Deck 27: Job Search: Finding Your Match

Question 1

When preparing a portfolio, the nurse should include: (select all that apply)

A) copies of diplomas awarded by colleges/universities.
B) copies of college transcripts.
C) a personal photograph, if not included with the application.
D) letters of recognition for scoring high on national achievement tests while in nursing school.
E) a copy of the voter's registration card.

Answer 1

copies of diplomas awarded by colleges/universities.
copies of college transcripts.
letters of recognition for scoring high on national achievement tests while in nursing school.

Question 2

A new graduate nurse is preparing for an interview for her first position and knows that: (select all that apply)

A) the primary goal for the first job is to complete orientation and should be considered as an extension of nursing school.
B) appointments for interviews should be scheduled immediately after graduation to avoid rushing into a position.
C) self-confidence can be improved with self-talk, which reminds the graduate that peers from her school are effective practitioners.
D) work history of even nonmedical positions can demonstrate commitment and reliability so letters from these employers should be in portfolio.
E) it is best to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled interview dressed for success.

Answer 2

self-confidence can be improved with self-talk, which reminds the graduate that peers from her school are effective practitioners.
work history of even nonmedical positions can demonstrate commitment and reliability so letters from these employers should be in portfolio.
it is best to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled interview dressed for success.

Question 3

According to the Hallmarks of the Professional Nursing Environment, a nurse should ask a potential employer:

A) how salaries compare with those of larger facilities.
B) what benefits are provided to RNs that are not available to other health care providers.
C) what role nurses have in determining the quality of care.
D) how the employer plans to provide long-term economic security to RNs.

Answer 3

what role nurses have in determining the quality of care.

Question 4

When should a follow-up letter be written to a recruiter?

A) Before the interview to thank him or her for granting you the interview
B) Approximately 2 weeks after you did not get the job to inquire
C) A few days after the interview
D) When you are sure you got the position

Question 5

A potential applicant reviews the application process and learns that preemployment physicals often include:

A) cholesterol screening.
B) pregnancy testing.
C) urine drug screening.
D) vision and hearing tests.

Question 6

Cover letters:

A) should signify an interest in the employer and let the employer know that you took time to research the organization.
B) must be handwritten so the employer can determine whether charting will be legible.
C) should be limited to one paragraph because time is of the essence.
D) let the employer know your desired salary, shift, and area of practice.

Question 7

Which message would be appropriate to leave on answering systems?

A) "You have reached 910-999-1212. Please leave your name and number and I look forward to returning your call as soon as possible."
B) Music that has messages that might be offensive to some callers downloaded as the response when applicant is unavailable.
C) "Hi, I'm not here. Sorry you missed me. Call again."
D) "I am interviewing for positions, hope to be home soon. If you are calling about an interview, please leave your name, number, and possible positions available."

Question 8

When the job applicant is asked to identify weaknesses, one appropriate reply for the novice nurse might be:

A) "I have no weaknesses."
B) "Are you trying to set me up?"
C) "Delegating to peers."
D) "Caring requires weakness."

Question 9

When preparing the education section of a resume:

A) list high school, followed by the first college attended.
B) include all colleges attended, even if a degree was not awarded.
C) omit the address of the university unless requested by the potential employer.
D) list in reverse chronologic order the names, dates, and addresses of universities that awarded degrees.

Question 10

A new graduate arrives for the first interview feeling prepared and excited about beginning a nursing career but quickly becomes concerned when the recruiter asks which illegal question?

A) "Have you been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation?"
B) "We are very interested in hiring you but you do understand the position is contingent on the results of the preemployment physical and background check?"
C) "What do you consider to be your major weaknesses for this particular position?"
D) "Because you are applying for a position in the operating room, you must be able to be on call. How many children do you have responsibility for at home?"

Question 11

A nurse who is applying for a position contacts an expert on writing résumé and cover letters and is told:

A) to use correction fluid sparingly.
B) that when an error is made, a single line should be used to cross through the mistake, and initials should be inserted above the error.
C) to limit margins to one half inch so that the page appears full of information.
D) to be concise, limit the resume to a single page.

Question 12

A new graduate secures the first interview and wants to work where cultural diversity is appreciated. The applicant feels that accepting this interview was the right choice when the recruiter states, "We do not discriminate based on sex, race, or age and practice inclusiveness of diversity." Which question would reflect this statement?

A) "Nurses must work a master schedule where one month is Monday through Friday and the next month is the weekend shift. What is your religious belief about working on Sunday?"
B) "We offer many benefits for employees such as educational benefits and health insurance."
C) "Our mission is to provide patient-centered care that reflects the belief of the patient and family with an aim to win them over to Western medicine and less superstition, don't you agree?"
D) "Do you have any issues with working with patients who are from a disadvantaged background because we have many people who refuse to work then want free care?"

