Ch 27: Job Search: Finding Your Match

12. A nurse entering the job market wants to be certain that the first position is rewarding and allows for growth as a registered nurse. According to the Hallmarks of the Professional Nursing Environment, the nurse should ask: a. about the philosophy related to clinical care to determine the role of RNs in deciding outcomes related quality outcomes. b. if professional development opportunities are supported through paid leave and tuition reimbursement. c. how compensation packages compare to others in the same area and nationally. d. what the projected need for RNs is in the next 5 years and current turnover rate.

A The hallmark that suggests the role nurses have in determining the quality of care is noted in the philosophy of clinical care. DIF: Application REF: p. 469

2. Cover letters: a. should signify an interest in the employer and let the employer know that you took time to research the organization. b. must be handwritten so the employer can determine whether charting will be legible. c. should be limited to one paragraph because time is of the essence. d. let the employer know your desired salary, shift, and area of practice.

A The purpose of the cover letter is to show the recruiter that the applicant has an interest in the facility and that he or she did homework to learn more about the facility. DIF: Knowledge REF: p. 471

19. When preparing a portfolio, the nurse should include: (select all that apply) a. copies of diplomas awarded by colleges/universities. b. copies of college transcripts. c. a personal photograph, if not included with the application. d. letters of recognition for scoring high on national achievement tests while in nursing school. e. a copy of the voter's registration card.

A, B, D Traditional documents, such as copies of diplomas, college transcripts, and recognition letters, are included in the portfolio. DIF: Knowledge REF: pp. 473-474

22. A new nurse decides to use the Internet to apply for possible positions. How does applying online compare to applying by more traditional methods? (select all that apply) a. Regardless of how one applies, it is important to check the resume for correctness. b. Follow-up with Internet applications is no sooner than 90 days compared to a 1-week follow-up for traditional applications. c. Researching the mission and philosophy of the agency is not necessary with Internet searches and applications. d. The resume and cover letter should be reviewed by someone with excellent skills in grammar and writing to ensure the first impression is one of professionalism and attention to detail. e. Internet applications should include specific questions to be answered prior to accepting an interview such as pay, shifts available, nurse-patient ratio, and autonomy of practice.

A, D The resume and cover letter must be free of errors regardless if mailed, faxed, presented in person, or submitted online and both should be one page. The typical recruiter spends little time reviewing documents, so clarity and conciseness is important. DIF: Comprehension REF: pp. 470-471

23. A nurse preparing a resume for the first position is anxious to demonstrate all achievements, which included completing a rigorous accelerated program and maintaining a high GPA while also serving in many community projects and leadership positions. The applicant finds it impossible to include all the accolades on one page and researches tips for professional cover letters and resumes and learns: a. margins should be at least 0.5 inch on all four sides, making conciseness important. b. paper should be bright colored to catch the attention of the recruiter. c. legal size paper may be used when applicants have many accolades or extensive work history. d. standardized cover letters present a professional image as opposed to those that stress the applicant's perspective too heavily. e. include in the cover letter that after researching other position, this is the applicant's preference.

A, E Ample margins—minimum of 0.5 inch (1 inch preferred)—should be used on all four sides to prevent appearing cluttered. A statement declaring this position is one's first choice should be included. DIF: Comprehension REF: pp. 472-473

10. While performing a job search, a nurse reviews the list of Magnet hospitals of the American Nurses Credentialing Center because: a. these hospitals are able to hold on to revenue gained from patient care. b. nursing longevity, autonomy, and self-governance are important features of these institutions. c. all RNs have a minimum of a master's degree and are credentialed in the area in which they provide care. d. these hospitals have the most up-to-date diagnostic equipment such as magnetic resonance imagery.

B Magnet hospitals demonstrate excellence in areas such as low RN turnover rates, adherence to standards of nursing care as defined by the American Nurses Association, and mechanisms in place for staff participation in decision making. DIF: Comprehension REF: p. 469

17. A new graduate secures the first interview and wants to work where cultural diversity is appreciated. The applicant feels that accepting this interview was the right choice when the recruiter states, "We do not discriminate based on sex, race, or age and practice inclusiveness of diversity." Which question would reflect this statement? a. "Nurses must work a master schedule where one month is Monday through Friday and the next month is the weekend shift. What is your religious belief about working on Sunday?" b. "We offer many benefits for employees such as educational benefits and health insurance." c. "Our mission is to provide patient-centered care that reflects the belief of the patient and family with an aim to win them over to Western medicine and less superstition, don't you agree?" d. "Do you have any issues with working with patients who are from a disadvantaged background because we have many people who refuse to work then want free care?"

