ADVANCE for Nurses
Transcription
ADVANCE for Nurses
advance for 2013 | www.advanceweb.com/nurses Serving New Nurse Graduates and Students Ready, Set, Go! A Guide for New Nurse Grads [3] Message from NSNA [5] Where Will You Be? [6] I Got a Job! [8] Interviewing How-to [10] Passing NCLEX [12] Graduated? Why Stop Now? [16] Using Social Media Sponsored by [19] Beyond the Salary [22] Building a Résumé [24] Words of Wisdom Dave perillo advance FOR www.advanceweb.com/Nurses Visit Our New Grad Center 3 ADVANCE For Nurses: Serving New Nurse Graduates and Students A Message from the President Joseph Potts president of the the National Student Nurses’ Association s your coursework winds down, most of you know those butterflies in your stomach are due to more than your looming final exam schedule. In a few short months you will be heading onto a whole new adventure — whether that’s graduate school or your first nursing position. You and many of your classmates may be nervous and excited at the same time because, with this next big step, you know the choices you make now are going to make a big difference in your nursing career path. Whether you are headed to graduate school or looking for your first job, the possibilities are endless. Joseph Potts, president of the the National Student Nursing Association, recently spoke with ADVANCE and offered his advice to students preparing for their first jobs after graduation: (PIP) that will play a key role in ANA policymaking and updating in the future. Keep an eye out for a panel you might be interested participating in. How can new nurses maintain their skills while searching for a job? Volunteering with your local community clinic is a great way to maintain/ develop your skills while giving back to your community. Plus, at the end of the day, you will feel better about helping others. What can nurses do to make the most of their first job? What should they expect? New graduate nurses should expect a competitive applicant field. They should be prepared for an interview by doing their homework on both the prospective place What can nursing students do to make the most of their education? of employment and current trends in the profession. They should also be honest Nursing students should read as much as possible and ask a lot of questions, with themselves and their new employer about their strengths and weaknesses. both in and out of the classroom. Sometimes, we as students get so focused on Most of all, they should be enthusiastic about joining the organization and making making it through nursing school we lose sight of something more important: a positive impact on the lives of the patients they will be caring for. learning to be a nurse. Is there anything else you would like to share/tell new nursing Check out what else ADVANCE's Student & New Grad Center has to offer. Click here How can students prepare for life after graduation? graduates? My advice would be to get out there and build relationships. The job market is Find a way to maintain balance in your personal/professional life. Burnout is extremely competitive for new nursing school graduates. Many new graduates a huge problem in the nursing profession in general, but as a new nurse, you that I speak with tell me they found their jobs through contacts they met dur- may be especially susceptible because you have had less time to develop the ing clinical rotations and preceptorships, or through connections they made by tools and support system necessary to deal with many of the challenges that networking in the nursing community. come with being a nurse. What advice would you give to new graduates beginning their career? Graduating from nursing school is no small feat, and you should be proud of As a new nurse, you should get involved in the future of your profession and all your hard work and long hours. Keep these great tips in mind as you start join professional organizations such as the American Nurses Association (ANA). the job search to ensure you are ready for whatever life brings and you have a As the only organization that represents all registered nurses, ANA cares about smooth transition from student to practicing nurse. Good luck to you all as you what you have to say. They are currently developing Professional Issues Panels start your exciting new career as a nurse! advance FOR www.advanceweb.com/Nurses Visit Our New Grad Center Professional Silver Opal Part sneaker, part clog, all-day Dansko comfort. Elise Blue Slip Resistant Volley Black Coated Slip Resistant The Sedona collection is lightweight, flexible and completely adjustable to accommodate different insteps. Pro XP Red Moray Slip Resistant Same rocker bottom of the Dansko Professional with a soft memory foam footbed and lighter in weight. STAND TALL WITH THESE TIPS FOR SMART SHOE SHOPPING Content provided by Dansko THERE ARE LOTS OF BEAUTIFUL SHOES out there but HOW’S THAT FEEL? The leather of the shoe should be soft “I’m amazed by the relief these clogs how many can stand up to a nurse’s brutal schedule? Dansko’s to the touch. Before you buy, look for rough edges where have given me. I share my story with Creative Director, Ann Dittrich, knows all about what makes a the material has been cut or finished. These areas may cause everyone to tell them how much better shoe comfortable, as she spends her days designing Dansko’s blisters or rubbing later. all-day comfort collections. Here, she shares some tips with you. they make my feet feel. I work at a hospital and am on my feet for 12 hours a MAKE ADJUSTMENTS. Look for shoes with laces, buckles or day. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THESE SHOES!” GIVE YOURSELF A LIFT. No need to feel confined to flats – elastic straps. These features allow for greater adjustability. “It’s Elaine M., TX you’ll actually be better off with a slight heel, says Dittrich. Her like a personalized fit for your foot,” says Dittrich. advice: “Look for a shoe with at least a half-inch lift. It will help READ THE LABELS. Does your hospital require slip resistant “{The Sedona Collection} is what I have footwear? In order to comply with this requirement, footwear needed for my quick paced job in the LOOK FOR SUPPORT. Standing all day is tough on your feet, must meet a preset industry standard. This should be clearly ICU... the style is contoured low to the knees and lower back. Look for shoes, like Dansko, that have noted on the footwear packaging. better support the arch.” a contoured foot-bed and provide plenty of arch support. When combined, they provide the support you need to stand comfortably for long periods of time. ground and so light weight. The soles are slip resistant and are wonderful for quick Follow these simple tips and you’ll be ready whenever and steps around the hospital. I definitely wherever you’re needed! recommend these shoes for my nursing friends.” Ashley O., PA advance FOR www.advanceweb.com/Nurses Visit Our New Grad Center Dansko, Dansko and the Wing Design, PRO XP, and XP are all trademarks of Dansko, LLC. © 2013 Dansko LLC. 1.800.326.7564 The popular Dansko Professional has a very wearble 2" rise. 5 ADVANCE For Nurses: Serving New Nurse Graduates and Students Where Will You Be? In search of the next generation of bloggers, ADVANCE asked students and new graduates to tell us where they saw themselves as nurses in 10 years. Our winner, Mia Ross, a student at Pace University, New York, N.Y., shared her personal experiences and how they have shaped her future nursing career. she had a DNR order, there was nothing left to do to ease her grapple out of life. This alleviated none of my misery. I began to read in various healthcare publications