Question 13

A valuable tool for determining whether a potential employer is suitable for your career goals is to:

A) call The Joint Commission (TJC) to ask whether the organization meets required standards.
B) assess the work climate by walking through the facility.
C) review financial statements of the institution.
D) ask what they can do for you rather than what you can do for them.

Question 14

The appropriate procedure for addressing a cover letter when the applicant is unsure of the name and title of the person to whom the letter should be addressed is to:

A) address the letter to "To Whom It May Concern."
B) address the letter to "Nurse Recruiter."
C) call the facility to inquire about the name and title of the person.
D) leave the salutation blank if the name and the title are unknown.

Question 15

A graduate nurse should begin the job search knowing that:

A) few jobs are available for RNs because of a failing health care economy.
B) it would be more promising to apply to a rural hospital than to an urban hospital.
C) although efforts have been made to reduce expenditures for health care, the need for RNs remains stable.
D) the demand for nurses to work in acute care hospitals has decreased because most services are being shifted to outpatient and ambulatory settings.

Question 16

A nurse entering the job market wants to be certain that the first position is rewarding and allows for growth as a registered nurse. According to the Hallmarks of the Professional Nursing Environment, the nurse should ask:

A) about the philosophy related to clinical care to determine the role of RNs in deciding outcomes related quality outcomes.
B) if professional development opportunities are supported through paid leave and tuition reimbursement.
C) how compensation packages compare to others in the same area and nationally.
D) what the projected need for RNs is in the next 5 years and current turnover rate.

Question 17

While performing a job search, a nurse reviews the list of Magnet hospitals of the American Nurses Credentialing Center because:

A) these hospitals are able to hold on to revenue gained from patient care.
B) nursing longevity, autonomy, and self-governance are important features of these institutions.
C) all RNs have a minimum of a master's degree and are credentialed in the area in which they provide care.
D) these hospitals have the most up-to-date diagnostic equipment such as magnetic resonance imagery.

Question 18

A nurse interested in an entry level position as a registered nurse prepares the cover letter. A correctly written cover letter might include:

A) "I am interested in a position where community outreach is valued as noted in your organization's mission statement."
B) "I am highly educated and have several degrees including an Associate Degree in accounting, a certification in word processing, a Bachelor's degree in journalism, and a Bachelor's degree in nursing."
C) "I am looking for a position that will allow me to develop my skills and still have a balanced home and work life."
D) "I am married, a Christian, a single parent, and due to the downturn in the economy will be willing to work any shift or nursing unit."

Question 19

To determine basic competency, the interview for a nursing position may include a test in:

A) pathophysiology.
B) correctly writing nursing diagnoses.
C) pharmacology.
D) computer skills.

Question 20

Many nursing professionals have portfolios that include:

A) family pictures.
B) letters of commendation.
C) articles that describe lack of quality in health care.
D) high school achievements.

Question 21

The key to a successful interview is being ____________.

Question 22

A nurse preparing a resume for the first position is anxious to demonstrate all achievements, which included completing a rigorous accelerated program and maintaining a high GPA while also serving in many community projects and leadership positions. The applicant finds it impossible to include all the accolades on one page and researches tips for professional cover letters and resumes and learns:

A) margins should be at least 0.5 inch on all four sides, making conciseness important.
B) paper should be bright colored to catch the attention of the recruiter.
C) legal size paper may be used when applicants have many accolades or extensive work history.
D) standardized cover letters present a professional image as opposed to those that stress the applicant's perspective too heavily.
E) include in the cover letter that after researching other position, this is the applicant's preference.

Question 23

A new graduate is excited about finding the first job but doesn't want to make the costly mistake of taking the first job offered or taking a job that doesn't meet her career goals. She learns the best way to know the culture of the potential employer is networking with:

A) the executives at the competing agency.
B) alumni that graduated from the same school and work in the area.
C) nurses currently working in the agency.
D) friends or people who have been patients at the agency.
E) nurses who are former employees.

Question 24

A new nurse decides to use the Internet to apply for possible positions. How does applying online compare to applying by more traditional methods? (select all that apply)

A) Regardless of how one applies, it is important to check the resume for correctness.
B) Follow-up with Internet applications is no sooner than 90 days compared to a 1-week follow-up for traditional applications.
C) Researching the mission and philosophy of the agency is not necessary with Internet searches and applications.
D) The resume and cover letter should be reviewed by someone with excellent skills in grammar and writing to ensure the first impression is one of professionalism and attention to detail.
E) Internet applications should include specific questions to be answered prior to accepting an interview such as pay, shifts available, nurse-patient ratio, and autonomy of practice.