B Sharing information about employee benefits is not asking about discriminatory issues—it just informs the applicants of availability. DIF: Application REF: p. 477, Box 27-6

18. Which message would be appropriate to leave on answering systems? a. "You have reached 910-999-1212. Please leave your name and number and I look forward to returning your call as soon as possible." b. Music that has messages that might be offensive to some callers downloaded as the response when applicant is unavailable. c. "Hi, I'm not here. Sorry you missed me. Call again." d. "I am interviewing for positions, hope to be home soon. If you are calling about an interview, please leave your name, number, and possible positions available."

A A professional or appropriate message that lets the person know they have reached the correct number and that you will return the call as soon as available. DIF: Application REF: p. 477

13. A nurse who is applying for a position contacts an expert on writing résumé and cover letters and is told: a. to use correction fluid sparingly. b. that when an error is made, a single line should be used to cross through the mistake, and initials should be inserted above the error. c. to limit margins to one half inch so that the page appears full of information. d. to be concise, limit the resume to a single page.

D A resume is an effective, compressed one-page summary of the nurse's education and employment history. DIF: Knowledge REF: pp. 472-473

15. When preparing the education section of a resume: a. list high school, followed by the first college attended. b. include all colleges attended, even if a degree was not awarded. c. omit the address of the university unless requested by the potential employer. d. list in reverse chronologic order the names, dates, and addresses of universities that awarded degrees.

D Details about education should include degrees and diplomas awarded, names and locations of schools awarding them, and graduation dates, starting with the most recent graduation and degree. DIF: Knowledge REF: p. 473

16. A new graduate arrives for the first interview feeling prepared and excited about beginning a nursing career but quickly becomes concerned when the recruiter asks which illegal question? a. "Have you been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation?" b. "We are very interested in hiring you but you do understand the position is contingent on the results of the preemployment physical and background check?" c. "What do you consider to be your major weaknesses for this particular position?" d. "Because you are applying for a position in the operating room, you must be able to be on call. How many children do you have responsibility for at home?"

D It is illegal for the recruiter or interviewer to ask number of children or dependents prior to making a job offer. DIF: Application REF: p. 477, Box 27-6

24. The key to a successful interview is being ____________.

prepared Being prepared is the best way to feel confident about the interview and to be ready for questions that the interviewer may ask. Rehearsing potential questions will ease the applicant's fears about how he or she should answer these questions. Dressing appropriately and arriving on time are behaviors that take preparation; these steps, if done well, will help the applicant do well during the interview. DIF: Knowledge REF: p. 476

3. A nurse interested in an entry level position as a registered nurse prepares the cover letter. A correctly written cover letter might include: a. "I am interested in a position where community outreach is valued as noted in your organization's mission statement." b. "I am highly educated and have several degrees including an Associate Degree in accounting, a certification in word processing, a Bachelor's degree in journalism, and a Bachelor's degree in nursing." c. "I am looking for a position that will allow me to develop my skills and still have a balanced home and work life." d. "I am married, a Christian, a single parent, and due to the downturn in the economy will be willing to work any shift or nursing unit."

A Letting the potential employer know you have researched the organization shows a sincere interest. DIF: Application REF: pp. 471-472

7. Many nursing professionals have portfolios that include: a. family pictures. b. letters of commendation. c. articles that describe lack of quality in health care. d. high school achievements.

B A portfolio includes letters from supervisors and patients, congratulatory messages from peers, and evaluations documented by supervisors. DIF: Knowledge REF: p. 474

6. A valuable tool for determining whether a potential employer is suitable for your career goals is to: a. call The Joint Commission (TJC) to ask whether the organization meets required standards. b. assess the work climate by walking through the facility. c. review financial statements of the institution. d. ask what they can do for you rather than what you can do for them.

B By observing the staff when taking a tour of the unit, the applicant can get an accurate feel for the culture and personality of the nursing unit. The applicant can assess the manager's interactions with staff and can see how nurses respond to each challenge. DIF: Application REF: p. 479

21. A new graduate is excited about finding the first job but doesn't want to make the costly mistake of taking the first job offered or taking a job that doesn't meet her career goals. She learns the best way to know the culture of the potential employer is networking with: a. the executives at the competing agency. b. alumni that graduated from the same school and work in the area. c. nurses currently working in the agency. d. friends or people who have been patients at the agency. e. nurses who are former employees.

