Deck 6: Advancing and Managing Your Professional Nursing Career

Question 1

Do you view nursing as a career or as a job? What are your professional goals related to nursing?

Answer 1

I view nursing as a career rather than just a job. Nursing is a profession that requires dedication, ongoing education, and a commitment to providing high-quality care to patients. My professional goals related to nursing include continuing my education to advance my skills and knowledge, pursuing certifications in specialized areas of nursing, and eventually taking on leadership roles within the healthcare setting. I also aim to make a positive impact on patient outcomes and contribute to the advancement of nursing practice through research and evidence-based care. Ultimately, my goal is to be a compassionate and skilled nurse who positively impacts the lives of those I care for.

Question 2

What kind of first impression do you make when searching for a new position?

Answer 2

The kind of first impression you make when searching for a new position can significantly influence your chances of success. Here are several aspects that contribute to the first impression you might make:

1. **Professionalism**: This is conveyed through your communication style, punctuality for interviews or meetings, and your overall demeanor. Being polite, articulate, and respectful can set a positive tone.

2. **Appearance**: Even though it's not the most important aspect, appearance does matter. Dressing appropriately for the industry and position you're applying for shows that you understand the professional standards and respect the company's culture.

3. **Confidence**: Confidence is key when making a first impression. This doesn't mean being overconfident or arrogant, but rather showing that you believe in your abilities and are enthusiastic about the opportunity.

4. **Preparedness**: Coming to an interview or networking event well-prepared demonstrates your seriousness about the position. This includes researching the company, understanding the role, and being ready to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements.

5. **Communication Skills**: The way you communicate, both verbally and non-verbally, is crucial. Clear, concise, and focused communication can help you stand out. Non-verbal cues, such as eye contact, a firm handshake, and attentive listening, also play a significant role.

6. **Enthusiasm**: Showing genuine interest in the position and the company can make a strong impression. Employers want to hire people who are passionate about what they do and are excited to contribute to the team.

7. **Online Presence**: In today's digital world, your online presence can also contribute to the first impression you make. A professional LinkedIn profile, a personal website, or a portfolio can speak volumes before you even meet someone in person.

8. **Resume and Cover Letter**: These documents are often the first things a potential employer will see. A well-crafted resume and cover letter that highlight your achievements and fit for the role can make a strong initial impact.

Remember, the first impression is not just about one single factor; it's the combination of all these elements that will shape how potential employers perceive you. It's important to be authentic and let your personality shine through while maintaining a professional approach.

Question 3

Do you plan to be a part of a professional organization after graduation? Why or why not? What do you anticipate will be your level of involvement?

Answer 3

After graduation, I do plan to be a part of a professional organization. I believe that being a member of a professional organization can provide numerous benefits, such as networking opportunities, access to industry resources and knowledge, and the chance to stay updated on current trends and developments in my field. Additionally, being part of a professional organization can also enhance my credibility and professional reputation.

As for my level of involvement, I anticipate being actively engaged in the organization. This may include attending events, participating in committees or special interest groups, and taking advantage of any professional development opportunities that the organization offers. I see it as a valuable way to continue learning and growing in my career, as well as a way to give back to the industry and connect with like-minded professionals.

Question 4

Do you have the courage to ask for honest feedback? Do you have the courage to give honest feedback to a friend or colleague? How do you respond to negative feedback?

Question 5

Sara decided to go to nursing school because she needed a job. She is now employed as a staff nurse and demonstrates behaviors characteristic of those who view nursing as job. Which of the following characteristics might we expect to observe in Sara?

A) Obtains the least amount of education needed for nursing licensure
B) Engages in continuing education units even if not required for licensure
C) Responsibility ends with shift
D) Engages in continuing education units even if not required for licensure and responsibility ends with shift
E) Obtains the least amount of education needed for nursing licensure and responsibility ends with shift

Question 6

Isabella is an MSN-prepared nurse who views nursing as a career. Which behavior would you expect to observe in Isabella?

A) Participates in formal and informal lifelong learning experiences
B) Participates in minimum continuing education units required for licensure renewal
C) Participates when required in nursing initiatives at work
D) All of these are correct.

Question 7

Sam is a BSN-prepared nurse who is planning to return to school for an advanced degree. Which of the following trends in health care should Sam examine in planning his future education and career?

A) Where health care is delivered
B) Types of practitioners needed
C) Educational preparation required to provide care
D) All of these are correct.

Question 8

James is a nurse working in a busy intensive care unit. His job is very stressful. Choose the possible result(s) of job-related stress if he does not learn how to manage it.

A) Burnout
B) Compassion fatigue
C) Mental acuity
D) Compassion fatigue and mental acuity
E) Burnout and compassion fatigue

Question 9

Monica is a nurse who has entered into a mentoring relationship with a senior nurse on the unit where she works. Choose the behavior(s) one might expect to see in Monica as a result of this relationship.

A) Increased self-confidence in making clinical judgments
B) Improved ability to network with other healthcare professionals
C) Enhanced communication skills with patients and colleagues
D) All of these are correct.

Question 10

Kelley is a nurse in an acute care facility who has recently been elected to a leadership position in the state nursing association and nominated as a committee member on a specialty nursing association. Which of the following options best summarizes this behavior?

A) Engagement in the healthcare organization
B) Engagement in the professional nursing organization
C) Engagement in activities to promote personal self
D) Engagement in the professional nursing organization and in activities to promote personal self
E) Engagement in the healthcare organization and in the professional nursing organization

Question 11

Randy values various mechanisms for assessment of performance as a registered nurse. Which measure should be used for this type of assessment?

A) Self-appraisal
B) Work performance evaluations conducted by nurse managers
C) Collegial evaluations
D) All of these are correct.
E) None of these is correct.

Question 12

Which of the following is a recommendation of the 2010 IOM report, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health?

A) Remove scope of practice barriers.
B) Increase the proportion of nurses with a BSN to 100 percent by 2020.
C) Ensure that nurses engage in lifelong learning.
D) Ensure that nurses engage in lifelong learning and increase the proportion of nurses with a BSN to 100 percent by 2020.
E) Remove scope of practice barriers and ensure that nurses engage in lifelong learning.

Question 13

Mandy is planning her career goals. Which question should she ask during this process?

A) What is the future of nursing for me?
B) Am I currently practicing to the fullest extent of my nursing education and training?
C) Can I get by without any changes and still manage to make more money?
D) Am I currently practicing to the fullest extent of my nursing education and training and can I get by without any changes and still manage to make more money?
E) What is the future of nursing for me, and am I currently practicing to the fullest extent of my nursing education and training?

Question 14

Joey is contemplating creating a career map. Which of the following is a benefit of career mapping?

A) Allows the nurse to wander aimlessly, exploring many career options
B) Provides the nurse with clear direction to career goals in a realistic time frame
C) Helps the nurse to view nursing as a job that pays the bills
D) All of these are correct.
E) None of these is correct.