Tag: career

10 Things You Should Know Before You Apply to Work at a Rehab Center

by Patrick Bailey

The healthcare sector can be one of the most challenging, yet most rewarding fields to work in. When we niche down in healthcare even more, we see a sub-field in healthcare that yields a present relevance–rehabilitation centers. What is it like to work in a rehab center? Below are some of the things you should know before applying to work in this healthcare field.

What comes to mind when we think of rehab centers? Do we think of people in white coats and scrub suits, leading away patients who seem to have issues too deep to bear? This may be a common stereotype, but rehab centers are more than that. In fact, there is fulfillment in the calling of helping those who are suffering from substance use.

Current job growth in rehab centers

In the US alone, there are 25 million people suffering from substance abuse. The rates of people being admitted to rehabilitation centers continue to rise as the substance use problem persists. This includes patients who are admitted because they are undergoing abuse of illicit drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and prescription medications. Some rehabilitation centers are also dedicated in curing different types of psychological disorders stemming from abuse or life circumstances.

Here are some interesting facts about job growth in rehabilitation centers:

  • All healthcare sector jobs, including those involving rehabilitation medicine, have an average job growth rate of 7%.
  • Those who are interested to work in addiction counseling can expect to have better employment opportunities as job growth will be 22% in the next 10 years.
  • Rehabilitation nurses can expect a job growth rate of 19%.

These statistics may be encouraging to any potential employee, but it is important to know the realities of working in a rehab center foremost. Below are 10 things you need to know before applying for a job in the rehabilitation healthcare field.

1. Understand your credentials first.

Even if you are interested in helping people with substance use problems, it should be clear to you what role you want to fulfill in this multi-disciplinary field. Just like fields in science or education, rehabilitative healthcare also has different positions to fill in.

Do you want to be a doctor in rehabilitation medicine? It is important to understand the career path of being this type of doctor first. Perhaps a specialized nurse may also be an option, but you also need to ensure that you have the right type of license in the state you are residing. Addiction counselors also have their own set of credentials that are important for employment. If you want to work for the best rehab centers in US, you need to perform your research about the specific occupation you wish to take.

2. Get to know the reputation of the rehab center you want to work in.

Before applying for a specific rehab center, it is important to also do your research regarding the company. Are they a registered, reputable institution? Do they have verified reviews from previous workers and clients?

This is essential because many reports have been made about rehab centers’ fraudulent activities. Some people and insurance companies are scammed, giving poor quality or non-existent services to clients while they take advantage of the payments being made. If you end up working in a center like this, you may not have the proper compensation for your job.

3. Understand the treatment philosophy of the rehab center.

As you study and gain experience to become a worker in a rehabilitative healthcare field, you may have developed a school of thought that echoes your beliefs about how patients should be treated.

It is difficult to work in a place that doesn’t align with your own principles of patient care. Rehab centers have different ways of how they operate and treat their patients, so it is important to find the ones that you agree with the most.

4. The work can be challenging.

Some people with substance use problems often display symptoms of aggression or any other type of heightened emotions. If you do plan to push through with working in a rehab center, be prepared to receive unexpected remarks from patients or even moments of aggression. You will be oriented on how to handle these situations and how to keep you and your clients safe.

Understand that this is all part of the job–you are intervening a problem that runs deep physically, mentally, and emotionally. It is important to depersonalize these statements and place yourself in your patient’s shoes.

5. You will meet people from all walks of life.

The problem of addiction does not discriminate–it can affect people from all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Be prepared to meet people from all walks of life. On some occasions, they can be as familiar as a neighbor, or even an individual who speaks a different language. In rare instances, they can even be high-profile personalities, and at any point you have to understand the importance of confidentiality.

If you are someone who wants to experience the challenge of dealing with a diverse group of people, then you may truly consider working in a rehab center.

6. The work requires patience and endurance.

Just as substance use disorders took time to develop, it also takes time for patients to recover. You may be happy that a patient you have worked with recently got discharged, only to find out that he is back the following week after a relapse. This may make you question if you have done your best to help or if made any difference at all.

This is why this job requires patience and endurance. You need to have the power to motivate, encourage, and show empathy to your clients. These are people who may have gone through difficult life situations, and many of them are still going through some. It takes a strong worker to see through these needs and respond to them lovingly.

7. Sticking by the rules is not optional.

One of the ways to find success in working in the rehabilitation healthcare field is abiding by the rules. This applies within your job description, the rules within your rehab center, and how you administer patient care.

In other fields such as art or even research sciences, it helps to be creative and find out-of-the-box ideas to accomplish a task. However, working in healthcare, especially those in rehabilitation requires evidence-based practice and working by these principles to ensure that you give the best quality of service.

