10 Tips to Write or Improve Your Resume

by Jim Manierre on January 15, 2011 in Tips and Advice

Resume writing is an act of frustration and fear for some people because they do not really know how to convey their experiences, qualifications and skills to stand out among the other thousands of resumes that the employer has to look at. And rightly so. The value of a powerful, high-quality, keyword-rich resume cannot be underestimated.

However, there are some key principles that are important to developing and improving a resume that has little, a lot or no experience to the job that you are applying for. Most recruiters will tell an applicant that what matters most to the employer is a positive attitude, willingness to learn, experience related to the job if you have any and a stable employment history. But attitude, willingness and personality need to be presented in person during the interview. A powerful resume will get you that interview.

Here are ten tips for someone who may be trying to write or improve their resume

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Effective Strategies for Identifying Nursing Opportunities

by Jim Manierre on January 14, 2011 in Nursing Jobs

No job search should rely solely on a single method this article discusses three effective strategies that, when combined effectively, should help you in identifying the nursing job of your choice.

The three main avenues for identifying nursing job opportunities are online job boards, networking, and administrators and recruiters. You will find multitudes of openings in positions in your specialty. But more importantly, you might discover a position or opportunity you never even knew existed but might be perfect for you.

Even if you’re happily employed right now, keep your eyes and ears open. Opportunities abound! Read the whole Nursing Opportunities article here.

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How to Identify Nursing Hiring Managers During Your Job Search

by Jim Manierre on January 13, 2011 in Job Search Tips

When searching for a nursing job independently, it can be a challenge to identify the hiring manager at the facility you wish to work. At the same time it is important to address all correspondence, such as résumés and cover letters to a specific person. You will also want to follow-up with these individuals directly after about three or four days in an attempt to obtain an interview appointment.  Read More Here…

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A Career in Gerontological Nursing – Conclusion

by Jim Manierre on November 29, 2010 in Nursing Jobs

Those interested in this field should be aware that it can be emotionally challenging as patients tend to die more frequently than in other specialty areas.  Frail elderly may also be abandoned by families  in assisted living facilities and nursing homes and receive little if any support so that health care staff become their surrogate family. On the other hand, some family members are very involved with the care of the elderly which can present challenges for nurses in trying to balance appropriate levels of care with family desires.

Gerontological Nursing Certification Requirements

Certification is provided by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). You must pass a computer-based exam.  Eligibility requirements prior to taking the test include:

  • State licensure as a registered nurse (RN).
  • Two years experience as a registered nurse.
    • Have 2000 hours of clinical practice within the field of gerontological nursing   over the past three years.
    • Have 30 hours of continuing education within the field of gerontological nursing within the past three years.

Salaries*

Median annual salaries in the three sectors employing the great majority of gerontological nurses as of May 2008 were as follows

Medical and surgical hospitals                       $63,880.

Home Health Services                                       59,210.

Nursing care facilities                                       58,740.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Registered Nurses, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm (visited August 11, 2010).

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A Career in Gerontological Nursing – Part 1

by Jim Manierre on November 28, 2010 in Nursing Jobs

Gerontology nursing is a specialty that focuses on the care of older adults. Nurses within this specialty typically have a registered nurse license and take additional coursework to qualify as gerontological nurses. Further specializations include working with Alzheimer’s or dementia patients, or working as a home health nurse.

A gerontological nurse may choose to provide home care in the capacity or a visiting nurse or work in a hospital, long-term care facility, assisted living center, or nursing home. Gertontological nurses can provide hands-on care or serve as administrators and supervise the work of other nurses while also establishing policies and procedures that will benefit patients.

Hands-on care includes the monitoring of vital signs, administration of medication, changing of bandages, as well as helping patients learn how to use adaptive equipment. Gerontological nurses also monitor the mental health status of patients taking note of any decrease in mental functioning.

Job prospects for gerontological nurses are excellent due to the aging of the population and the rising demand for health care. Those interested in this field should be aware that it can be emotionally challenging as patients tend to die more frequently than in other specialty areas.  Frail elderly may also be abandoned by families  in assisted living facilities and nursing homes and receive little if any support so that health care staff become their surrogate family. On the other hand, some family members are very involved with the care of the elderly which can present challenges for nurses in trying to balance appropriate levels of care with family desires.

Employment in nursing homes is expected to grow due to the aging of the population, many of whom require long-term care. Another factor is the financial pressure of hospitals as soon as possible which should increase nursing home and long-term care admissions and spur the demand for nurses. Growth is also expected in specialized units that provide long-term care to stroke victims or treat those with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Employment within the home health sector is also expected to increase due to the desire of patients to be cared for within their home, along with technological innovations that make complex treatments more mobile.