complaints of a similar nature: Loved ones were constantly lost so painfully, so unnaturally, almost barbarically in hospital settings. That’s when I came across palliative care. And I’ve been hooked ever since. It is an undeniable truth that to become a palliative care NP in the next 10 years I will need to go back to school and gain hospital experience. However, I am no longer an 18-year-old Last time I met the acquaintance of the notorious girl without conception of the actualities of our healthcare interview question “Where will you be in 10 years?” I was in system. This time, I forge ahead with unclouded eyes and a the pending stages of nursing school acceptance. I answered determined heart. I will cultivate my burning passion, stay fo- the question in hopes of placating the administration and cused in the present and continuously examine and question replied, “In 10 years I hope to be practicing with the highest the way things are done. standards of quality care using evidence-based practice and I can no longer accept the statement, “There’s nothing left to do.” My ability to articulate an answer to the broad, ex- have a master’s degree.” I had done my research. However, just two short years pansive question “Where will you be in 10 years?” in this later I’ve realized becoming that standout nurse I’ve always dynamic stage of my life gives me confidence and strength. dreamed of will take much more than a hospital job and an Writing in my journal saved me from severe psychological MSN after my name. anguish after losing my grandmother in such a horrid way. Today, that same probing question lends a much different For that I am grateful. It would be a cause for great joy to response; a response more holistic and genuine. Last year I have the opportunity to share my writing and cultivate my watched my grandmother struggle for weeks in a hospital professional linguist skills with ADVANCE, in whatever topic bed, under headache-inducing fluorescent lights, while she presents itself. drowned slowly in her own lungs. This experience was so un- If I can help others better understand this enigma of health- shakable, I began writing a journal and questioning the way care, I am content. If I can help others muster the confidence we die, trying to make sense of her abhorrent passing. to question the conventional way it is carried out and de- These questions ignited an internal flame. Conversations with family and friends ensued, and soon I was researching mand evidence, I am delighted. If I can do it through writing, I am absolutely thrilled. the subject intensely. While my grandmother suffered, we were consoled by the hospital staff, reassured that because Keep an eye out for Mia’s posts in the New to Nursing blog. advance FOR www.advanceweb.com/Nurses Visit Our New Grad Center 6 ADVANCE For Nurses: Serving New Nurse Graduates and Students I Got a Job! Take heart! It requires effort but graduates of four-year nursing schools are twice as likely as other college grads to find a job By Gail O. Guterl At times during her job search, nursing student Gemma D’Angelo despaired. “At one point I was in tears,” the BSN graduate said. “I thought to myself, I have externship experience; I have a 3.86 GPA; I have good references, so why am I not getting call-backs and dave perillo job interviews?” ‘There is still a great demand for nurses. Things are different from maybe a decade ago when a graduate would have six or seven offers for immediate hire before they completed senior year. It is a bit more competitive now; we are hearing BSN-prepared nurses are preferred.’ — Geraldine (Polly) Bednash, PhD, RN, FAAN, D’Angelo began her job search in earnest in March of her senior year at Catholic University of America in 2011. After completing several interviews and with three more set up, she turned down one job offer because she felt it wasn’t right for her. Seven months after starting her job search, she landed a job in a neuroscience unit at a large suburban hospital. “I wanted to work in critical care and I wanted to be in a city,” she told ADVANCE, of the job she accepted. “The job I was offered is in critical care but not in a big city; but it came with a fantastic sixmonth orientation package, which was a must for me, and good benefits, so I feel fortunate.” CEO and executive director, AACN advance FOR www.advanceweb.com/Nurses Visit Our New Grad Center 7 ADVANCE For Nurses: Serving New Nurse Graduates and Students ‘We are looking for people who are prepared for the interview, who show a passion for nursing; who have done research on our health system.’ — Alisa Cohen (Polly) Bednash, PhD, RN, FAAN, CEO and executive director of AACN. “Things are different from maybe a decade ago when a graduate would have six or seven offers for immediate hire before they completed senior year. It is a bit more Although D’Angelo is concerned she may have settled by not Recruiters Alisa Cohen and Hope Shafer at Holy Redeemer competitive now; we are hearing BSN-prepared nurses are holding out for that urban job, she recognizes neuro requires Health System, with facilities near and in Philadelphia, concur. preferred.” (According to Huot-Singer, for several years now finely honed assessment skills and is certainly critical care. What she may not know is having completed a four-year nursing school she is more fortunate than most college graduates. “Except for a few more specialized units such as NICU and OR, we welcome new grads,” Shafer said. Penn Presbyterian’s policy is to hire only BSN nurses.) “It takes more time,” Bednash assured, “but new grad nurs- This has to be interpreted as good news because, according es are still getting jobs.” to the AACN survey, the North Atlantic is not the region where Perception vs. Reality new graduate nurses are more likely to land a job. The survey The Best Advice The perception among nursing school students is that jobs revealed some regions of the country have more nursing jobs So what are recruiters and others advising new graduates are hard to come by and few institutions are hiring new than others. seeking jobs? D’Angelo took advice from experienced co-workers and graduates, especially for more acute care units. Recruiters say, although the economy is slowly improving, they aren’t hiring Survey Says! subscribed to a professional nursing magazine to keep cur- as many staff as before the recession. In fact, the hospital Let’s look at the 2012 AACN survey more closely. Of 501 rent with all types of critical care topics. “I’m told it’s pos- where D’Angelo did her externship talked about hiring her schools from across the country that responded to the survey, sible to move from one specialty to another and I want to be after graduation, but then instituted a hiring freeze in her the average job-offer rate at the time of graduation was 57% prepared,” she said. “If I have to take another orientation for senior year. for new BSN graduates and 73% for entry-level MSN gradu- another type of critical care position, that’s fine with me.” “New grads, especially those from two-year associate degree programs, are having difficulty finding entry-level positions,” ates. Job offers four to six months after graduation rose to 88% for BSN grads and 92% for entry-level MSN. Cohen said there are more opportunities out there if you are flexible, including opportunities for graduates of com- Compare these statistics to a survey done by the National munity colleges and diploma programs. “A BSN is preferred; Association of Colleges and Employers in 2011 that showed however, we do hire new grads with associate degrees as But what about BSN-prepared nurses? There, the news 26% of