8. The job requires continuous training.

Speaking of evidence-based practice, it is imperative that all professionals working in rehab centers should always be updated with the current methods that are effective for treating patients.

Whether you are a doctor, a nurse, a counsellor, or someone who performs administrative tasks in the facility, the protocols often evolve and further training is required. Make sure that your company also offers these growth opportunities for you, because it is also for the sake of your clients.

9. It can be a rewarding vocation.

Working in rehabilitative healthcare means you are directly impacting lives–you are playing a role in the 180-degree turn of someone’s life. As patients decide to go on rehab, they are placing their trust upon you to help make that change. This is a high calling that can lead a person towards a better path.

No wonder there is a strong demand for professionals in this field–it’s because people desire change, but they need agents of change to help them. Understand that although it can be challenging, the rewarding feeling of helping re-shape someone’s path is also a joy in itself.

10. Your patients appreciate you more than you’ll ever know.

When patients pass throughout your years of working in rehabilitative healthcare, it may be easy to assume that it can be a “thankless job” sometimes. However, just like how we appreciate teachers, doctors, public servants, and any other job–know that in the back of a patient’s mind–they appreciate you more than you’ll ever hear or know.

Take a changed life as a form of gratitude towards your profession. Although you may not always expect to hear words or encouragement, promotions, or even material gifts from thankful clients, this may be small compared to the contributions you have made to help shift someone’s course in life.

Considering work in a rehab center?

If you are planning to work in a rehab center, take note of these things. Set a realistic mind towards what you are facing ahead, and you are better off making a wise decision about your career path.

Patrick Bailey is a professional writer, mainly in the fields of mental health, addiction, and living in recovery. You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Planning on Med School? 4 Benefits of Shadowing Doctors

by Emma Sturgis

Deciding to go to med school is a big decision. You don’t want to end up going through schooling, only to find out it’s not the right path for you. However, if you shadow doctors, you could come out ahead. Not only will it make you more confident in med school to avoid dropping out, but you could enjoy 4 other benefits:

Seeing Procedures First Hand

Knowing what kind of doctor you want to be is a tough decision to make. While you have some time in med school to figure it out, you don’t have that long. You need to understand what you would be getting yourself into with each specialty. Shadowing a doctor will introduce you to the different procedures and day to day activities you would be doing. That way, you don’t get blindsided on day one.

Understanding What the Questions on the Test Mean

If you are taking med school seriously, then you will already be getting your hands on MCAT prep materials, asking others in the field what their suggestions are, and studying every chance you get. However, it helps to have first-hand experience and see the real live application of what the textbooks say. That is one of the biggest advantages of following a real doctor around for a set period of time.

Professional Networking

If you think getting your dream job will be as simple as completing medical school and getting an offer, think again. Networking is just as important in the medical field as in any other profession. Knowing the right people can make all the difference between working at the best hospital in the city or having to move entirely.

Taking a Trial Run

Medical school is one of the most difficult things you will go through when becoming a doctor. The hours are long. The tests are tough. You will have little downtime. However, the end is worth it. However, you should verify that this is really what you want to do. Shadowing a doctor is the perfect way to take being a doctor for a trial run so you can be that much more confident in your decision.

Becoming a doctor is an exciting prospect. However, you need to plan it the right way. By shadowing doctors, you can learn the industry. You can avoid common pitfalls that others fall into. In addition, it will help you with med school itself. So give some real consideration to shadowing a doctor before you have your first day of medical school.

Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer based out of Boston, MA. She writes most often on health and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading and watching film noir. Say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

 

Your Nursing Job: The Same Old Bed of Nails or a Comfortable Old Shoe?

Complacency be just as bad for your career as outright misery. Whether you’re stuck in a rut or actively feeling pained by your job, it might be time for a change.

From Nurse Keith’s Digital Doorway

Some of us have nursing jobs that are feel like a bed of nails, and some of us nurses have jobs that feel like comfortable old shoes. Have you ever fallen into either of these categories in terms of your work experience as a nurse? I posit that either one can be detrimental to your career in the long run.

The Old Shoe Nursing Job

If you’ve been working at a decent enough nursing job for a number of years, it can begin to feel like an old worn shoe: comfortable, fraying at the edges, and perhaps less supportive than it used to be.

