Nursing Leadership &
Management
Patricia Kelly-Heidenthal
0-7668-2508-6
Delmar Learning
Copyright © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Thomson Learning company
Chapter 26
Career Planning
Delmar Learning
Copyright © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Thomson Learning company
Objectives

Upon completion of this chapter, the reader should be
able to:
•
•
•
•
Detail the process of a successful nursing job search.
Develop a resume and cover letter.
Identify appropriate dress for a successful job interview.
Discuss potential interview questions and identify
acceptable answers.
• Address key employment areas necessary to a successful
first job.
Chapter 26
Copyright © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Thomson Learning company
3
Beginning a Job Search





Requires focused effort
Requires preparation
May take time
Dependent on overall market and local conditions
Establish clinical area of interest and long-term goals
Chapter 26
Copyright © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Thomson Learning company
4
Sources of Job Leads




Newspapers
Bulletin boards, employment telephone lines
Job fairs
Electronic media, Internet
•
•
•
•
Search engines
Job boards
Agency and corporate sites
Media sites
Chapter 26
Copyright © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Thomson Learning company
5
Developing a Resume


A resume is a brief summary of your background,
training, and experience as well as your qualifications
for a position.
A resume:
• Gets the employer’s interest
• Identifies critical areas such as education, work experience,
and special qualifications
• Is tailored to the employer’s needs
Chapter 26
Copyright © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Thomson Learning company
6
Developing a Resume
• Creates a favorable first impression about you and your
abilities
• Communicates that you are someone who is a good fit for
the position
• Is visually appealing
• Is generally no longer than one to two pages
Chapter 26
Copyright © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Thomson Learning company
7
Elements of a Resume








Identifying information/heading
Career objective
Employment data/professional experience
Military experience
Formal education and specialized training
Professional organizations and memberships held
Awards and honors
References
Chapter 26
Copyright © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Thomson Learning company
8
The Chronological Resume


Lists jobs in reverse chronological order
Advantages:
• Most common type of resume
• Good for those with a steady work history, or new graduates
without a significant employment history
• Easier to write
Chapter 26
Copyright © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Thomson Learning company
9
The Chronological Resume

Disadvantages:
• Can highlight gaps in employment
• Harder to spot special qualifications, skills, and talents
• When career-switching, may not easily illustrate the fit
between careers
• If returning to work after several years’ absence, does not
readily show applicable experiences
Chapter 26
Copyright © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Thomson Learning company
10
The Functional Resume


Puts greater emphasis on skills and qualifications than
on chronology
Advantages:
• Good tool to use to deemphasize job titles, or issues with
consistent employment
• Can be used for people who have multiple careers or who
want to dramatically change their career focus
• Emphasizes skills and abilities rather than progressive job
responsibilities
Chapter 26
Copyright © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Thomson Learning company
11
The Functional Resume

Disadvantages:
• Less familiar to employers
• Harder to write
Chapter 26
Copyright © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Thomson Learning company
12
Resume Writing Using Action Verbs and
Phrases with Meaning



You have a very short time to get your message
across.
Every descriptive phrase should have significant
meaning.
Use strong action verbs, concrete nouns, and positive
modifiers.
Chapter 26
Copyright © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Thomson Learning company
13
Resume Writing Using Action Verbs and
Phrases with Meaning



Use meaningful phrases when one word does not fully
express the complete thought.
Meaningful phrases are continuations of strong action
verbs; e.g., “desire to achieve,” “organizational
ability,” “results oriented,” and “attention to detail.”
Emphasize your strengths.
Chapter 26
Copyright © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Thomson Learning company
14
Writing a Cover Letter



The cover letter is a one-page letter that has the
purpose of getting the prospective employer to
become interested enough to read the resume.
It presents highlights and a summary of the critical
points found on the resume.
Whenever possible, address it to a specific person.
Chapter 26
Copyright © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Thomson Learning company
15
Writing a Cover Letter



In the first paragraph, state who you are, what position
you are applying for, how you found out about the
position, and why you are interested in working at this
particular place.
The second paragraph should summarize your
qualifications for the position you are seeking.
In the last paragraph, repeat your interest in the job
and request an interview.
Chapter 26
Copyright © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Thomson Learning company
16
Developing an Electronic Resume


Sending a resume via e-mail requires special
considerations.
Type the resume using word processing software, then
save it in one of three formats:
• ASCII plain text (.txt)
• rich-text (.rft)
• hypertext (.html)
Chapter 26
Copyright © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Thomson Learning company
17
Developing an Electronic Resume


These formats make it easier to e-mail and read, but
they do not allow for extensive formatting within the
resume.
Use keywords when sending an electronic resume,
because recruiters search resume databases using
keywords.
Chapter 26
Copyright © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Thomson Learning company
18
Tracking Job Leads


Organization is important component of jobsearching.
Track applications and responses.
Chapter 26
Copyright © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Thomson Learning company
19
Dressing for a Successful Interview



Dress professionally.
Makeup, perfume, and jewelry should be minimal.
Turn off all cell phones and pagers.
Chapter 26
Copyright © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Thomson Learning company
20
Interview Questions






Do a self-assessment, and reflect on some questions
that you may be asked.
Have responses for common questions; e.g., “Tell us
about yourself” and “Why did you decide to become a
nurse?”
Know what clinical areas you are and are not
interested in.
Find out about the organization.
Highlight your strengths.
Rehearse with another person, if possible.
Chapter 26
Copyright © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Thomson Learning company
21
Writing a Thank-you Letter After the
Interview


Writing a thank-you letter identifies you as someone
who is professional and sincerely interested in joining
the organization.
Include in the letter your availability either for an
additional future interview or employment.
Chapter 26
Copyright © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Thomson Learning company
22
Resigning from a Nursing Position

A resignation letter should never leave a bad
impression on the reader.
Chapter 26
Copyright © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Thomson Learning company
23
What to Look for in Your First Position





Benefits
Shifts, paid time off
Orientation and mentorship
Evaluation process
Professional lifelong learning opportunities and
support
Chapter 26
Copyright © 2003 Delmar Learning, a Thomson Learning company
24