new BA/BS graduates had job offers at graduation time. well as nursing diplomas. is upbeat. Looking at the latest American Association of It doesn’t seem to matter whether you graduate from a “Many new nurses are excited to get the experience,” Co- Colleges of Nursing (AACN) survey shows four-year nursing small college or a large university, but where you want to work hen said. “They’re open to all areas of nursing and all shifts.” college graduates are twice as likely to have jobs by four to six matters. According to the AACN survey, the job offer rate in Shafer agrees. “We travel to different schools and job fairs months post-graduation, than other college graduates. the South is 66%, in the Midwest 58%, North Atlantic 52% and speak with many new graduates. They’re positive, inter- Nurse recruiters in one market, Philadelphia, agree. “We and the West 42%. Hiring rates are higher across the board ested, excited and anxious to start their careers.” hire new grads to work in 95% of the hospital,” said Sue for entry-level MSN graduates, 79% in the South, 75% in the Huot-Singer, MSN, RN, nurse recruiter at Penn Presbyterian North Atlantic, 73% in the Midwest and 53% in the West. said Diane Mancini, EdD, RN, CAE, FAAN, executive director of the National Student Nurses Association. Medical Center, Philadelphia. “There is still a great demand for nurses,” said Geraldine Huot-Singer said phone screenings of potential candidates tell her a lot. “You can hear a lot in people’s voices, such as if they are truly interested,” she said. “New grads are so advance FOR www.advanceweb.com/Nurses Visit Our New Grad Center 8 ADVANCE For Nurses: Serving New Nurse Graduates and Students thankful to be given the opportunity that by the time they come in it’s a joy to interview them.” Huot-Singer tells new graduates: “Don’t give up, perseverance pays off. You came to nursing for a reason; remember that and you’ll get results. Don’t be afraid to move for a job. ... [You] can always return to your first choice region later.” Cohen advises: “Pay attention throughout the whole application process. Make sure the application is complete and that Interview Do’s and Don’ts Landing the interview is only the first step, and it is crucial you present yourself in a professional, positive manner to make the right impression. Wardrobe, body language and verbal queues can mean the difference between a call back and a “thanks, but no thanks.” Watch ADVANCE’s video to learn how to make the most of any interview. you have put your best foot forward,” she said. “Be engaged in the interview, focused on patient care. We want to see your work history, whether you were involved in any committees. “We are looking for people who are prepared for the interview, who show a passion for nursing; who have done research on our health system.” Shafer said recruiters are also looking for the right fit. “We’re looking for character that stands out among the applicant pool,” she enumerated. “We’re looking for nurses who are detail-oriented; have a caring nature, compassion, collaborative spirit; a candidate who will create a positive experience for the patient and who is interested in continuing learning.” And what advice does the recent new grad offer? D’Angelo said: “Don’t get discouraged. The right fit is worth the wait. I wasn’t willing to compromise. I wanted a longer orientation and a critical care position and I got both.” D’Angelo agrees with what many job counselors say: Looking for a job is often a full-time job. “Start looking early. Get references, cover letter and résumé done early. Keep looking at hospital websites. Some hospitals make you dig for the information as to whether they hire new graduates, whether they offer orientation programs or not.” Gail O. Guterl is a freelance writer. advance FOR www.advanceweb.com/Nurses Visit Our New Grad Center ADVANCE For Nurses: Serving New Nurse Graduates and Students Testing Change A revised version of the NCLEX exam unveils April 1, emphasizing care management and safety By Gail O. Guterl You’ve worked hard in your nursing education program. You are ready to graduate and put what you have learned into practice. However, you have one more test to take! You must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, commonly known as NCLEX-RN. If you take the licensure exam on or after April 1, it will be a recently revised version of the NCLEX-RN exam, something the exam’s creators, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), does every 3 years. What’s New The revised NCLEX-RN exam reflects changes observed in the practice of entry-level nurses, a source from the NCSBN told ADVANCE. “Data suggest there are two areas where the practice of newly licensed nurses has increased in significance: management of care, and safety and infection control,” said the spokesperson. “In surveying 12,000 new nurses we found an increased frequency of tasks revolving around these two areas. In asking nurses how important this is to client care, dave perillo 10 outcomes, etc., we saw these were high-frequency, highcriticality tasks.” advance FOR www.advanceweb.com/Nurses Visit Our New Grad Center 11 ADVANCE For Nurses: Serving New Nurse Graduates and Students Another change in the 2013 test is clarification of language. However, the team doesn’t just depend on the results of The definition of ‘client’ encompasses individual, family or this survey, as a spokesperson explained. “We conduct a con- • pharmacological and parenteral therapies(12-18%) group, which includes significant others and population. Ad- tinuous practice analysis. Every three months we get a new • reduction of risk potential (9-15%) ditionally, NCLEX practice settings are clarified as acute/criti- sample to see if anything has changed over and above what • physiological adaptation (11-17%). cal care, long-term care/rehabilitative care, outpatient care we know from the survey of 12,000 RNs. This quarterly survey and community-based/home care settings. has a section that allows nurses to tell us about any changes Taking the Test in their practice that might not be asked on the survey. Knowing all this, what is the best way to prepare for the Discovering the Trends “I would be surprised if anyone else is doing this type of • basic care and comfort (6-12%) NCLEX-RN exam? As soon as revisions are published triennially, NCSBN begins information gathering at this level,” said the NCSBN spokes- According to NCSBN, those taking the test “should become working on the next review. Several things must be in place: person. “It is costly, but if something developed in the three- familiar with the current NCLEX-RN Test Plan and the content “we assemble a panel of subject matter experts (SMEs) and month period we would know about it.” All this is done on outline, with NCLEX-specific terminology, and the Computer- create a list of behaviors which represent entry-level nursing a three-year cycle “because the U.S. healthcare industry is ized Adaptive Testing (CAT) delivery method.” activities,” NCSBN explained. rapidly changing.” Since NCSBN believes examination preparation needs are unique to each candidate, the organization “does not Panel members must either work with or supervise RNs who are within their first six months of practice, or are themselves The Nitty Gritty recommend or endorse any review courses or study materials. newly licensed RNs. Panelists represent all geographic areas of So what does this 2013 test plan contain? Content is divided If you are interested in participating in a review course or pur- the U.S., major nursing specialties and varied practice settings. into four major “Client Needs” categories; some