Perhaps you’ve had a work experience that reflects at least several of the following characteristics:

  • You like your colleagues well enough
  • Your bosses are decent
  • The work you do is relatively enjoyable — or at least tolerable
  • The salary is stagnant
  • Benefits (if you have them) are acceptable but not overwhelmingly generous
  • You’re not learning very much over time
  • You feel like you’re just this side of career stagnation

I hear from many nurses who are in a nursing position that matches a number of the above-named aspects. When a nurse feels stuck and in a rut, there are plenty of questions to ask, including but not limited to:

  • What about your current job is and is not satisfying?
  • What kind of learning happens for you on the job?
  • Do you feel like you’re growing professionally or just marking time?
  • Are you treated well enough? Could you find a more positive and supportive workplace culture?
  • Do you feel that you’re valued for what you do, or are you just a cog in an organizational wheel?
  • If you think about leaving for another opportunity, what kinds of thoughts and feelings do you have? Is it just too scary to consider?
  • Are you afraid to leave because it’s relatively comfortable? Are you avoiding looking for another job because you feel beholden to stay for your colleagues and/or your patients?
  • Do you simply not know what you’d rather do otherwise?

These types of questions can lead to very interesting discussions about self worth, career development, personal and professional history, and how you view yourself as a healthcare professional and nurse.

An old shoe may be comfy and familiar, but it can lose its supportive structure and allow your feet to really take a beating. Is your current job kind of like that old running shoe you just can’t let go of?

The Nursing Bed of Nails

A nursing job that feels like a bed of nails is just a bad fit. In this scenario, it hurts to get up and go to work. You feel pained, uncomfortable, and vaguely aware that this is a form of torture that would probably be good to escape from, but you may very well feel stuck and unable to move.

Don’t get me wrong: a challenging job that pushes you beyond your current comfort zone isn’t necessarily a bad thing. This type of situation can be good for your career as it can often motivate you to learn, grow, and take your skills and knowledge to the limit without violating your scope of practice or endangering your patients or your nursing license.

Having said that, many of us have likely been stuck in jobs that felt dangerous, edgy, beyond our ken, and simply too much to handle. A nursing job that pushes you too far and feels unnecessarily painful and difficult can have some of the following characteristics, as well as others not listed:

  • You feel as if you’re regularly pushed to work beyond your scope of practice
  • A bully (or bullies) stalk the halls and make people’s lives miserable
  • Management is inept, if not downright hostile
  • The workplace is riddled with gossip and backbiting
  • You don’t readily connect with the patient population and feel like caring for them is like nails on a chalkboard
  • You don’t feel challenged, and your skills, knowledge, and expertise are stagnating
  • You feel nauseous, anxious, or plainly fearful when you arrive to work
  • Overall, work is just a consistently unpleasant slog

Being miserable, stagnant, and pained at work is no picnic. And you know what? It’s not necessary at all — you always have the choice to make a move, look to a new horizon, or otherwise exit gracefully, stage left.

Do you have the gumption and wherewithal to leave? Even a bed of nails can feel oddly comfortable and familiar — after all, the devil you know can sometimes be better than the devil you don’t. Right?

Finding a New Career Frontier

Whether your job feels like a bed of nails or a comfortable old shoe, there’s often something that needs to change. If you’re not making plans to leave, consider where your resistance is coming from. Is it fear? Is it discomfort with change? Or is there a lack of self-confidence that needs to be overcome?

Whatever the feeling is that’s keeping you from busting out and moving on, consider the notion that change can be exciting, renewing, and occasionally revelatory. Fear can either be motivating or demotivating — which would you prefer?

Consider that if early homo sapiens and other ancient human species were overly afraid of change, they never would have crossed the Bering Straight and populated far-flung continents. If Civil Rights leaders had been too fearful of the reactions of white supremacists, they never would have marched, boycotted, and pushed back against the egregiously racist status quo. And if Florence Nightingale didn’t have the courage to buck the system of the good ol’ boys of medicine and create biostatistics and crucial practices of infection control, modern nursing might still be in the Dark Ages, serving coffee to physicians who see us as nothing but unskilled non-professional handmaidens.

Consider these questions:

  • Is your current job satisfying?
  • Are you learning enough to keep engaged and interested?
  • Does your workplace feel congenial enough?
  • Is the workplace culture positive and supportive?
  • Is management responsive and self-reflective?
  • Is this job leading somewhere in the context of your career?

A bed of nails and a comfy old shoe can be equally difficult to disengage from, albeit for different reasons. If you’re stuck in either of these scenarios, what would it take to get out of bed or throw that old shoe in the trash? What would you need in order to take that leap of faith and move on?

Nimbleness, professional and personal growth, forward movement, and the willingness to pivot throughout your nursing career are hallmarks of living and working in the 21st-century healthcare universe — are you ready for nice new nursing shoes and a more comfortable bed? If you’re feeling like you’re at the end of your rope, I’ll hazard a guess that you’re more than ready. What are you waiting for?

