Now that you are approaching graduation…..

Advancing Your Career

Differentiating a Job from a Career

Job

Specific task or work that one has agreed to do for pay

May need no formal education

Can support self and family

No lifetime commitment or involvement

Differentiating a Job from a Career (cont’d)

A career is:

“An occupation or profession, especially one requiring special training, followed as one’s lifework”

Differentiating a Job from a Career

Nursing Viewed as a profession and is pursued as

one’s lifework Allows us to fulfill personal goals Requires several years of formal educationo Theoreticalo Practical

Career Mapping Self-analysis and self-assessment

Examining your own values and beliefs and your philosophy of nursing

Examine your own skills and abilities Set your goals

Visioning Short-term Long-term

Career Mapping (cont’d) Seek a mentor or career counselor

Mentor: a more experienced nurse who is willing to provide time, advice, and assistance to one with lesser experience o Straightforward in giving you both positive

and negative feedback o Helps you build self-confidence o Can empower you

Establishing a Plan for Employment

Preparing a resume Appearance Organization

o Personal datao Personal objectives

Establishing a Plan for Employment

Professional Objective

Educational preparation

Employment experience

Other items to include

Establishing a Plan for Employment (cont’d)

References Typed on a separate sheet of paper Given to the prospective employer Include:

o Nameso Addresseso Telephone numbers

Question Is the following statement true or false?

A resume is written on off-white, good-quality paper, and should not be longer than two standard-sized (8.5 by 11 inches) pages.

AnswerTrue.

Rationale: a resume should not be longer than two standard-sized (8.5 by 11 inches) white or off-white pages on good-quality paper; one page is better for most beginners. The resume should be in typed format and easy to read.

Establishing a Plan for Employment (cont’d)

Selecting a prospective employer

Learn everything you can

Recruitment

Establishing a Plan for Employment (cont’d)

Questions to ask What is the focus of the care provided at

this facility? What type of clients does it serve? What types of services are offered at the

facility? Is there an internship or residency for new

graduates? If so, how long does it last?

Obtaining a Nursing Position Cover letter Completing an application Participating in an

interview Accepting a job offer

Resigning from a Position Leaving a position is as important as starting a

new position

Process should always be professional and well thought out

Check on the policies of the organization

Advancing Your Career Clinical career ladder

Continuing education

Formal education

Promotion