elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 saunders, an imprint of elsevier, inc. all rights...

Elsevier items and derived items © 2009, 2005 Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Chapter 21 Finding a Job


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Lesson 21.1Chapter 21


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Learning Objectives

• List employment opportunities available to licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/LVNs).

• Determine interpersonal styles and how to use them to achieve interpersonal rapport.

• Describe and utilize individuals within your job search network.

• Effectively participate in an informational interview.


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Learning Objectives (cont’d)

• Discuss how and where to best target job leads.

• Role-play employer telephone contacts and respond positively to hard interview questions.

• Practice filling out a job application, including a cover letter.

• Develop a résumé, including a cover letter that will get an employer’s attention.


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Employment Opportunities

• Health services is a fast-growing employment area.

• Opportunities vary by region, individual tenacity, and luck.

• Education has provided practical experience.

• Clinical (hands-on) nursing experience is a distinct advantage to emphasize.


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Interpersonal Styles

• Who am I? – What are your values and interests?– What motivates you?

• How am I seen?– Do others see me the same way I see myself?– Do I leave a positive impression?

Four interpersonal styles are used toachieve rapport.


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Interpersonal Styles (cont’d)

• Results-Focused– Get information quickly and act on it

immediately– Respond by making points brief, do not get

side-tracked• Detail-Focused

– Perfectionists; prefer accuracy over speed– Respond by providing thorough information

and careful explanation


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Interpersonal Styles (cont’d)

• Friendly-Focused– Initial small talk about non-working

activities– Respond by chatting, then move to

business at hand• Party-Focused

– Initially tell jokes, laugh– Respond by laughing along


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Networking

• Smart networking of influential people in your school and clinical work experiences

• Networking for references– Instructors– Unit managers, supervisors, team leaders,

staff registered nurses (RNs), and LPN/LVNs

– School placement personnel


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Networking (cont’d)

• Networking for a Job– Let people know you are looking for work.– Ask for job leads and names of contacts.– Networking should be a never-ending process.

• Networking Sources– Family and friends with nursing contacts– Former health care employers– Newspapers, nursing journals, school alumni office– Internet


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Informational Interview

• Allows you to find out how the facility works• Assists you in determining whether or not you would

want to work there• Allows you to meet the employer before actually seeking

a job; not a job interview• Focus objectives or questions on the following areas:

– Purpose– Staffing patterns– Hours or shifts– Facility specialty


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Searching for Job Openings

• Find out all you can about the facility at which you wish to work.

• Find out the name of the person who does the hiring or influences hiring.

• Do not wait for an ad to appear before applying to an employer.

• Apply directly to employers, using website job applications, emails, or sending a cover letter and résumé.

• Use a brief, to-the-point letter, accompanied by a résumé.


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Résumés

• Develop two versions: paper scannable and plain-text electronic.

• Focus on your work skills, education, experiences, and qualifications.

• Use short, bulleted sentences.• Be specific but concise in describing

experience.• Be honest.


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Résumés: The Contributions You Will Make

• Focus on your work skills, experiences, and qualifications.

• Do not make résumés too cluttered or too wordy.

• Use short, bulleted sentences of no more than two to four words.

• Format – See various examples in the textbook.

• The initial impression made by the résumé is significant.


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Cover Letters

• Must be included with each résumé• Will directly answer newspaper and

Internet ad requirements• Must be neat and include proper

spelling and correct grammar• Should be one page• Should be original (never photocopied)


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Cover Letters: Tailored to Fit the Job You Want

• May be submitted by computer, fax, mail, or dropped off with an application for the employer

• Directly answer newspaper and Internet ad requirements

• Also list qualifications or follow-up on the unsolicited phone calls you made inquiring about job openings

• Respond to direct inquiries, so remember to refer to a prior conversation with the hiring manager and/or to “drop” the name of the person who referred you

• Neatness, correct spelling, and proper grammar are mandatory.


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Lesson 21.2Chapter 21


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Learning Objectives

• Discuss the importance of employer follow-up both at the time of application and after the interview.

• Anticipate a successful pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.

• Write an effective resignation letter with style.


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Learning Objectives (cont’d)

• Convey positive nonverbal messages at the interview.

• Anticipate a successful pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.

• Write an effective resignation letter with style.


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Answers to Application Questions

• Answer the questions truthfully. • Reasons for leaving• Employment gaps • Answer every question, even if it does

not apply to you. • Do not attempt to falsify information,

because this will provide grounds for dismissal after hiring.


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Interview Preparation

• Bring a copy of résumé, LPN/LVN license, CPR card, and medical records documenting tuberculosis skin tests, hepatitis B and tetanus vaccinations

• Research the facility.• Prepare questions to ask the

interviewer.• Practice responses to likely questions.


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Interview Questions and Answers

• Prepare for your interview by practicing the sample responses to typical interview questions.

• “Tell me a little bit about yourself”—an ice-breaker.

• Silence – Smile at the interviewer and wait for the next question. – Don’t try to fill the void of silence by providing too much

information.• Answer questions honestly, highlighting relevant

experience.• Ask the interviewer questions that will help you learn

more about the position.


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Sample Questions to Ask

• What type of patients will I work with?• Will I be floated to other units?• What type of charting system is used?• How is scheduling handled?• What is the nurse-to-patient ratio?• What type of uniform is worn?• Will overtime be available if I want it?


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Making a Lasting Impression

• Personal Hygiene– Bathe.– Make sure hair and nails are clean and neat.– Avoid excessive perfume or after-shave.– Avoid bad breath.

• Clothing– Dress professionally and conservatively.

• Make-up– Keep make-up to a minimum; be conservative.

• Accessories– Simple jewelry only


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Making a Lasting Impression (cont’d)

• Posture– Walk tall.– Sit erect in the center of the chair.– Keep your hands inactive.

• Manner– Do not interrupt the interviewer or rush the

interview. – Eye contact is essential. – Avoid making negative statements.


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Making a Lasting Impression (cont’d)

• Courtesy– Arrive 5 minutes early. – Shut off your cell phone. – When the employer enters the room, stand, smile, – and extend your hand for a firm handshake.– Address the employer by surname. – Thank them for the opportunity to interview.

• Habits– Do not chew gum or smoke.– Politely refuse an offer of coffee, tea, or cigarettes.


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Discussing Pregnancy Issues

• Pregnancy Discrimination Act and/or Family and Medical Leave Act protects your job

• Generally you should wait a couple of months before disclosing the pregnancy.

• When you are ready to talk about your pregnancy, be prepared to discuss:– How long you plan to work– How long you intend to be gone, and possibly – How your work will be covered while you are away


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Pre-employment Tests

Job offer may be conditional • Physical Examination

– A doctor specified by the employer will perform an examination and can legally ask you about your past medical history.

• Drug Screening– If you are taking medications, be sure to notify the employer

before the screening.

• Background Checks– Typically include driving records, credit history, criminal

records, court records, state licensing records, property ownership, education, and military records.


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After the Interview

• Write a thank-you letter to the interviewer the same day you interviewed.

• Call to follow-up with the employer by telephone to find out if they have made a decision.

• The key to a successful follow-up call is to be courteous but firm with the secretary.

• Thank-you notes and calls demonstrate your interest.


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Resignation with Style

• Try to work a minimum of one year with an employer to obtain experience and demonstrate stability.

• Leave a job with class; be respectful.• Obtain a new position before resigning.• Give 2-week notice.• Present a resignation letter.

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