Keith Carlson, RN, BSN, NC-BC, is the Board Certified Nurse Coach behind NurseKeith.com and the well-known nursing blog, Digital Doorway. Please visit his online platforms and reach out for his support when you need it most.

Keith is co-host of RNFMRadio.com, a wildly popular nursing podcast; he also hosts The Nurse Keith Show, his own podcast focused on career advice and inspiration for nurses.

A widely published nurse writer, Keith is the author of “Savvy Networking For Nurses: Getting Connected and Staying Connected in the 21st Century,” and has contributed chapters to a number of books related to the nursing profession. Keith has written for Nurse.com, Nurse.org, MultiViews News Service, LPNtoBSNOnline, StaffGarden, AusMed, American Sentinel University, the ANA blog, Working Nurse Magazine, and other online publications.

Mr. Carlson brings a plethora of experience as a nurse thought leader, online nurse personality, podcaster, holistic career coach, writer, and well-known successful nurse entrepreneur. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico with his lovely and talented wife, Mary Rives.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Tricky Nursing Interview Questions (And How to Answer Them)

The pay may be great, but that isn’t the answer to give when asked, “Why do you want to work here?” Here’s how to answer that and other hard interview questions.

Interviewing, in general, isn’t easy, but some questions prove tougher than others. Here are three questions that notoriously trip up even the most seasoned nurse and how best to answer them.

“Tell me about yourself.”

While not technically a question, this can be one of the hardest parts of any interview. While some people love talking about themselves (research suggests this is simply because it feels good), others do not, and even if you do like talking about yourself, landing in the sweet spot between giving the interviewer too little and sharing too much can be tricky, especially if you’re an anxious or nervous interviewee.

Instead of sharing your life story, and giving away too many personal details which may reflect poorly upon you, keep in mind that the interviewer is asking this because they want to know your background, more than anything, and a bit about your personality. Cover the basics about your education, professional experience, career goals, and strengths, while tying in some clues about your personality, such as, “I’ve always loved children and I’m upbeat by nature, so pediatric nursing was a seamless fit for me.”

“Why do you want to work here?”

The truthful answer to that may be, “Look, lady, it’s because I need a job,” or, “The pay is GREAT,” but those answers are not what the interviewer is looking for—and should definitely not come out of your mouth at any point during the interview process. They don’t want to hire any ol’ nurse, just as you don’t want to work at any ol’ hospital, so do your research, not only so you can impress them by knowing they were ranked #1 for neurosurgery by so-and-so publication, but so you can see if they are the right fit for you, as well.

Before you interview, Google them and read up on the organization, including their corporate values and culture, and be prepared to tell them why you’d be a good fit to work there. For example, perhaps the facility caters to a population you prefer to work with, they use progressive methods you are eager to learn, or have a reputation for professional advancement that aligns with your career goals. Or maybe it’s something as simple as they are a small practice with a family feel, and you are tired of working in hospitals where you hardly see the same person twice. Whatever it is that truly interests you in working there, from a professional standpoint, find a way to convey that in a way that shows you’re excited to be a part of what they’re doing.

“What are your weaknesses?”

No one likes to own up to their faults, particularly not in a setting where you’re trying to impress. However, we are all human. We all mess up. We all have less than desirable traits. And pretending like you don’t just comes across and being inauthentic and dishonest, and those are not desirable traits in an employee, let alone a nurse.

Whatever your weaknesses may be, find a way to tell the interviewer what you have learned from them, showing you are committed to self-improvement and professional growth. It is a best practice to sandwich your weakness between two positive attributes. For example, if you sometimes feel overwhelmed, try saying something along the lines of, “I’m committed to providing a high level of patient care, but sometimes I find myself getting a little overwhelmed when a patient or their family asks a lot of questions. I know that’s just the patient and their family wanting to be well-informed about their care, though, so I’ve learned to be more understanding, as a result.”

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Tips to Craft Your Best Nursing Resume

At first glance, what impression does your resume make on your behalf? Could it impress a hiring manager or recruiter in six seconds? If not, read on.

On average, your resume has about six seconds to make a good first impression, and that is only if it’s being seen by a living, breathing human being, not a machine, such as an ATS. Then, if it is good enough to pique their interest, one in five recruiters will make up their mind about you and your qualifications in less than a minute, and over all, employers will spend, on average, only three minutes and 14 seconds reading your resume. Those numbers shouldn’t scare you, but they should definitely make you think. At first glance, what impression does your resume make on your behalf? Could it impress a hiring manager or recruiter in six seconds, a minute, three? If the answer is no, here are a few tips on how to make it shine.

Keep It Clean and Professional

If your resume only has a very brief period of time to catch someone’s eye, it’s best to find a layout that doesn’t look like the rest, while still retaining a professional design and having clearly marked sections of information. Look to websites such as Creative Market or Etsy for inspiration, or download some modern templates you can use for a small fee.

