Just the FAQs
Dear Donna answers RNs' career questions
by Donna Cardillo, RN, MA

For 10 years, I've been answering readers' questions in my Dear Donna career advice column at Nurse.com. While each reader has a unique story, there are some definite themes in the types of inquiries I receive. Below are answers to some of your frequently asked questions.

Question: How should I structure my resume and what should I include in it?

Answer: Resume writing formats and styles have changed over the years. Today less is more, so keep it to two pages in most cases (we're talking resume here, not CV — there is a difference). The majority of employers prefer the reverse chronological format (listing most recent position first) with the focus on work experience, and including sections for education, licenses/credentials, related volunteer work and special skills.

Your resume should not read like a job description. Rather, it should focus on your more interesting, marketable, and unusual experiences, such as management, precepting, presenting in-services, patient teaching, committee work, and clinical skills you've developed proficiency in, such as ventilator management, chemotherapy, etc. (See samples and detailed instructions in "The Ultimate Career Guide for Nurses.")

Q: I've been out of nursing for a few years. How do I get back into the profession?

A: Re-entry is a process. A great first step is to start volunteering somewhere healthcare related while you gear up for paid employment. This is a good way to build your confidence and work stamina. It's also a great way to hone old skills and learn new ones. It gives you some recent relevant experience to put on your resume and discuss during an interview. And, aside from all that, volunteering often leads to paid employment.

You should also attend local chapter meetings (even as a guest at first) of the American Nurses Association or a specialty association that interests you such as the Case Management Society of America (www.cmsa.org) or the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (www.nann.org). This will help you to get reconnected to your profession, get up to date with issues, information and trends, and expand your professional network.

If you wish to return to the bedside, a refresher course may be in order, depending on how long you've been away. Talk to some recruiters to see what they're looking for.

Be sure to get to career fairs, nursing conventions and employer open house/recruitment events. Get on the phone and connect with former co-workers, supervisors, and anyone you know in and out of healthcare. Let them know what you're looking for and ask for their help with contacts, introductions, referrals and leads. Everything happens through networking.

Q: I'm a new grad and am having trouble finding a job because I have no experience. How can I get the experience I need?

A: Some healthcare facilities are not hiring new nurses right now because of lack of financial and human resources to train and support them. Plus, the traditional job market is tight for all nurses in many areas.

The good news is that jobs are shifting out of the inpatient setting to the home, community and other ambulatory settings. So be sure to explore non-traditional options, including hospice, home care, cancer care centers, out-patient hemodialysis and even case management. Many of these non-traditional employers are hiring new grads and have special training/support programs designed just for you.

You could also apply for a fee-based new nurse internship in a hospital. Although these programs do not guarantee employment in that facility afterwards, they do provide great clinical experience and important networking opportunities.

While you look for a job, volunteer in a healthcare setting, ideally the type of facility/setting you'd like to work in. This is a great way to get your foot in the door somewhere and gain valuable experience.

Work on relevant certifications such as basic life support, advanced cardiac life support, infusion nursing and so on. Start looking into higher education programs, if applicable, such as a BSN or MSN. In other words, work on beefing up your credentials and keep moving forward.

Q: How can I make myself stand out from other job candidates?

A: You always want to be one of the best, if not the best, candidate for any job you pursue. And since many candidates fall short, you can easily distinguish yourself with excellence at every level.

Buy a conservative business suit (skirted suit for women, although a pants suit would be the next best thing). Be impeccably groomed and cover any tattoos. Put clear retainers in facial piercings.

Use a full, firm hand shake, sincere smile, and make good eye contact with everyone you meet during the interview process. Let your personality shine through. Speak confidently about your background, as well as your love of nursing and healthcare. Demonstrate enthusiasm and professionalism, and treat everyone with courtesy and respect.

Research the potential employer and the people you will meet by checking the employer's website, LinkedIn, and a general Internet search. In other words, do your homework and show you're interested.

Have business cards made for yourself and use them. Ask for the card of everyone you meet in networking situations and on interviews. Send thank-you notes afterward, and enclose your business card. Hand-written notes are acceptable for networking, but interview thank-you notes should be typed on a word processor and sent within 24 hours after an interview.

Q: I've accepted a new position. Can you give me some advice on negotiating my salary?

A: The time to discuss salary is when you are offered a job. The employer is interested in you at that point and you have more negotiating power. You should have done some research (online and through networking) before or during the interview process to get a sense of regional going rates for this type of position/employer. Note: While there is room for negotiation in many cases, some employers have standard non-negotiable wages - especially for hospital/healthcare facility staff nurse positions. You can always ask if there is any room for negotiation when an offer is made.

If asked what type of salary you are looking for, you might ask what they were paying the last person who held the position. It's better to have the employer state a figure first and then go from there.

Since both salary and benefits are part of your total compensation package, consider the benefits package, not just the hourly rate or annual salary. A comprehensive benefits package (healthcare benefits, tuition reimbursement, 401K, etc.) can be worth up to half or more of the annual salary.

Keep those career questions coming and share your successes!

Copyright Gannett Healthcare Group (www.nurse.com). All rights reserved. Used with permission.