Becoming a Nurse: Job Hunting, Resumes, and Interviews (page 2)

The nursing shortage brings recruiters to you, as many major hospitals send representatives to nursing schools and local job fairs to recruit students. Some even come bearing gifts. This will give you an opportunity to hear what they have to offer and to ask questions in a comfortable environment.

Use the Internet to learn about job openings and places of employment. This helps you compare positions and develop questions to ask nurse recruiters. Find out what you can about the facility, its employees, and the posted job. However, don't rely on these as your only resource. The cost of advertising for a mass audience may be prohibitive for many hospitals, thus the job of your dreams may not be found in cyberspace. Add these methods to your search:

• Check the bulletin boards at school. If something interests you, discuss it with your advisor. Your advisor will help you find more information about the job and facility.
• Ask around. Ask your instructors, friends, and family members about hospitals and other agencies in your area.
• If your school brings in nursing recruiters, make sure to go and listen to them. You'll learn about the facility and have the opportunity to ask questions.
• Go to career fairs. You'll be able to talk to numerous recruiters, allowing you to compare and contrast their facilities. Career fairs also give you the opportunity to network with other nurses; ask them career questions, too!
• Join the Student Nurses Association and go to conferences. This gives you more networking opportunities and access to career opportunities.

Sample Job Announcement

FACILITY: STATE PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL

TITLE: PSYCHIATRIC REGISTERED NURSE

PROGRAM: ADULT PSYCHIATRIC DEPARTMENT

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: Seeking highly motivated nurse for a 20-bed adult chronic psychiatric illness unit. Responsibilities include:

• Psychiatric and physical assessments
• Administration of medications
• Work as part of an interdisciplinary team in developing treatment and aftercare plans for clients
• Conduct psychoeducation groups

CERTIFICATIONS:

CPR: American Red Cross 2009
IV Therapy: 2009
Certified Nurses Aide (CNA): 2008

WORK EXPERIENCE:

2008–2009: Nurse's Aide: Community Hospital, New York, New York

2006–2008: Unit Clerk: Community Hospital, New York, New York

2004–2006: Cashier: Dollar Days Minimart

RELEVANT EXPERIENCES:

2008–2009: Assisted with data collection on Dr. Smith's Emergency Room Nurses Study

2006–2009: Student Nurses Association; President, 2008–2009

2006–2009: Volunteer at The Corner Soup Kitchen

2006–2009: Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity

The Job Interview

First impressions count. Treat each interview as if it were the last job on earth. Plan ahead: Learn about the institution; make a list of questions to ask the recruiter and one of possible questions a recruiter may ask you. Practice interviewing. If no one is home to help, use a mirror.

Questions Nurse Recruiters May Ask

• Tell me a little about yourself.
• Why are you interested in this position?
• Why do you feel you are qualified for this position?
• What do you feel you can offer to this position?
• What do you see as your main strengths?
• What do you see as areas you need to improve?
• How do you manage difficult clinical situations?
• Where do you see yourself five years from now?

When the interview day arrives, relax. Use your stress management skills: Take deep breaths and do relaxation exercises, get plenty of sleep the previous night, and eat a good breakfast. Dress in your interview suit and wear sensible shoes and accessories. Arrive early for the interview, allowing plenty of time for traffic congestion and parking problems. Be courteous; shake hands and thank the recruiter for taking time to interview you. Project confidence; sit up straight and don't fidget. Don't chew gum or bite your nails.

After the interview, send a thank-you note, again thanking the recruiter for their time. It's polite, and it refreshes your name in their mind. Make a follow-up call to inquire about the state of your application.