categories chasing review materials, please consult a nursing education They bring completed activity logs reflecting the behaviors of are broken down into subsections. professional for suggestions,” according to the organization’s new nurses in their facilities to discussions. Interviews with The maximum of 265 test questions are multiple choice and website. alternate item formats, which includes: multiple response; fill- In the meantime, well before you hope to take the test: Once all this information is gathered, the NCSBN psycho- in-the-blank; hot-spot items asking the test-taker to identify • apply for an Authorization to Test at your board of nursing metric and nursing content staff core team takes over. This one or more areas on a picture or graphic; charts; ordered- • register with Pearson VUE team, key to this process, has test development expertise and response items; audio clips and graphic options. nursing leaders help to determine potential nursing trends. competency in industry standards for practice analyses. These staff members work collaboratively and “perform a review of relevant nursing resources seeking to gather information on future trends in nursing,” the NCSBN spokesper- (http://www.pearsonvue.com/nclex) Test takers must answer a minimum of 75 items in a sixhour period. The four categories and the percentage of test 1. Safe and Effective Care Environment, which includes: • management of care (17-23%) SME panel are then incorporated into a survey, which is sent • safety and infection control (9-15%) (https://www.ncsbn.org/1213.htm) • get familiar with the NCLEX test plan format questions assigned to those Client Needs are: son explained. “Entry-level nursing activities developed by the • review the NCLEX Candidate Bulletin • after you get materials from Pearson VUE, schedule your exam through Pearson • locate your test site. to a randomly drawn sample of 12,000 newly licensed RNs. 2. Health Promotion and Maintenance (6-12%) Data from the survey is collected and analyzed for trends and 3. Psychosocial Integrity (6-12%) current practices.” 4. Physiological Integrity Other NCLEX exam resources are available at www.ncsbn.org. Gail O. Guterl is a freelance writer. advance FOR www.advanceweb.com/Nurses Visit Our New Grad Center 12 ADVANCE For Nurses: Serving New Nurse Graduates and Students Higher Learning Will a graduate degree boost your career? By Keith Loria If you’re one of the masses who recently graduated from a nursing program, you may be asking yourself: “what now?” In many areas of the country, the job market for new nurses is stifled and those that do have openings are looking for people with experience. That’s why many new nurses have decided to continue their education and are looking at graduate programs or a specialty certification. “Nurses working in management level positions are being asked to have at least a BSN and to also consider master’s level education in nursing administration so that they have an increased understanding of the literature and knowledge related to being an innovative leader,” said Elaine Graf, PhD, RN, NE-BC, research and funding coordinator at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. “Education opens doors in one’s professional career and provides you with the knowledge and skills to be successful in your role. Many hospitals provide educational support as part of employment, so take it and run with it. It is a gift.” Nursing is a profession where you must keep up to date on calling for 80 percent of nurses to be BSN prepared by 2020.1 In fact, many of the best hospitals to work in are now Dave Perillo changes in knowledge and practice. The recent IOM report is ‘Nurses working in management level positions are being asked to have at least a BSN and to also consider master’s level education in nursing administration so that they have an increased understanding of the literature and knowledge related to being an innovative leader.’ — Elaine Graf, PhD, RN, NE-BC advance FOR www.advanceweb.com/Nurses Visit Our New Grad Center 13 ADVANCE For Nurses: Serving New Nurse Graduates and Students ‘The next generation of nurses must take the opportunity to move the nursing profession forward.’ — Andrea Lindell, PhD, RN, MSN, ANEF hospitals employing nurses with baccalaureate degrees had lower mortality rates in surgical patients than comparable hospitals that employed nurses with lower levels of education.2 “This study showed that although experience was a factor in ing on my BSN in the 1970s, I decided I wanted patient outcomes, it was not as strong a factor as “One of the wonderful advantages of nursing as a master’s by age 30 and a PhD by age 40 and I nurse level of education.” a career is that you can continue on at whatever did just that. At the time I was doing my degrees, A higher degree can enable a nurse to consider pace suits your life. Most master’s programs ac- it was typical to work clinically like I did, and in a wider range of opportunities in healthcare. If the commodate working RNs through the scheduling fact I worked while doing my master’s,” she said. nurse is considering a career in nursing leadership of classes online, using weekend formats, intensive “With the healthcare reform activities and the ag- or professional development, a degree will lead courses (for example, 6 straight days, 9 a.m. to 5 ing of the American (and the world) population, p.m.) and so on,” said Elizabeth A. Madigan, PhD, there is going to be a great demand for nurses RN, FAAN, associate dean for academic affairs/ with advanced practice degrees.” requiring BSN as minimum level to be hired. her on that path. Eileen Mahler, MSN, RNC, NE-BC, director of nursing education and development at South professor of nursing at the Frances Payne Bolton At the inaugural Healthcare Workforce Sum- Nassau Communities Hospital’s ED Nurse Fellow- School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve Uni- mit, AMN Healthcare Chief Clinical Officer Marcia ship, OR Training Program and Student Nurse In- versity in Cleveland. “The reason to go back right Faller revealed the results of the “2012 Survey of ternship, graduated with a bachelor’s degree and away is that you are already in the groove of doing Registered Nurses,” which showed 40% of regis- spent 8 years practicing as a perinatal RN before college level work. It’s harder, in my experience, to tered nurses plan to pursue further education in returning to school part time to get her master’s. stop and restart.” nursing over the next three years. Want to read more? Learn if, or how much, CE is required in your state of licensure Click here Is certification in your future? Click here to see what certifications are available 2013 National & Regional Conferences Kathy Missildine, PhD, RN, CNE, assistant dean helped me advance both clinically and as a nurse A Call for Specialization for graduate studies at the Texas A&M Health Sci- leader,” she said. “Five years after finishing my Also, nursing is becoming increasingly specialized. ence Center College of Nursing, said the value of master’s degree, I took a two-year certificate pro- Plan continuing education and networking opportunities for the year ahead. By continuing your education, you are increas- continuing professional nurse education is best gram as a legal nurse consultant. This brought Click here ing the depth and breadth of your knowledge measured in improved patient care — the only me excellent insight into legal and regulatory in a particular area. If you are too limited in your measurement that really matters. aspects of healthcare and was useful as I had “It took me 7 years to achieve it. I believe