UNIT C Flashcards
Which statement by the nursing student indicates an understanding of the purpose in setting a career goal?
a.
“To guarantee you will achieve your goal”
b.
“To keep you focused on your job search”
c.
“To help you define your professional identity”
d.
“To impress those who are part of the interview process”
ANS: C
A career goal defines who or what you wish to be professionally. In addition, it will help tie together the elements of your job search—the resume writing, research, employer contacts, and interview process—by giving you direction. Setting a career goal does not guarantee achievement of that goal. It does not help focus on the job search or impress those participating in the interview process.
A nursing professor correctly states the expectations of the job market for nursing as
a.
expected downsizing, decreased number of nursing positions.
b.
expected decrease in the number of unlicensed assistive personnel.
c.
expected increase in unlicensed assistive personnel: personnel.
d.
expected increased hiring of new graduates.
ANS: D
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2014–2015 Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Employment of registered nurses is expected to grow 19 percent from 2020 to 2022, which is faster than the average for all occupations.” The nursing professor would be incorrect if he or she stated the expectations to be a decreased number of nursing positions or a decrease or increase in the number of unlicensed assistive personnel.
Which action by the graduate nurses shows understanding of resume writing?
a.
Ensures that all of the dates for their employment history are specific
b.
Does not overstate skills
c.
Includes a thorough discussion of experiences as a nursing student
d.
Includes only last two positions
ANS: B
A resume is a concise, factual presentation of a person’s educational and professional history, usually not more than two pages in length. It is important not to overstate skills. Graduate nurses should not include a thorough discussion of their experiences as a nursing student. They should include all employment positions within the past 7 years, including the months and years of employment.
The nursing professor is assisting a group of nursing students in creating resumes. The professor instructs them to include which of the following demographic data? a. Career goal b. Address c. Experience d. Education
ANS: B
The student’s name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address should be at the top of the resume page. Students should be sure to provide correct, current information so employers can easily access the contact information. Career goals, experience, and education are not considered to be demographic data.
Which statement by the graduate nurse indicates understanding of the importance of a cover letter?
a.
“It is optional.”
b.
“It is necessary only if your resume needs further explanation.”
c.
“It should recapitulate all of the important points of your resume.”
d.
“It should introduce you to the reader.”
ANS: D
Along with your resume, the nurse should enclose a cover letter that gives a brief introduction. The cover letter should summarize important strengths or give information regarding change of specialty (after you graduate and have experience). Remember that this letter should not be longer than one page.
A graduate nurse has not heard from a prospective employer 3 days after submitting a resume. Which action should the graduate nurse take? a. Call. b. Write a letter. c. Do nothing. d. Contact another employment setting.
ANS: C
Only a few days have passed, so do nothing. If the graduate nurse still has not heard from the prospective employer within 7 to 10 days, give the employer a call to make sure the resume and cover letter were received and to schedule an interview.
The nurse has an adequate understanding of employment benefits. Which of the following is not included in a benefit package? a. Health insurance b. Car insurance c. Pensions d. Disability coverage
ANS: B
Health insurance, pension, and disability are common in benefit packages; car insurance is not.
What is the best short-term objective for the resume of a new nursing graduate seeking employment on a medical-surgical unit?
a.
Obtain a position that further develops interests and skills.
b.
Provide a basis for moving up the career ladder to a supervisory position within 5 years.
c.
Acquire a staff nurse position with options to use tuition benefits to obtain advanced degrees.
d.
Obtain an entry-level position as a staff nurse on a medical-surgical unit.
ANS: D
As a new graduate, the best short-term career goal or objective would be to obtain an entry-level position as a staff nurse. Career objectives or goals are not end results (e.g., education or eventual administration positions) but steps to assist the graduate nurse to another point. The objective should be specific to what the nurse needs at the time. Obtaining a position that further develops interests and skills is a good choice, but obtaining an entry-level position on a medical-surgical unit is more specific for a recent graduate.
