Providing educational background, and it should be no more than two pages D. Using a small font and listing hobbies

14. Job Search Letters Cover, 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

15. 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?

16. 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

17. 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

18. Questions that may lead to discrimination… age, gender, race, religion, ethnicity… are illegal

19. Other
Appearance
Handshake
Eye contact
Posture
Listening

20. Additional Question Tips
Do not begin with questions about vacation, benefits, or sick leave
Begin with questions about the employer’s expectations of you
Be sure you know enough about the position to make a reasonable decision

21. Questions What is this position’s 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?

22. The Second Interview Dress professionally Be professional and pleasant
Do not smoke
Remember “table manners”
Avoid controversial topics for small talk

23. Obtaining a second interview means that the first interview went well
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 sandals B. Smoking while discussing controversial topics C. Dressing professionally and remembering your manners D. None of the above

24. When asking job questions during a job interview, begin with asking about:
A. Vacation and benefits B. Sick time and leaves of absence C. The employer's expectations of you D. Family and common friends

25. Making the Right Choice
Job content
Development
Direction
Work climate

26. 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

27. Career opportunities are influenced by first impressions
Career opportunities are influenced by first impressions. To help ensure first-year success, it is important to:
A. Not become a team player B. Discourage mentors C. Adopt the right attitude and manage a good impression D. Be a know-it-all

28. 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.

29. 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