Read the conclusion tomorrow…

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Top 10 Cities for Minority Nurses- Part 4

by Jim Manierre on November 26, 2010 in Nursing Jobs

Here are the remaining cities that offer attractive salaries, relatively low cost of living, as well as high quality of life.

Tampa and St. Petersburg, Florida

Median Salary for RNs: $52,960.

Cost of Living Index: 98.8

The area includes over 20 hospitals, with two teaching hospitals and four trauma centers. Noteworthy medical centers include the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Johnnie B. Byrd Sr. Alzheimer’s Center and Research Institute, and St.  Joseph’s Hospital. Travel nurses are in high demand according to Howard Goldman, spokesperson for Cross Country Healthcare, a national staffing company based in Boca Raton, Florida.  The area also has a relatively low cost of living and no state income tax.

Job Prospects: The demand for nurses is expected to increase by 63% from 2000 through 2020.

West Palm Beach. Florida

Mean salary for RNs: $57,930.

Cost of Living Index: 118.9

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 20% of the populations in this area are over the age of 65, a figure that is nearly one-third higher than the national average. A senior population raises the need for health care services and nursing staff. The area also offers higher than average salaries, no state income tax, along with a mild climate.

There is also the opportunity to work with disadvantaged populations. The Health Care District of Palm Beach offers funding so that low-income residents may gain access to needed health care, children’s services, trauma care, along with skilled nursing services in the Glades region (the Glades region is a rural area in West Palm Beach with a high incidence of poverty and unemployment.)

Job Prospects: The high percentage of elderly in the area means that the need for nurses will continue to grow at a much faster pace than in the rest of the country.

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Top 10 Cities for Minority Nurses: Part 3

by Jim Manierre on November 25, 2010 in Nursing Jobs

Here are three more cities that offer attractive salaries, relatively low cost of living, as well as high quality of life.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Annual Mean Salary for RNs: $59,570.

Cost of Living Index: 107.6

While Las Vegas is best known for its casinos and nightclubs, the city has a rapidly growing population that is increasing the demand for nurses. Nurses here earn an annual mean salary that is higher than the national average.  There are 12 hospitals and a number of community health centers and clinics.  The largest hospital is Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center which includes a renal transplant center.  The School of Nursing at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas offers BSN, MSN, and doctoral programs.

Job Prospects: The demand for nurses in Nevada is expected to grow by 59% during the period 2000-2020.

Oakland, CA

Median Salary for RNs: $80,270.

Cost of Living Index: 143.9

This city, located in the bay area of northern California near San Francisco has the highest average salary for RNs of all cities on this list (with a higher cost of living). It also has a strong demand for nurses. The city offers good opportunities for new nurses just entering the profession due to the aging of the current workforce.

Job Prospects: The demand for nurses in California is expected to increase by 58% from 2000 through 2020.

Phoenix, Arizona

Median Salary: $56,960.

Cost of Living Index: 100.4

Due to the large Spanish speaking population (about 80-90% of patients at Mesa General Hospital are of Hispanic origin), bilingual nurses are in high demand. Nurses working in the area enjoy an average of 325 days of sunshine with average temperatures of about 85 degrees. Arizona also has the largest American Indian population of any city on this list.

Job Prospects: Demand for nurses in Arizona will, increase approximately 80% from 2000 through 2020.

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Top 10 Cities for Minority Nurses- Part 2

by Jim Manierre on November 24, 2010 in Nursing Jobs

Here are three more cities that offer attractive salaries, relatively low cost of living, as well as high quality of life.

Boston, MA

Annual, Mean Salary for RNs:  $70,460.

Cost of Living Index: 136.4

Job Prospects: Demand for nurses is expected to increase by about 29% from 2000-2020.i

Boston ranks healthcare as one of its four primary areas of employment opportunities.   According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the city also has the highest percentage of nurses in relation to its population but this does not mean that there is a glut of job opportunities. Nurses continue to be hired in large numbers due to the continuing increase in the demand for healthcare.

Charlotte, N.C.

Annual Mean Salary for RNs: $54,740

Cost of Living Index:  90.3

Job Prospects: The demand for nurses is expected t increase about 51% between2000-2020.

Charlotte has been named as one of the top ten cities for African Americans to Live, Work, and Play by Black Enterprise Magazine and one of the best cities for women by the Ladies Home Journal.