B, C, D, E Networking is a valuable way to gain perspective on the work environment and culture of potential employers. Alumni that graduated from the same school and work in the area would most likely have your best interests in mind. Nurses working the agency have first-hand information. It might be best to ask more than one to get unbiased information. Friends or people who have been patients know the care received and often can determine the nurses' attitude and pick up clues about the quality of patient contact. Nurses who are former employees have experienced the culture and can tell you from their perspective about the work culture and environment, but keep in mind that, if they left involuntarily, their perspective may be skewed. DIF: Comprehension REF: pp. 470-471

1. When should a follow-up letter be written to a recruiter? a. Before the interview to thank him or her for granting you the interview b. Approximately 2 weeks after you did not get the job to inquire c. A few days after the interview d. When you are sure you got the position

C A follow-up letter thanking the recruiter is a courtesy and a reminder of the nurse's interest in receiving a timely response. DIF: Knowledge REF: p. 472

8. A potential applicant reviews the application process and learns that preemployment physicals often include: a. cholesterol screening. b. pregnancy testing. c. urine drug screening. d. vision and hearing tests.

C A preemployment physical examination is often required, and this includes routine blood tests, urine drug screening, and sometimes a chest radiograph. DIF: Knowledge REF: p. 483

5. When the job applicant is asked to identify weaknesses, one appropriate reply for the novice nurse might be: a. "I have no weaknesses." b. "Are you trying to set me up?" c. "Delegating to peers." d. "Caring requires weakness."

C It is best to be honest about weaknesses the applicant may have. The employer does not expect the graduate nurse to have only strengths. All nurses can improve in their profession. DIF: Application REF: pp. 478-479

4. To determine basic competency, the interview for a nursing position may include a test in: a. pathophysiology. b. correctly writing nursing diagnoses. c. pharmacology. d. computer skills.

C Preemployment pharmacology testing is common. Institutions often give a quiz to assess basic knowledge of routinely administered medications, their purposes, and associated adverse effects. DIF: Knowledge REF: p. 483

11. According to the Hallmarks of the Professional Nursing Environment, a nurse should ask a potential employer: a. how salaries compare with those of larger facilities. b. what benefits are provided to RNs that are not available to other health care providers. c. what role nurses have in determining the quality of care. d. how the employer plans to provide long-term economic security to RNs.

C The hallmark that suggests the role nurses have in determining the quality of care is noted in the philosophy of clinical care. DIF: Comprehension REF: p. 469

14. The appropriate procedure for addressing a cover letter when the applicant is unsure of the name and title of the person to whom the letter should be addressed is to: a. address the letter to "To Whom It May Concern." b. address the letter to "Nurse Recruiter." c. call the facility to inquire about the name and title of the person. d. leave the salutation blank if the name and the title are unknown.

C The letter should be addressed to a specific person. If the person's name or title is unknown, refer to a marketing brochure, or call the recruitment office and ask for the correct title and spelling of the person's name. DIF: Application REF: p. 471

9. A graduate nurse should begin the job search knowing that: a. few jobs are available for RNs because of a failing health care economy. b. it would be more promising to apply to a rural hospital than to an urban hospital. c. although efforts have been made to reduce expenditures for health care, the need for RNs remains stable. d. the demand for nurses to work in acute care hospitals has decreased because most services are being shifted to outpatient and ambulatory settings.

C The nursing shortage has caused institutions to find unique ways to lure nursing graduates to their place of employment. These include sign-on bonuses, expense-paid weekend visits to the facility, tuition reimbursement, and low-interest loans. Although health care costs are a concern, attracting nurses is currently a priority, with little worry about associated costs. DIF: Comprehension REF: pp. 468-469

20. A new graduate nurse is preparing for an interview for her first position and knows that: (select all that apply) a. the primary goal for the first job is to complete orientation and should be considered as an extension of nursing school. b. appointments for interviews should be scheduled immediately after graduation to avoid rushing into a position. c. self-confidence can be improved with self-talk, which reminds the graduate that peers from her school are effective practitioners. d. work history of even nonmedical positions can demonstrate commitment and reliability so letters from these employers should be in portfolio. e. it is best to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled interview dressed for success.

C, D, E Internal dialogue establishes a means for the graduate to recall achievements that will lead to success in the first nursing position. Jobs such as cashier at a convenience store or dog-sitting can demonstrate responsibility such as handing cash or arriving on time. Arriving too early may cause the recruiter to feel rushed and arriving too late may demonstrate lack of time management and professionalism. DIF: Application REF: p. 476