it knowledge, you limit your ability to make the best “We have ample evidence that higher degrees moved into a nursing supervisory position at the decisions as an advocate for healthcare changes result in better patient outcomes," she said, not- time. Just this past fall, I made the commitment to provide better patient outcomes. ing that in 2003, Linda Aiken, PhD, FAAN, RN, to return to school for my PhD in nursing. I truly Madigan went the more traditional route with Director of the Center for Health Outcomes and believe this will benefit me and my ability to ad- her degrees. “I worked in a clinical setting after Policy Research, University of Pennsylvania School vance the nursing profession through research finishing my BSN and my MS. When I was work- of Nursing) completed a study that demonstrated and innovation in practice.” advance FOR www.advanceweb.com/Nurses Visit Our New Grad Center 14 ADVANCE For Nurses: Serving New Nurse Graduates and Students A Place at the Table recognized,” she said. “I went back to school for my bach- The Price Andrea Lindell, PhD, MSN, RN, ANEF, faculty in the Doctor of elor’s degree while working as a hospital nurse. While work- The problem is that just because you have a higher degree Nursing Practice program at the School of Nursing at Walden ing at the hospital, I assessed who had the voice, power and still doesn’t guarantee you a job when you graduate. You still University has more than 30 years of clinical and educational/ key decision-making capabilities, and I quickly realized it was won’t have the experience and now you’ll be even more in administrative experience in nursing. those with a master’s degree.” debt with more years of college to pay off. “Years ago, I started out working for a health insurance There are many factors one should consider when deciding “The cons of pursuing a degree is the commitment of time company paying claims. I had my RN, but it became clear whether to return to school. Going back to school requires and cost,” Mahler noted. “The nurse must be in a position early on that without additional education it would be dif- time and, potentially, a lifestyle adjustment. Getting an ad- to dedicate the time required to study and complete assign- ficult for me to advance in my career and have my capabilities vanced degree isn’t easy and a lot of work is involved. This de- ments. Having a strong support system can be a tremendous cision can also impact your family and current work schedule. help for nurses with young families. There is a cost for tuition “Online learning is an option for many students who are and books and in some college settings, cost is prohibitive for trying to balance a family, career and other commitments,” nurses on a tight budget.” Lindell said. “It provides students with the opportunity to Still, having a higher education will give you a better chance earn a degree without sacrificing their other interests and to get the job you want. Continuing education will be a plus obligations.” and the clinical experiences gained will add to one’s experience. In today’s environment, nurses who decide to continue their “Nursing has become a major leader in providing quality education will see many benefits. They will have an increased care because of increased education and the highly special- depth and breadth of theoretical knowledge for key decision- ized areas that have evolved,” Lindell said. “Should nurses making and actions in their field. not further their education, they will lose roles and opportu- “An advanced degree ensures that nurses have a place at the nities, which will be assumed by other disciplines. The next decision-making table and helps them advance up the career generation of nurses must take the opportunity to move the ladder in either the hospital or academic setting,” Lindell said. nursing profession forward.” “For me, as a professional who is a member of a healthcare team, the nurse should hold credentials that are equitable to the other team members. This results in increased respect for their knowledge base in areas of decision-making, strategic References Initiative on the Future of Nursing. IOM Recommendations. http://www. thefutureofnursing.org/recommendations Aiken, L, et al. Educational levels of hospital nurses and surgical patient mortality. JAMA. 2003; 290(12): 1617–1623. planning, advocacy, organizational changes, etc., and ultimately, increased respect for the individual and for the profession.” Keith Loria is a freelance writer. Click here for a list of articles and webinars where you can earn contact hours from ADVANCE. advance FOR www.advanceweb.com/Nurses Visit Our New Grad Center 16 ADVANCE For Nurses: Serving New Nurse Graduates and Students Landing a Job Through With the popular emergence of social networking, opportunities abound in many forms. From coupons, to fashion Social Networking tips, to friendly advice, websites such as Facebook and Twitter offer a flurry of information that could be helpful, overwhelming or somewhere in between. But this access overload has Market yourself, know your network and ask favors with caution By Kelly Wolfgang proved more useful than obtrusive. For those looking for jobs, the sites once used to connect to your high school best friend can become a valuable source for finding your future employer. With the right use, social media can be a tremendous resource for marketing yourself, bringing employers to you and touting knowledge of your industry. An easy means to reach those you may have otherwise had no direct contact with such as big businesses, industry leaders and potential colleagues, social networking has proved to be an important tool for job searchers. With the help of social networking, you are not confined to your address book and the classifieds—you are able to reach a large and precise audience in seconds, proving yourself a go-getter and someone who is not afraid of risk. With the professional atmosphere that LinkedIn provides, the immediate feedback Twitter facilitates and the accessibility of Facebook, those searching for the next big opportunity in healthcare have to reach no further than a keyboard to succeed. Benefits of Social Networking “The most effective way to get a job has always been through networking and contacting people you know,” said Rob Hellman, adjunct professor at the New York University School of Continuing and Professional Studies (NYU-SCPS) and career dave perillo coach. “Social media is totally, perfectly designed for that.” Job searchers are no longer restricted to job boards, business cards and newspapers. Jonathan Rick, CEO of the advance FOR www.advanceweb.com/Nurses Visit Our New Grad Center 17 ADVANCE For Nurses: Serving New Nurse Graduates and Students Jonathan Rick Group, a social media agency based in Washington, DC, added that the acces- Additional Tips sibility of a virtual network has expanded employment efforts in impressive ways. “The Internet has flattened everything,” Rick said. “Ten years ago, you had to rely on the physical network of Engage With Companies people in your apartment building or church. The world was a very small place and proximity “You can certainly engage with a company’s page, but restrict your posting to comments and ‘liking’ on Facebook and following on Twitter. Though the person running the company page is most likely not a hiring manager, your interaction could filter up, or come up in interviews. Nothing pleases an employer more than to hear during an interview that the candidate knows what a company is doing, but you don’t want to be overbearing.” — Rob Hellman, adjunct professor, New York University School of Continuing and