The nurse knows that which of the following information is not part of a good resume? a. Age b. Education c. Professional memberships d. Occupational experience
ANS: A
A resume is a concise, factual presentation of a nurse’s education and professional history. Age is not considered an important point in a resume, and prospective employers cannot request this information during the interviewing process. Date of birth and so on may be asked at a later time during the employment process. Any type of occupational or work history is to be included along with membership in professional organizations.
Assuming all of the following statements are true, which should be included in a resume to highlight information that would be valuable to an employer?
a.
Desires annual salary of $30,000 to $32,000
b.
Is fluent in American sign language
c.
Is president of state downhill ski club
d.
Plans to move out of state after 1 year of employment
ANS: B
The ability to use American sign language is a skill that would be worthwhile to the employer because it presents to the employer an extrapersonal skill. The salary, ski club, and relocation plans are not appropriate for a resume.
The knowledgeable nurse can list which strategy as one that will foster a successful interview?
a.
Demonstrate interest in what the interviewer has to say.
b.
Exercise the option to disagree with the interviewer.
c.
Check off on a list when each item is covered by the interviewer.
d.
Answer questions with as much detail as possible.
ANS: A
Recruiters appreciate applicants who know some basic facts about their institution and show an interest in what the interviewer has to say. Becoming familiar with the institution before the interview will demonstrate interest. Do not contradict or argue with the interviewer. Answer questions succinctly and concisely; do not expound on ideas.
During a job interview, the interviewee is asked, “What do you believe your weaknesses to be?” What is the best reply?
a.
“I’ve never thought about having any weaknesses.”
b.
“I’m looking forward to strengthening my ability to plan care for a group of patients.”
c.
“My instructors told me I was disorganized.”
d.
“My biggest problem is in planning and implementing discharge teaching.”
ANS: B
It is important to develop responses to probable interview questions. This is not an uncommon question, and the graduate nurse should prepare a positive response, such as “strengthening ability to plan for a group of patients.” Telling the interviewer that you never thought about your weaknesses or that you need help with planning and implementing discharge teaching does not indicate that you are prepared for the interview. The option about admitting disorganization is not a positive response.
A student nurse tells a faculty member that a real fear of finding employment is not liking the first job and wanting to leave right away. What is the best suggestion from the faculty member?
a.
“If you leave, give at least 4 weeks’ notice.”
b.
“Don’t worry about leaving your first job; lots of people do it.”
c.
“Study up on reality shock so you are prepared to deal with it.”
d.
“You will need to stick with it for at least 2 years.”
ANS: C
The best advice from the faculty member is to advise the student to study transitions and reality shock so the student is prepared should it happen. Giving adequate notice is important when leaving, but that does not help the student prepare for the possibility that the first job is not a good fit. People may often leave first jobs, but this will leave a bad impression with the institution if the new nurse leaves prematurely without exploring other options. It is advisable to stay with a position for a year.
The graduate nurse interprets the phrase “dress for success” to mean which of the following?
a.
Wear a casual hairstyle and clothing that reflects your off-duty personality or hobbies.
b.
Buy new, very conservative dark clothing to wear.
c.
Select clothing that could be worn at a cocktail party.
d.
Wear a neat hairstyle and well-fitting, tailored, business-like clothes from your existing wardrobe.
ANS: D
The interviewer may judge the applicant’s professional skills by personal appearance. A neat appearance and business clothing present a positive image. A prospective employer may anticipate the type of employee the graduate nurse will be by observing dress and personal hygiene. Casual or inappropriate clothing (e.g., cocktail party attire) does not fulfill the phrase “dress for success.” It is not necessary to buy new clothing or wear something very dark and conservative.
The interviewer says, “We are looking for a bright, interested, empathetic, hard-working person for this position in oncology nursing. Do you fit this bill?” The new graduate nurse is interested, carried a straight C average, and has worked full time while going to school. Assuming the following statements are true, what would be the best answer?
a.
“I’m definitely interested in oncology, and I think I’m a hard worker. My instructor said I was developing empathy. My grade point average of C doesn’t reflect my real ability.”
b.