If you don’t use a readymade layout, make sure whatever layout you use is free of photos and “fancy” fonts, as those may not render properly across all platforms, and over 40% of recruiters are put off by the use of them. Stick to standard fonts, such as Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica, have clear section headings, and make use of bullet points to draw the eye to important pieces of information.

Also, be sure that your contact information is easy to find, and that it is professional. You should include your full name, with your credentials listed after it, address, telephone number, and an appropriate email address—because 32% of recruiters will reject someone simply for having an inappropriate email address.

While we are all taught not to judge a book by its cover, you also need to get noticed for the right reasons, and the first impression your resume makes could make all the difference.

Your Objective Is Already Clear

The Objective section of the resume is dead. If you are submitting a resume, it is common knowledge, and can very easily be assumed, that you are trying to “obtain a position within [your] field to further [yourself] personally and professionally.” Call the time of death on that and send it on down to the morgue—it’s dead.

Your objective is clear; why you are the right person for the job is not. Which is why the Summary section has replaced the Objective, and is alive and kicking. Instead of using a bunch of regurgitated, standardized language about why you are trying to find a job in your field, show off your qualifications. Talk about your accomplishments and how you add value to the facilities you’ve worked for and the lives of your patients, or how you excelled in nursing school.

Give them the most impressive bits of your history right up front and make them want to learn more of your details by reading on to your Professional Experience and Education sections.

Show Your Strengths and Avoid Being a Cliché

Over 50% of recruiters will reject a candidate if their resume is full of clichés. Everyone is a hard worker, a team player, is motivated, driven, and works well under pressure—particularly, if you’re a nurse. Soft skills, such as those, may sound good to you, but they are really just filler for those on the hiring end of things, and they add no value to your resume.

If you are going to highlight your strengths, do so in concrete ways.

What states are you licensed in and what certifications do you have? What professional associations do you belong to? Which EMR/EHR systems are you familiar with? What caseload have you handled and in what unit? Which industry-wide protocols, processes, and procedures do you have experience with? Are you bilingual? What skills set you apart from every other nurse?

Also, don’t be afraid to use industry-specific terminology. These people are hiring nurses, after all. They’ll know what you mean when you say you’re experienced with Level I Trauma, da Vinci Surgical Systems, balloon pumps, 12-lead placements, and so on.

Check Your Spelling and Grammar, Then Check It Again, and Once More

59% of recruiters will reject a resume based solely on spelling mistakes and poor grammar. Which may seem silly to some, but attention to detail is important, not only in writing your resume, but in your nursing career, itself. Read through your document multiple times to look for spelling and grammatical errors, or ask a friend who is good with words to do so on your behalf.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

The Best and Worst States to Be A Nurse

Maine is the top place to be a nurse, and D.C. is the worst, according to new survey results. Where does your state land on the list?

The nursing industry is alive and well, and it is expected to grow at more than double the rate of the average occupation through 2026. But where is it best, and worst, to be a nurse?

New findings from WalletHub, as determined by comparing the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 21 crucial metrics, including average salary, average starting salary, nursing job openings, patient ratios, and more, offer some insight. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the most promising conditions to be a nurse.

Below are the top five best and worst states and their scores, as found by the survey, as well as other key findings.

Top Five Best Places to Be A Nurse

  1. Maine (62.96/100)
  2. Montana (62.07/100)
  3. Washington (61.41/100)
  4. Wyoming (61.31/100)
  5. New Mexico (61.11/100)

Top Five Worst Places to Be A Nurse

  1. District of Columbia (33.08/100)
  2. Hawaii (38.49/100)
  3. Vermont (44.88/100)
  4. Alabama (45.58/100)
  5. Louisiana (46.27/100)

Most Nursing Job Openings Per Capita: Vermont
Highest Annual Nursing Salary, Adjusted for Cost of Living: Arizona
Most Healthcare Facilities Per Capita: South Dakota
Lowest Competition by 2024: Nevada
Highest Percentage of Population Aged 65+ by 2030: Florida

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

10 Interview Tips for Nurses

Interviewing for a new nursing job? Here are 10 tips to help you make sure you are well-prepared and set up for success on the big day.

by Deborah Swanson

Interviewing for a job can be nerve-wracking, especially if it’s your first job out of nursing school. However, there are several steps you can take to make sure you are well-prepared and set up for success on the big day. Here are 10 tips that can help make any nursing interview go smoothly:

1. Plan Ahead for the Interview

Research parking options and plan out your route beforehand. Google Maps desktop version has a feature that lets you forecast how long it will take to get your destination at particular times of day, such as rush hour. Check the weather and try on clothing the night before to decide on an outfit. You should wear professional clothing — suits for men and a dress or a blouse and skirt or pants for women — rather than scrubs to the interview.