Professional Studies (NYU-SCPS) and career coach was imperative.” Now, Hellman said, people are able to stay in touch with friends and associates regardless of where they’re located. “Everything is virtual—you can send an email and get a response immediately. We are not only in touch with everyone on a global and immediate level, but you can see who your friends are friends with, extending your network exponentially,” Rick added. “Whereas your network was very small and relatively closed 10 years ago, now it’s endless and Build a Network “When building a network on LinkedIn, use the Advanced People Search tool. You can type in key words and job descriptions to browse people you may know in the field. You will get great results and find contacts who can introduce you to others in the field.” — Hellman the available opportunities are amazing.” Aaron Ginn, community outreach specialist for Simplee in Palo Alto, Calif., noted that as businesses become more accessible through social media, the opportunity for employment Sustain Your Career has also become less stressful. “Employers and start-ups continue to use publishing avenues “Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are there to sustain your career. Social media is filled with people you already know who can help you out—people you can go to and say, ‘Help me out! I’m looking for a job and if there’s anyone you know in the field, keep an eye out.’ You can’t do that with job boards or newspapers.” — Jonathan Rick, chief executive officer, Jonathan Rick Group to find employees, and therefore the search is becoming more informal,” Ginn, who found his Restrict Applications “It’s important to avail yourself to every opportunity and cast a wide net, but you shouldn’t be tempted to apply to every opportunity you qualify for. It’s better to apply for five positions for which you’re extremely qualified, write detailed cover letters and tailor your — Rick résumé specifically to those jobs.” Establish Yourself “Right now is a good time to be on social media talking about healthcare. There is always a transition, something to care about, something to focus on. Social media is a great way to engage with people on a mass scale and show yourself as someone who is knowledgeable and technologically savvy.” — Aaron Ginn, community outreach specialist, Simplee most recent job through Twitter, said. “Corporations now have their own Twitter accounts and use them as an informal way of hiring. As companies become more socially-oriented, they are drawn to people who are equally minded in the social sphere.” Building a Profile Taking the best steps to landing your dream job virtually must be done with as much care as any other job searching process, however. When approaching job opportunities online, the most important way to effectively market yourself is by having a profile that is easy to read, appropriate and detailed. “A good first step to building an attractive profile is to make sure there are a lot of similarities between your paper résumé and your online profile,” Hellman said. “List your accomplishments in bullet form so it’s easy to read. You don’t want big, dense paragraphs, but something that is scannable and uses keywords relevant to your audience.” Employers will be wary of someone who does not appear professional online, as that is a Start Now “Social media is a long-run game. If you’re unhappy in your current position, the time to start engaging and looking for a new opportunity is now. It takes a while to build up your rapport online and it takes a while for people to follow you. Go after it—it’s always a bad idea to start tomorrow. If you don’t invest the time, you’ll never succeed.” — Ginn representation of how you may act with future patients or co-workers. “Establishing your presence and credibility online is key when you’re going after established companies,” Ginn said. “Employers are likely to search your name on Google and browse your various social networks. Their constant ability to find out information about you is greater than a advance FOR www.advanceweb.com/Nurses Visit Our New Grad Center 18 ADVANCE For Nurses: Serving New Nurse Graduates and Students résumé on paper, so engage yourself in your pas- tion as to why you’re connecting with an individual, fortable with the people you’re calling upon and sion, but show restraint.” you will be rejected. It absolutely behooves you to know they will help you when you need it.” Ginn said enhancing your profile by showing an expertise in your field can be a huge draw for establish a relationship prior to requesting some- Know Your Outlets one as a friend.” employers. “If you’re really passionate and socially To do this, Rick said, start off a message by men- Perhaps most importantly, know your audience inclined, show it. It will be beneficial to go online tioning a commonality, such as living in the same and direct your posts, retweets, friend requests and interact with the leaders in your space. When geographic location or attending the same school. and messages appropriately. “You will get more you do land an interview, they will remember your “There is so much data out there,” Rick said. “You traction if you listen to other people, and know profile and the time you took to develop a knowl- would be a fool to not avail yourself to it when who is listening back,” Ginn said. “Learn exactly edge in your field,” Ginn said. “It may be more work, connecting with others.” who your audience is on each social network, and Hellman added that after you have developed but it will orient you to people in your industry.” a substantial network, prioritize those people your field in a moment of passion. “The Internet between reliable friends likely to go lengths in Ginn suggested avoiding the social networking never forgets,” Ginn said. “People actually read helping you land a job, acquaintances willing to saturation state by consolidating posts for each me- what you say. People will reply to what you say, provide a connection and those who are simply dia outlet and catering specifically to each group. and those people may not be the audience you socializing. “Keep your social and professional “Facebook is a place for friends, Twitter is more of a expected. You want to get traction and be known, lives separate,” he said. “Facebook could be de- conversation and LinkedIn is for networking,” Ginn but for the right reasons.” voted to socializing, but LinkedIn should be strictly said. “Know what each page is for and tackle it.” Expanding Your Professional Network LinkedIn for Your Career Expand your networking through this popular online tool. Click here respond accordingly. Know what your followers He did warn, however, never to write about professional.” Read more articles on networking want from each avenue.” Social Networking Gone Bad Healthcare workers using Facebook and Twitter should proceed with caution. Click here It’s also important to prioritize your time be- Hellman also noted it’s important to restrict your tween each social network, paying attention to To ensure you’re reaching the audience you in- professional network to those willing to make a what you’re posting where, Hellman said. “You tended, it’s important to build a reliable network. leap for you. “For a job search, it won’t work if have to be careful of what you post and what you “LinkedIn is absolutely the first place to go,” Rick you are weighed down by people you don’t know. say,” he said. “Prioritize your time properly. Don’t said. “It’s easy to find former classmates, locate old If you look through your network for a contact spend time complaining about your current job or co-workers and