“My previous employer rated my work as excellent. It was there that I became interested in helping support oncology patients as they cope with their illness. I chose to do independent study on emotional reactions to the diagnosis of cancer and received an A.”
c.
“I worked full time while going to school, so my grades suffered. I’ve had my share of life’s disappointments, so I can sympathize with cancer patients. I will work hard, but I have to make time for my family, too.”
d.
“I’m interested. My parents always told me I was bright. I work as hard as the next person. I’ve learned not to get too involved with patients.”
ANS: B
The new graduate should focus on strengths and accomplishments during the interview and relate them to the position he or she is applying for. The interviewee should not provide extraneous information or make excuses for a C average. The interviewee should keep it professional (avoid comments about sympathizing with patients); the interviewer does not care about the applicant’s family’s opinion.
As the interview is drawing to a close, the interviewer asks the applicant, “What questions could I answer for you?” Which of the following questions would it be most advisable to ask to create a favorable impression?
a.
“What will happen if I am unable to meet the outcomes for the competency-based orientation?”
b.
“Do you still have tuition reimbursement for courses to obtain my next degree?”
c.
“How soon will I be responsible for supervision of other staff?”
d.
“After completing orientation, when will the first pay raise be given?”
ANS: C
Prepare a few questions. This will be the applicant’s opportunity to gather important details and possibly impress the interviewer by showing interest in the position. Keep questions on the positive side, and inquire about responsibilities of the position. It would be inappropriate to inquire about pay raises at this time. Inquiries about pay and tuition reimbursement would be appropriate after the job offer has been provided.
A new graduate uses social networking (i.e., Facebook) as a means of communicating with family and friends. What is important for the new graduate to consider when posting information on Facebook in terms of seeking employment?
a.
Use a professional photo, perhaps just a headshot.
b.
Set the Facebook site to public so recruiters can search and find.
c.
Provide pictures of family and friends and remove any inappropriate information.
d.
Avoid using social networking sites because employers do not like them.
ANS: A
It is important to make a good impression with a potential employer; remember that the new graduate’s appearance on the social networking website will be what an employer first sees. Be sure to use a professional photo, perhaps just a headshot, and make the Facebook account private to prevent employers from searching for you if you want to use the Facebook account for family and friends. Potential employers may dismiss you as a candidate after viewing inappropriate photographs or information. LinkedIn is primarily a website for job networking.
Which of the following assignments should the new nurse question before accepting?
a.
A 38-year-old man with cellulitis of the right arm
b.
A 25-year-old woman with a left femur fracture
c.
A charge nurse over the unit for the day
d.
A 50-year-old man with right hip replacement
ANS: C
New nurses should not be placed in the charge nurse role until the role of staff nurse has been mastered. New nurses who must accept the role of charge nurse should consider their resources in order to maintain safety for the patients. The other assignments are appropriate for the new nurse.
A graduate nurse is in the process of applying for a first-time nursing job. What should the graduate nurse keep in mind when using social media networks?
a.
There is no risk of potential employers searching for the nurse on social media websites.
b.
Employers cannot use material found on social media websites to eliminate candidates.
c.
A small percentage of recruiters have eliminated candidates based on material found on social media websites.
d.
As long as no identifying patient information is provided on the social media website, recruiters can overlook any videos posted about the patients the nurse has cared for.
ANS: C
It is important for the graduate nurse to keep in mind that recruiters search social media websites to gather information about candidates. It is reported that 51% of recruiters have eliminated candidates based on material found on social media websites. Recall that the nurse has an ethical obligation to maintain and protect patient privacy and confidentiality. The nurse should never share or post patient images, videos, or any information pertaining to a patient on any form of electronic media; this includes the use of cell phones, smartphones, cameras, and other electronic devices in the clinical setting.
Which of the following actions by the graduate nurse would not be advised during an interview campaign? a. Plan three interviews in a day. b. Identify a date to begin employment. c. Ask questions about the interview process. d. Research the prospective employer.
ANS: A
The graduate nurse should identify a desirable date to begin employment, ask questions about the interview process, research the prospective employer, and plan no more than two interviews in one day.