Registered nurses may have an easier time obtaining employment since North Carolina is a Nurse Licensure Compact State. Compact states have arrangements with one another allowing RNs who are registered in one state to practice in another without the need for additional licenses.  Other compact states include Texas, Maryland, and Arizona.

Houston, Texas

Annual Mean Salary for RNs: $58,720.

Cost of Living Index:  88.1

Job Prospects: The demand for nurses is projected to increase 57% between 2000-2020

Notably, Houston manages to have a lower-than-average cost of living combined with higher-than-average nursing salaries. Houston is home to the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical facility in the world. The complex employs more than 65,000 healthcare professionals and treats more than 5 million patients per year.

Read more tomorrow

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Top 10 Cities for Minority Nurses- Part 1

by Jim Manierre on November 23, 2010 in Nursing Jobs

The aging of the population means that there will be an increased demand for healthcare professionals for the foreseeable future. Combine this with the fact that over the next 20 years a larger number of nurses will be retiring from the profession placing an even heavier burden on those who remain.  In fact the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) predicts that the demand for nurses will increase 41% from 2000 to 2020.

These figures make it clear that minority nurses can chose to work nearly anywhere in the country. With this large a choice it is important to determine which cities offer the most attractive salaries, career growth , as well as overall quality of living.

A recent study conducted by Minority Nurses pooled medical center and traveling nurse agencies to explore those areas of the country that have the highest demand for new nurses, along with strong career opportunities. It then compared cost of living indexes to locate those areas where nurses earn the highest salaries and have the lowest living expenses.  The results of the survey are listed below in alphabetical order:

Atlanta Georgia

Annual Mean Salary for RNs: $53,360.

Cost of Living Index: 97.7

Job Prospects:  The demand for nurses in Georgia is expected to increase by about 51% from 2000-2020.

Atlanta has a thriving healthcare industry being the home f the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the American Cancer Society, the Arthritis Foundation, as well as over 60 hospitals.

Baltimore, MD

Annual Mean Salary for RNs: $70.100

Cost of Living Index: 119.5

Job Prospects: The demand for nurses in Maryland is expected to increase an estimated 36% from 2000-2020.

Baltimore is home to the renowned Johns Hopkins University. The mean salary of over $70,000 is significantly higher than the national average of $56,801.

Read more tomorrow…

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Ten Success Tips for the NCLEX

by Jim Manierre on September 13, 2010 in Nursing Education

What is the NCLEX?

The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is a computerized test used to identify those nursing graduates who are prepared to begin an entry level career s as either a registered nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) also known as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).

The NCLEX is not a content-based examination but tests the candidate’s ability to apply knowledge, skills, and abilities developed through coursework. The exam also tests the candidate’s ability to apply analytical thinking to decision-making.

NCLEX Success Tips

  1. Prepare for the exam before graduation. Preparation is critical to passing the NCLEX.  Ideally, preparation should begin when you enter nursing school. Because a large part of the NCLEX is about critical thinking and decision-making the earlier you start to develop to skills the better prepared you will be.
  2. Learn the content. Make sure you thoroughly learn the content. Take notes and/or tape record class sessions. If something is unclear, be sure to ask right away rather than letting the information build-up to unmanageable portions because you will feel overwhelmed.
  3. 3. Begin to think like a nurse. As new information is presented, try to think of patient scenarios in which you may apply new learning. Oftentimes, instructors will bring up these scenarios as part of the class discussion.
  4. View clinical work as learning opportunities. This relates t point 3 above. While participating in clinical internships, pay attention to how nurses make decisions and how tasks are prioritized and delegated. In this way you will begin to develop important critical thinking skills.
  5. Practice Exam Questions. Get some NCLEX review books that are organized by topic so that you can begin to work on the questions as you are learning the material. As you gain practice with the exam it will be easier to develop test-taking strategies that will assist you when sitting for the actual exam.
  6. Devote specific time periods to study. Carve out set times and let family and friends know that you will be unavailable during this period for phone calls or any type of socialization.
  7. Set daily goals. Do not bite off more than you can chew during any one study session. Limit time so that you can comfortably accomplish during any one session.
  8. Change focus. Try to include on a few different topics during every study session so that you keep the sessions interesting.
  9. Choose the best time of day.  Schedule your study sessions for the time of day that you are at your best. If you have most energy in the morning, then that should be the time that you devote to study.
  10. NCLEX Guides. Peruse these guides with sample exams and tips for passing the exam.

Remember that you’re not just preparing for an exam, but for the rest of your career as a nurse. The things that you’re learning now will carry you for the rest of your career. Thinking along these lines will help you persevere when the going gets tough and you feel like you can’t study anymore.

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