If the clothing needs to be washed, ironed, steamed or starched, starting the night before will give a chance to take care of that. If you wear jewelry or makeup, choose what you’re going to wear so you’re not scrambling to figure it out the morning of.

2. Get Plenty of Sleep

Interview jitters can keep you up at night, but try to sleep as much as possible the nights leading up to the interview so you can look fresh and think more clearly. If you have trouble falling asleep, a hot bath, caffeine-free tea, eye mask and melatonin can help you relax and fall or stay asleep. Try to avoid drinking alcohol, watching TV right before bedtime and other activities that can decrease or disturb your sleep.

3. Eat and Drink the Smart Way

You don’t want your stomach to growl loudly during the entire interview, so even if you’re nervous, try to eat a few hours before the appointment. Stick to nourishing foods that you know won’t upset your stomach or otherwise cause discomfort. Try not to overly caffeinate yourself, as this will only make you jittery, and drinking too much soda can cause belching and other stomach upset. Bring a bottle of water with you in case your mouth gets dry during the interview, and get there early enough that you have time to use the bathroom if necessary.

4. Research the Company and/or Position

Knowing as much as you can about the facility and the nursing position will give you concrete information to ask questions about during the interview. It will also demonstrate to the interviewer that you are truly interested in the job and did your research beforehand — they won’t hire someone who didn’t care enough to learn about the company before the interview.

5. Ask Your Network for Advice

If you have nursing contacts who have worked at this particular company or facility, reach out to them to ask about their experience and what you should know about the company going into the interview. Even if you don’t know anyone who works at the place you’re interviewing, you should still reach out to your more experienced nursing friends for advice, especially if you’re interviewing for your first nursing job after school. They’ll be able to advise you on what questions to prepare for.

6. Practice Your Interview Answers

No matter what kind of job you’re interviewing for, you can expect some questions to pop up over and over again: Why do you want this job? What makes you qualified for this position? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Why did you choose to become an RN? Where do you see yourself in five years? Make a list of expected questions and outline some bullet points that you can use to answer them. Then practice your answers, either by yourself or with a willing helper. The point is not to memorize the answers, but rather to feel comfortable discussing the content so you won’t suddenly go blank during the interview.

7. But Remember There Will Be Some Curveball Questions

There’s no way to anticipate every single question an interviewer might ask you, so no matter how much prep work you do in advance, there will probably be one or two surprises. When this happens, take a sip of water or write down a note to give yourself a moment to think. If that’s not a possibility, you can even tell the interviewer, “That’s a really good question; give me a minute to think about it,” to buy yourself a few seconds to gather your thoughts.

8. Be Prepared to Ask Questions of Your Own

In most job interviews, the hiring manager will leave time at the end to answer any questions you may have. If you don’t have any questions ready to ask, it can seem like you haven’t done your homework on the company or that you weren’t paying attention during the interview — neither of which makes a good impression. Using your research, make up a list of questions you can ask beforehand about relevant topics, such as training programs for new nurses or scheduling requirements and patient ratios.

9. Don’t Forget That You’re Interviewing Them, Too

During interviews, it can feel like you’re on trial for a new job. But don’t forget that you’re also interviewing the company or facility to figure out if the job would be a good fit for your professional goals and interests. Asking questions will not only show that you’re active and engaged in the interview; it will also help you determine if the culture and job duties are in line with what you’re looking for.

10. Send a Thank You Note

If you have a phone interview, a quick email thank-you within 24 hours will show that you’re still interested in the position and grateful for the interviewer’s time. If you were called in for an in-person interview — especially if it’s the final round — you should send an email thank you within 24 hours as well, followed by a written thank-you within the week if you haven’t heard back.

Some people advocate for only handwritten thank-yous, but if the hiring manager is trying to make a decision within a few days, snail mail might not reach him or her in time. In all thank-you notes, be sure to reference something specific that you talked about to jog the interviewer’s memory.

Planning ahead can make the day of a big interview much less stressful. Follow these 10 steps to make sure you’re prepared to ace your nursing job interview.

 

Deborah Swanson is a Coordinator for the Real Caregivers Program at allheart.com. A site dedicated to celebrating medical professionals and their journeys. She keeps busy interviewing caregivers and writing about them and loves gardening.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Should I Quit This Darn Nursing Job?

Have you ever wondered when it’s time to quit your nursing job and move on? Are you stuck in a job, uncertain where to go next as a nurse? Or do you just need a change of scenery?

