Saturday, November 11, 2006

Be Professional and Responsible in Your Job Search



Whenever you agree to take on a new job or position, be sure you understand all of the expectations, parameters, benefits, and consequences. Never assume anything. Ask questions and get things in writing. Read what has been written before you sign anything. Don't agree to any position until you are ready to accept it.


Don't Play Games or Burn Bridges

Explore your options and be open about it to potential employers. Tell them you are considering several options. The world of nursing is a small one. Don't burn bridges. Life happens. Sometimes you accept a new position and then your grandmother dies. You can work that out and adjust a start date. However, all too often, just after you accept a new position, another one may be offered to you. If it truly is a better deal and you just can't turn it down, be honest with the first offer. Maybe they'll match the new offer. Certainly they'll be sorry to lose you, but don't play games. Your reputation is important and word will get around.

Be Fair

In the world of private duty nursing, for example, this seems to happen a lot. How many times can one person's grandmother really die? CNAs are notorious for accepting one assignment from Agency 1 and then calling off because Agency 2 offered them a better assignment for the day. This is not fair, and eventually even the best CNA will find his/herself not being called again by Agency 1.

Travel Nurses Build in Fines

Travel nurses tend to accept an assignment and then continue to look and sometimes accept another offer for a better assignment and cancel the first. Most travel nurse agencies counsel nurses ahead of time and some even build in fines and consequences for not fulfilling obligations once you accept an assignment. Nurses who abuse the system often find themselves blacklisted from the travel agency.

Nursing Shortage Gives You Negotiating Power

With the shortage of nurses playing a huge role all over the world, negotiating powers are in your hands. With power comes responsibility. Be sure that you clearly state what you want, and understand what has been offered. They may not always be the same thing, even if they sound alike. Be responsible and professional.


Understand Your Status


One of the most important things to fully understand is your employment status. This is particularly important if you are taking on any sort of travel, registry or temporary assignment, and believe it or not, it is more important than salary.

* Will you be an employee or an independent contractor? Who is the employer?
* Who covers your liability insurance? (You should always have your own policy as well.)
* What happens if you make an error? What happens if there is ever any litigation?
* What happens if you get hurt on the job?

Ask Questions, Don't Assume

If you don't understand something, ask questions. Don't ever assume that you are the priority and will be taken care of in the event of an accident or injury. Read all small print, and ask questions. Be pro active. Take care of you and you'll have a much better experience.

From Kathy Quan

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