Career Development and Employment Thursday 26 June, Applying for Graduate Nursing Programs Interstate 2014

Transcription

1 Career Development and Employment Thursday 26 June, 2014 Applying for Graduate Nursing Programs Interstate 2014

2 Today s workshop will cover: Understanding the graduate nursing recruitment process Application documents: Cover letters Resumes Selection criteria Interstate options for graduate nursing programs

3 Life After University Interstate Graduate Nursing Program? Tasmanian DHHS Transition to Nursing Program? Private Hospital? Aged Care? Other?

4 A few thoughts. Many, but NOT ALL, nurses start their professional careers by undertaking a graduate program. Graduate programs are formalised transition programs offered by employers for those in their first year of practice. They are not mandatory but do offer new graduates structure and support in their first year of practice. They may not suit everybody and some people may not get an opportunity to enter a graduate program.

5 Getting ready Take a pro-active and professional approach. Take the time and effort to make your application high quality and one that represents you in the best way. Do some research to find out what is on offer and what you personally need from a workplace. Don t put all your eggs in one basket! The hospital or health service you choose may have many great applicants, but just not enough jobs to offer everyone a place.

6 Marketing yourself Employers can only take on so many graduates. Why will an employer select you? Stand out from the crowd! Who are you writing your application for? What evidence do you have to demonstrate your skills and experiences to a graduate employer?

7 The application package Not just a resume - a threefold attack! Usually: Cover letter Resume Response to selection criteria Could also be asked for: clinical placement reports academic transcript application form

8 The application package All the required documents must be submitted Additional documents required prior to commencement in a program e.g. Proof of nursing registration, immunisation records Start collecting relevant information early Check for variations in requirements across programs

9 For example, South Australia How to Apply When it's time to apply, you will need access to the following documents and will need to upload some of them with your application: A current resume/curriculum vitae. Please ensure you list the dates and location of all Clinical Placements undertaken as a nursing student - (to be uploaded with your application) Evidence of your most recent Grade Point Average (GPA) - evidence to be uploaded needs to include University name and logo, Student Name and details, academic results and GPA Where you have changed your name you will need to upload satisfactory evidence eg marriage certificate, divorce certificate, change of name by deed poll etc Your two most recent and FULL Clinical Placement reports - this means every page of the report - (to be uploaded with your application)

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12 Cover letters

13 Purpose of a cover letter Introduction gives the employer a quick snapshot Marketing tool demonstrates your skills and why you would be suitable for the job First impressions count a strong cover letter will spark interest Is an example of your writing skills and your eye for detail

14 So what should I include? A cover letter should demonstrate to the reader that you have read the application requirements carefully and that you are truly interested in working for them - and why Don't rewrite your resume in your cover letter, but do draw attention to your most relevant and important achievements that relate to the job. 3 key points to communicate Why you are applying for a graduate program Why you make an excellent candidate what you can offer Why you want to work for that specific hospital/employer

15 Good cover letters are To the point. Should clearly link your experience to the role being advertised and are targeted to a particular employer. No more than 1 page (unless requested) Professional business letter format. Positive and upbeat. Make the employer interested in reading your resume.

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17 What is a Resume? A brief written account of your personal, educational and professional qualifications and experiences A marketing tool, to sell your skills, qualifications and achievements to a prospective employer. An evolving document which you should update regularly with new experiences, skills and abilities.

18 Resume basics White space, easy-to-read fonts 2-4 pages maximum Reverse chronological order throughout Sequence sections for relevance

19 Resume headings 1. Contact Details 2. Career Objective 3. Education 4. Clinical Placements 5. Employment History 6. Key Skills 7. Professional Development 8. Professional Memberships 9. Voluntary Work/Extra-curricular Activities 10. Referees 2013

20 Clinical Placements 2013 Northern Health Palliative Care (15 days) List dates, where you did your placement and relevant details. Can list key clinical placement experiences, learning gained and achievements in this section, under Key Skills, or as requested by the employer. Skills, knowledge and experience gained through Clinical Placements can promote your potential as an employee.

21 Employment Dates Job Title Employer Briefly describe key duties and responsibilities, skills gained and quantify or describe achievements. Important to include details of all paid jobs, even if not directly relevant to your studies, as these require skills and show abilities in other ways e.g. hospitality Use active language to describe tasks verbs, doing words e.g. Developed, Observed, Documented, Assisted

22 What Skills Do I Have? EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS Communication Teamwork Problem-solving Planning & Organisation Initiative and Enterprise Self management Technology Learning INDUSTRY/TECHNICAL SKILLS Specific skills and knowledge from your course

23 Voluntary Work? Extra-curricular activities? Interests? Employers are interested to see more than your academic and employment qualifications. Voluntary work & extra curricular activities are highly regarded and can help set you apart from other candidates Interests - consider relevance and whether they enhance your application.

24 Referees Referees are people who can verify the claims and statements you have made in your resume you need to ask their permission they need to know you well Can include: Employers current or past Clinical placement supervisor (preceptors), senior colleagues Academic staff What is being requested by employer?

25 Things to remember Use concise statements Bullet points Link your skills to the position Use active language Check spelling and grammar

26 Addressing selection criteria

27 Selection criteria Are the key competencies required for a position. Are used to quickly and effectively shortlist candidates according to the specific needs of the role. Applications are rated on how closely they meet the selection criteria. You need to give factual evidence in support of your claims. Simply asserting your opinion that you have the skills is not enough.

28 One example Ability to work efficiently to a deadline. The ability to work efficiently and meet deadlines is one of my strongest skills. I have held various positions where I have had to have the ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently within set timelines. I have been an effective employee, and have good relations with my peers and clients, because I can be relied upon. I feel confident that I can bring these skills to the position of graduate nurse and use them effectively. Comments?

29 How do I answer selection criteria? 2013

30 Ability to work efficiently to a deadline I work well under pressure and am able to meet deadlines. This was demonstrated during my placement at Calvary Hospital. (Situation). During this placement, I was required to assist the registered nurse with medication rounds as well as get one patient ready for discharge at 11am that day.(task) To do this I spoke with the patient and their family, to the doctors in charge of her care, to transport and ensured her medications were ready, whilst also helping with morning medications for four other patients. I began by making a list of the patients requiring medication, prioritised this in order of urgency and checked this with my supervisor. I went to the patient being discharged and spoke about what was going to happen to prepare her for the day. I checked again that her medication and transport arrangements would be ready by 11am.(Action) By breaking down the tasks, I successfully supported four patients with morning medications, and ensured that the patient being discharged was ready and felt aware of the plans. (Result)

31 The process Write down each selection criteria and break up complex criteria into workable parts Brainstorm examples in which you can provide evidence (not just opinion) Revise and refine 2013

32 Graduate Nursing Programs Interstate

33 Graduate Program Options Every state / organisation has different requirements and processes, so it is important to start researching now! Most states will have online application processes, but be mindful that some now use computer matching systems, which take a bit more thought and preparation in relation to your preferences. Public and Private systems

34 Useful resource:

35 Closing dates It is your responsibility to check the appropriate websites and confirm the details and application procedures. Some states are closing for applications soon, for example NSW: Closes 1 July 2014 VIC: Closes 24 July

36 Private health organisations Healthscope Ramsay Healthcare Australian Private Hospitals Australia Don t be afraid to use Google in your search!

37 Tasmanian options We will have Tasmanian providers present their graduation options Aug/Sept when they are more certain of their intake/program for In the meantime, take a look at their websites to familiarise yourself.

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39 Assistance from Career Development and Employment CDE page: Resume Link Resources Career Hub: Individual appointments (phone) Ph: Sydney Workshop 2014

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