From Nurse Keith’s Digital Doorway

Have you ever wondered when it’s time to quit your nursing job and move on? Are you stuck in a job, uncertain where to go next as a nurse? Or do you just need a change of scenery? It’s all about timing, self-care, finances, lifestyle and workstyle, career development, and other factors that impact how long you stay and when (and why) you go.

Ready to Move On or Not?

Making the choice to move on from a nursing job you’ve had for a while is not always an easy choice. There are multiple reasons to move on, just as there may be a myriad of reasons to hang in there.

What has led you to quit jobs in the past? Was it money? Was it health insurance or other benefits? Were you mistreated, overworked, burned out, or underpaid? Did you receive an offer you simply couldn’t pass up? Did you need to relocate? Were there other reasons you left for greener pastures?

Sometimes we feel we should move on but something stands in our way. Is it the money or the benefits? Is it pressure from our spouse or family to not undergo the stress of a job change? Or is it just regular old lack of motivation and career lethargy?

Whether you currently need to move on or not, it’s always good to be prepared for the eventuality that a change may be on the horizon.

Some Reasons to Quit That Job and Move On

How many reasons are there to quit your nursing job? Let me count the ways.

Poor leadership/management: One of the top reasons that people leave jobs is poor management and leadership. When you don’t feel supported by those who you report you, the game’s over and it’s time to jump ship.

Your nursing license is endangered: If your work environment is such that you feel that your nursing license is at risk, leave that job today and don’t look back. No amount of money or benefits or prestige is worth the risk of losing the license that you’ve worked so hard to earn and maintain. An untold number of circumstances or conditions can endanger your license, patient care, and perhaps even your safety. My advice: don’t compromise on this ever! It’s just not worth it.

You are physically unsafe: An unsafe environment where you’re physically in danger and have little or no protection is a workplace that simply doesn’t deserve you. If your workplace doesn’t offer the resources to be physically safe from harm, grab your parachute and leap from the plane before you experience unnecessary and wholly preventable injury.

Mistreatment/bullying/harassment/etc: Mistreatment and aberrant behavior thrive in nursing and healthcare for some reason. Bullying is rampant, and discrimination and harassment are common. The presence of such behavior, when it goes uncorrected, is a sure sign that you need to exit, stage left as soon as possible. In the presence of persistent on-the-job bullying or harassment, I generally advise clients to leave their job immediately since that type of toxic environment eats away at the soul and psyche in very unhealthy ways that can be more damaging than being unemployed for a period of time between jobs. Bullying can cause you to make errors and lose confidence, and no one needs that kind of energy running in their work lives.

Overwork/staffing issues/burnout/unhealthy environment: This is so common it’s almost laughable if it wasn’t so tragic. California is the only state in the U.S. with mandated nurse-patient ratios, although some other states are moving in that direction. Legislation to mandate safe ratios nationwide makes its way through Congress every year but has yet to come down for a vote. Burnout often results from overwork, the pressures of mandatory overtime, long hours, high ratios, and unsafe staffing that can result in nurse or patient injury, medication errors, and many other less than positive outcomes.

Pay and benefits: With the cost of living as it is in the 21st century, it’s understandable that some nurses choose to leave their jobs in pursuit of more pay or improved benefits. Health insurance and your personal healthcare can be expensive, and some employers offer much more robust health benefits that others. Healthcare and childcare savings accounts help employees shelter more of their money from taxation, and other benefits like time off and money for continuing education can be attractive.

A better opportunity: Sometimes we leave jobs because something better came along. You never know when a new opportunity may cross your path, so be ready to jump when the jumping is good. New opportunities can lead to more responsibility, new clinical skills, a shot at a new circumstance that lends itself to career-building, or a host of other potential positive outcomes.

Relocation: Moving to a new home in a new town, city, or country is a common reason to leave your job. Relocation is common, and sometimes we just have to move for a variety of reasons, even if we’re happy in our work.

How to Leave Gracefully (or Not)

It’s almost always preferable to leave on a good note in the interest of relations and your reputation. If possible, you also may want to line up your next position before handing in your resignation. Of course, this is an optimal situation, and sometimes optimal is just not what presents itself. Here are some pointers for how to exit as gracefully as possible:

Give ample notice: I always recommend telling your boss that you’re leaving before you tell your colleagues (unless you have a peer in whom you’ve been confiding your plans). In terms of avoiding the unnecessary burning of professional bridges, try to give at least 2 weeks’ notice. However, it’s my humble opinion that giving notice isn’t totally necessary for a variety of reasons. For example, if you’ve documented bullying and reported it to your supervisors or managers, you deserve to leave stat if they’re consistently unresponsive. When you first report the situation, consider telling them that you’ll need to leave forthwith if the situation isn’t addressed appropriately and quickly. If you report it more than once and nothing happens, you’re in your rights to get out of there.

