Start Off Right in the Nursing Profession

While you may have studied hard and trained endlessly, the professional world of healthcare remains filled with challenging tasks and demanding workloads.  Finding the right position—one that plays to your strengths and fits into your overall work approach-is crucial.  Fortunately, job availability in nursing is extremely high due to growing population and increased healthcare concerns.  However, that is no reason to rush into a position.  Check out the following list of helpful hints for new nurses entering the healthcare profession.  

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask the Tough Questions.  Before accepting any employed position, you should be fully aware of the responsibilities and requirements that will be asked of you.  If you are unclear about a certain point, ask questions. In fact, ask lots of questions. What happens if I get hurt on the job?  What is your liability insurance policy? How will I be evaluated? This is your chance to get a feel for the job and the company as a whole. Not to mention, the majority of information you have to make an informed decision will come from these questions and answers. This not time you want to waste.

Build a Credible Reputation. Remember—it is all connected.  Between sharing resources and careful documentation, each assignment you take on as a nurse goes into building your reputation.  This is a particular concern for travel nurses, who often switch agencies for better offers.  While this is an acceptable decision, the process needs to be handled properly as serious consequences can result.  For example, many agencies have built-in fines for nurses who fail to complete assignments.  In other cases, newly employed nurses undergo counseling and job expectation seminars before receiving their first assignment.  If you don’t want to build a negative reputation, don’t play games.  Keep both your employer and yourself informed on all assignments. 

Market the Whole Package. There isn’t any doubt about the growing need for healthcare professionals, particularly as population rates continue to increase.  Yet, with this rising demand comes a heightened level of selling power. New and experienced nurses are able to negotiate the terms of their duties and benefits. However, it is important to remember the responsibility that comes along with such an advantage.  Be clear about the guidelines you outline and be able to back up what you have offered. Most importantly, before assuming the position, make sure both parties are on the same page about all contractual obligations.

Be Honest About Your Prospects. Everyone has experienced the trials and tribulations that come along with a job hunt, including your employer. That’s why it is important to be upfront about your job prospects.  If you are interested in a position but are still waiting on some outstanding inquiries, let your potential employer know. Not everything has to be a secret.  In fact, it can reflect highly upon your work ethic as an honest employee.  And there is always a chance your potential employer will enhance their offer in order to entice your interest.

Clarify Your Employment Title and Status.  This may come as a shock to you, but being clear about your employment status can be more important than salary details.  The nursing profession has many different types of positions. While one nurse may work in a hospital, another may constantly travel to out-patient facilities or home visits. In other cases, the position may only be temporary due to need or funding.  Consider what your status is.  Are you an employee or an independent contractor? These are all details you need to know before you take a position.

Be Familiar with Policies and Procedures. If I make a mistake, how will it be handled? Can it lead to litigation? These are serious questions that cannot be overlooked when taking a healthcare position.  Therefore, you need to make yourself aware of all company procedures, state regulations, and insurance policies.