connect with past educators who and can only find strangers, you won’t be able to repeatedly responding to ads. Those are valid, but may help place you in your next job.” Be wary, how- reach out to them and they will prove useless.” everyone uses them, so you can’t rely on them Smartphones & Tablets Here to Stay ever, of connecting with those you’ve never met, Ginn agreed. “Adding people you don’t know solely. Use about 80% of your time building a reli- As more health systems adopt the devices as communication tools, nurses are seeing both pros and cons. even briefly, in person, Rick said. “Don’t pre-friend, to your social networks just isn’t classy,” he said. able network and getting introductions. That is Click here as tempting as that is. “All social networks allow “You may have a lower number of contacts, but you to send a message prior to sending a friend you know you can rely on them,” Ginn said. request,” Rick continued. “If you send a request “Social media is a great tool, but it will never with no identifying information and no explana- replace personal interaction. You need to be com- where you will find success.” Kelly Wolfgang is on staff at ADVANCE. Contact: KWolfgang@advancweb.com advance FOR www.advanceweb.com/Nurses Visit Our New Grad Center 19 ADVANCE For Nurses: Serving New Nurse Graduates and Students Beyond the Salary When considering your first job, it’s increasingly about more than the money By Rose Quinn For some new graduate nurses, maintaining a certain lifestyle is as much a factor as salary when assessing a job offer — sometimes even more so, according to seasoned recruiters and hiring managers. Cynthia Phelan, MS, RN, interim vice president of patient care services and chief nurse at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, not only recognizes a difference in work attitudes in today’s nurse graduate hires, as well as potential candidates, she appreciates it. “There is a work-life balance expectation,” Phelan said. Renee Scott, BSN, RN, and Angela Cassidy, MS, BSN, RN, senior nurse recruiters for Centra Health in Lynchburg, Va., see it, too. Like Phelan, they encourage new hires to scrutinize every facet of an employment package — including flexible scheduling, upward mobility and benefits including 401(k)/403(b) and continuing education, as well as salary — before deciding if they are the right fit for a job, and vice versa. “Money is great, but what they really need is that support on the front end,” offered Scott, who along with Cassidy enor residency programs to help them transition from student to professional nurse. scott derby courage novice nurses to seek out employers with internship advance FOR www.advanceweb.com/Nurses Visit Our New Grad Center 20 ADVANCE For Nurses: Serving New Nurse Graduates and Students ‘Novice nurses should seek out employers with internship or residency programs to help them transition from student to professional nurse.’ — Renee Scott, BSN, RN, senior nurse recruiter At Centra, they promise a supportive healthcare system that provides a structured orientation for new graduate nurses as they begin their climb up a consider include overall perceptions of nursing practice within the organization and community and the role that nurses play in patient safety. “These should all matter to a new nurse,” Phelan said. four-step clinical ladder. “We don’t throw our new nurses out to the wolves,” Scott said. Phelan said at her facility, which employs more than 2,000 nurses, success- Karen Hogan of Beck-Field & Associates Inc., a medical personnel recruit- ful candidates take part in a year-long Clinical Nurse Residency program; 12 ment firm specializing in the placement of registered nurses, nurse practi- weeks of core orientation, followed by a planned first work experience that tioners, physicians, physician assistants, and other healthcare professions in focuses on the necessary skills and behaviors needed to carry out the role of Selma, Texas, first noticed an attitude shift around 2001, about the same time professional nurse. The program promotes socialization to the professional she took a seminar focusing on generation differences in the workforce. nursing role and supports the concept of individual career development in “I think days of it being all about money are gone,” said Hogan, who has seen novice nurses turn down good-paying jobs for a number of reasons, including something as seemingly simple as restrictions on the type of scrubs nursing. Additionally, new graduates will be assigned to a nurse preceptor and Learn More About Salaries & Benefits TO SEE AN INTERACTIVE STATE-BY-STATE MAP THAT INCLUDES SALARY DATA, LINKS TO BOARDS OF NURSING AND MORE Click here a volunteer sponsor selected on their abilities to coach, support and mentor. As director of staffing at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Laurie Peck “Unfortunately, there are more outstanding entry-level nurses out there than IT'S ALL ABOUT ASKING: FAILING TO NEGOTIATE AT THE START OF A NEW JOB CAN COST YOU Priorities opportunities here in the Boston market,” Peck said. “Sometimes they have to Click here Looking back to when she started in the profession 30 years ago, Phelan said leave the region to get experience and then come back.” oversees all the hiring, with the exception of physicians. While they represent a nurses were permitted to wear. While that particular nurse might be a rare exception among today’s crop of small percentage of new hires, she said they “love to have new nurses” at Beth workers, Hogan simply said, “I don’t think they want to be a slave to money, Israel Deaconess, which is located in a highly competitive market in the nor a slave to the job.” Northeast. nurses worked 8-hour shifts five days a week, and every other weekend. As part of the hiring process at Beth Israel Deaconess, candidates undergo “It was understood that was the typical schedule expectation,” she said. a pre-employment assessment. According to Phelan, it’s a hiring tool that is Today’s 12-hour shifts allow nurses to work three days out of seven each relatively new in hospital nursing. Through pointed questions, it helps identify A LESSON IN STUDENT LOAN DEBT a candidate’s strengths in areas like quality care, patient focus and collabora- Click here week, a pattern of flexibility new graduates especially find appealing. Clinical opportunity is one of several elements, in addition to a competitive salary, that Phelan would encourage job-seekers to consider when weighing tive abilities. To those hunting elsewhere, especially in markets where they can choose from a number of job offers, Peck also advises candidates to carefully evaluate one position, or employer, over another. “Right now, you can be a new nurse in an ICU setting. When I started, you couldn’t. It just wasn’t offered as an option," Phelan said. Other elements to every employer, every position. “Think broadly, not just about the kind of patient you will be caring for, advance FOR www.advanceweb.com/Nurses Visit Our New Grad Center 21 ADVANCE For Nurses: Serving New Nurse Graduates and Students ‘Think broadly, not just about the kind of patient you will be caring for, but is this a nurse manager and organization [you] can learn from?’ — Laurie Peck, director of staffing but is this a nurse manager and organization that I will learn essay describing clinical practice areas of interest, a memo- from?” Peck said. “Ask yourself, ‘Can I be successful in the rable experience as a student during clinical rotation, and role I am taking? Is this the kind of organization where I can examples that illustrate qualities that would benefit Centra. grow in my career?’” “We encourage students to really take time to answer the Beginning with the application, Peck said candidates in her market have to set themselves apart. essay,” Scott said. “This is you. You need to put your best foot forward.” And if you are fortunate enough to find an entry-level While some new graduates may be assigned to a specialty nursing role, she said, “Be the best new nurse you can be in unit like the birth center, most are assigned to acute care or whatever role you take.” med/surg to hone basic nursing skills. “I look at it as a puzzle, trying to piece where a person Thinking Ahead belongs, where they would best fit,” Cassidy said. “If you have the opportunity to do an externship in your And though they preach the importance of internships junior year of nursing school, that hospital experience is invalu- and residency programs, Scott and Cassidy found neither able,” Scott said. Cassidy agreed, adding that any hands-on registered as an overwhelming concern among 250 nursing experience before graduation looks good on a résumé. students they recently surveyed. “We tell new grads, ‘We know what it is like anticipating Among the five questions they asked students was this: As graduation, anticipating whether I will have a job,’” Scott a new graduate, what would make you consider a position said. “We lived it. We breathed it. … Now we are here to at one organization versus another? Among some suggested help the new graduate in any way we can.” concerns listed: sign-on bonus, NCLEX reimbursement, pay/ Centra offers a New Graduate Nurse Internship Program, benefits, community. designed to help newly licensed graduate nurses transi- Full analysis of the surveys was incomplete at the time of tion from students to professional nurses successfully and this interview, but Scott and Cassidy told ADVANCE that sev- seamlessly. eral respondents were primarily interested in the $200 NCLEX The program consists of class instruction, self-guided e-learning, a clinical preceptorship in the unit of hire and new reimbursement. “I found that to be interesting,” Scott said. graduate nurse focus group meetings. Part of the application process includes a personal narrative Rose Quinn is a freelance writer. advance FOR www.advanceweb.com/Nurses Visit Our New Grad Center Building the Perfect Résumé Follow these tips to create a résumé that will open doors A Call to Action A résumé should give just enough information to make the readers want to learn more about you. You have to provide enough details to let them know you are qualified, but not too much that they have reason to question if you are the right fit. TiP 2 CLICK HERE FOR THE FIRST TIP TiP 5 TiP 6 TiP 3 TiP TiP 7 4 TiP 8 TiP advance FOR www.advanceweb.com/Nurses Visit Our New Grad Center #17614 SAVE* 15 % on your order #27730 Use promo code NNGRAD531 #27464 new! #27344 #27635 new! #27273 Promote Your Passion! Tees, scrubs, shoes, gifts & more for new grads or seasoned pros! Add us to your circle on Google+ #27738 #27306 Share what you love Connect with us at facebook.com/ ShopAdvance Follow us on Twitter.com/ ShopAdvance #27543 Click Here for more great products from ADVANCE > 1-877-405-9978 • advancehealthcareshop.com *Limit one promo code per order. Cannot be combined with other orders. Not valid on Littmann stethoscopes, Ultrascope (#11840), Oximeter (#13221), Cherokee WorkWear, affiliate-specific merchandise or clearance. Valid through 05/31/13. advance FOR www.advanceweb.com/Nurses Visit Our New Grad Center Catalog Code: NNG-1312 24 ADVANCE For Nurses: Serving New Nurse Graduates and Students As you begin your career, seasoned nurses offer words of wisdom “Keep an open mind with everyone you meet in your chosen field of nursing. This includes the small child to the wise elder, the person living with challenges to the one who has the world by the tail — and everyone in between. Each of us has a story to tell and you will learn something from every encounter if you take to the time to listen.” — Susan Sooy, BSN, RN “As you know, we have a heavy load to carry. There are so many facets to our job and another person’s health and happiness is dependent on our actions and knowledge. As serious as our job demands are, take a minute to find a little humor along the way.” Dave perillo — Janet Hess, BSN, RN “Challenges should be considered gifts that will inspire and motivate one towards improvement and innovation. Nurses should stay current, read nursing and medical journals and join professional development networks.” — Dayna Dixon, MA, RN “Never lose sight of why you chose to become a nurse. … always advocate for your patient, always look for opportunities to grow professionally, continue to develop your support network, continue to question and challenge appropriately, be humble, maintain your integrity, don’t compromise your standard, and take excellent care of yourself.” — Francine Forrest, MSN, RN “Two major changes that are likely to influence your career as a nurse are centered on the Affordable Care Act. The first is that because there are so many chronic conditions related to lifestyle, people are encouraged to choose an active life making choices that will contribute to better health. Hence prevention is a major theme. Secondly, beginning 2014, everyone is entitled to healthcare. It is hoped that people will take advantage of screening and testing so that diseases will be diagnosed early at curable stages. You are likely to see more community-based health and fewer hospitalizations.” — Flo Rice, EdD, RN advance FOR www.advanceweb.com/Nurses Visit Our New Grad Center ADVANCE For Nurses: Serving New Nurse Graduates and Students “Utilizing the nursing process will guide you in developing and understanding your patient’s comprehensive plan of care. Perform a detailed assessment, implement nursing interventions and re-evaluate for effectiveness. Build relationships with the multidisciplinary teams within your organization, including physicians, nutritionists, specialty educators, nursing assistants, case managers and physical therapists.” — Cheryl Tugman, MSN, RN, FNP “Make a connection and establish a trusting relationship with your patient by keeping them well informed of the plan of care, being courteous and respectful, being attentive and having patience — go above and beyond your call of duty.” — Cheryl Tugman, “Nursing theorist Jean Watson said, 'Caring is the essence of nursing.’ If as nurses we remember to keep the patient at the center, the art and science that is nursing will always follow.” — Dayna Dixon, MA, RN “Nurses beginning their career in this era of nursing have the advantage of advanced technology and multigenerational, culturally diverse nurses to guide and support them. It is important that new nurses take pride in their identity as nurses.” — Dayna Dixon, MA, RN “Allow yourself to learn something new every single day. The skilled hands of a nurse can tell so much about your patient; listen to them.” — Marlene DeRoo Dolan, BSN, RN MSN, RN, FNP “Whether you’re in direct patient care or population-based public health, we’re still working with individuals. Your smile may be as important a tool as all that knowledge you’ve absorbed and those clinical skills you’ve developed.” – Leslie Leonard, BSN, RN “Have confidence in yourself. I started out as a shy nurse in a medical center. I am now in my 33rd year in public health, quite secure in my position and wondering where the years went. Enjoy the ride.” “Leave the stress and heartache of a day at work... do not bring it home with you!” — Linda Whalen, RN — Jane Scarfo, BA, RN advance FOR www.advanceweb.com/Nurses Visit Our New Grad Center Dave perillo 25