Request an exit interview: Exit interviews happen routinely in many industries, but I don’t really hear about them much in the healthcare setting. When preparing to leave, request an exit interview where you can give your employer or your supervisors feedback. If no exit interview is granted, put it all in writing, keep a copy for your records, and distribute it to as many key players as you like (e.g.: CEO, CFO, CNO, nursing director, charge nurse, supervisor, etc).

Connect with colleagues: A big order of business is connecting with friendly and supportive colleagues on LinkedIn throughout your career. It’s advisable to keep in touch with colleagues and peers over time for a variety of reasons, and LinkedIn is a great way to organize them all in one place. If you’re planning to quit or resign, begin connecting with your colleagues who you like and respect the most. Your ongoing job will be staying connected with those peers with whom you have the most positive rapport — you may need each other in the future. A nice gift to your best colleagues is to write them a recommendation on LinkedIn, which may be reciprocated. You can even ask to exchange recommendations with those with whom you share mutual respect and admiration. You can also ask certain individuals to serve as references in the future.

Offer to train your replacement: If you’re in a position with unique responsibilities, offer to train your replacement (if it’s at all possible). Sometimes we’re the holders of important knowledge or skill that needs to be passed on to the next person when appropriate.

Be self-contained: When you’ve decided to leave, play your cards close to your chest and don’t blurt it out everywhere at once. Be sensitive to your colleagues who may want to leave but can’t yet do it — they may be envious of your escape plan. Be empathic with those you’re leaving behind, especially if it’s a toxic or difficult work environment. Share the news of your leaving quietly and gracefully.

Document: If you wrote articles, co-authored studies, took part in committees, or otherwise got involved at work, save copies of anything you were a part of (unless, of course, it’s protected proprietary information that can’t legally leave the workplace).

Pat yourself on the back: You deserve it. Period.

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in order to move forward into a brighter future.

Summing Up

Once you decide to leave, update your resume and LinkedIn profile with your new data. (If you’ve been following my advice all along, the job you’re leaving has been on your resume and LinkedIn profile since you first started that gig.) If you’re starting a new position right away, add it now.

If you’re leaving without the safety net of another job, you may have some budgeting to do. If you have a spouse or partner, make some plans — if you’re single, you’ll have to be even more diligent in terms of managing a period of unemployment on your own.

Once you start a new gig, begin forming relationships with fellow colleagues, connect on LinkedIn, and otherwise set the table for success.

When interviewing for your next position, you’ll most likely need to explain why you’re planning to leave your current job or why you already left. Have your authentic story ready — every circumstance is different, so there are no cookie cutter answers here.

If you need help in such an important transition, make use of a career coach, mentor, trusted colleague, or counselor. It can be a lonely and stressful time, so ask for support from whomever would be most effective at being present for you when you need it the most.

Leaving a job is a potentially stressful time, especially if you don’t have anything else lined up quite yet. Be thoughtful, circumspect, kind, strategic, organized, and gentle with yourself, and things will fall in place as you do your due diligence and move forward into an even more promising future.

Keith Carlson, RN, BSN, NC-BC, is the Board Certified Nurse Coach behind NurseKeith.com and the well-known nursing blog, Digital Doorway. Please visit his online platforms and reach out for his support when you need it most.

Keith is co-host of RNFMRadio.com, a wildly popular nursing podcast; he also hosts The Nurse Keith Show, his own podcast focused on career advice and inspiration for nurses.

A widely published nurse writer, Keith is the author of “Savvy Networking For Nurses: Getting Connected and Staying Connected in the 21st Century,” and has contributed chapters to a number of books related to the nursing profession. Keith has written for Nurse.com, Nurse.org, MultiViews News Service, LPNtoBSNOnline, StaffGarden, AusMed, American Sentinel University, the ANA blog, Working Nurse Magazine, and other online publications.

Mr. Carlson brings a plethora of experience as a nurse thought leader, online nurse personality, podcaster, holistic career coach, writer, and well-known successful nurse entrepreneur. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico with his lovely and talented wife, Mary Rives.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Can You Return to Nursing After a Hiatus?

How do you break back in to nursing after being gone so long? It’s possible, and there’s a lot to do to get there.

from Nurse Keith’s Digital Doorway

Many nurses come to me for advice and career coaching when they’re ready to return to the nursing workforce after a hiatus. For some, it’s just been a year or two, and for others, it might have been 15 years of staying home to do the noble work of raising children. The question is, how do you break back in to nursing after being gone so long? It’s possible, and there’s a lot to do to get there.

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Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.