Healthcare industry remains hot with electronic records playing role

Healthcare continues to be a prime source of job growth throughout the United States, with employment projections in the near future to remain as healthy as healed patients. Of the top five fastest-growing industries across the country in 2012, healthcare ranked first or second in seven of nine regions, never falling below third in the others, according to Fierce Enterprise Communications. In addition, Bureau of Labor Statistics predictions expect to see see another 20.5 million jobs created in the industry through 2020, with healthcare support, personal services, social assistance and health care practitioners each to see sectional growth of at least 25 percent. Of the industry's total jobs, at least 2.5 percent are expected to be directly linked to electronic health records and similar information technology positions, according to EHR Intelligence. The technology has actually been limited by a lack of skilled applicants, according to a survey from Industrial Relations- nearly half of EHR participants in a recent survey reported delaying projects in lack of a qualified candidate, while a full 75 percent revealed they needed to outsource the work itself. www.bauerhealthcare.com

RN employment demand varies throughout North America

Professionals searching for employment may find that the demand for their skills varies, depending primarily on location. One field in which a number of individuals may be discovering inconsistencies in job opportunities is nursing. Although nurses throughout the U.S. are expected to have little trouble with landing a position, those who live north of the border could face more of a challenge. Despite employment troubles plaguing other American industries, individuals looking for nursing work may have better chances of securing a job. Forbes explained that there are currently 186,625 employment postings for work available to registered nurses. Hiring growth in this occupation is mainly due to baby boomers growing older. As such a significant proportion of the country's population ages, they will require greater health care services. In turn, physicians and medical care providers will need RNs. Regardless of this surge in RN employment throughout the U.S., the number of Canadian positions available in this field may be declining. Global News reported that the Alberta NDP has announced that it believes the province's Health Services has plans to slash more than 117 full-time nursing positions. This allegation was made after the NDP stated having found certain AHS documents. The AHS refutes this claim, stating that the organization is merely hoping to reorganize the current job structure. Though the actual plans remain unclear, Alberta RNs are on edge

Healthcare industry remains hot with electronic records playing HUGE role

Healthcare continues to be a prime source of job growth throughout the United States, with employment projections in the near future to remain as healthy as healed patients. Of the top five fastest-growing industries across the country in 2012, healthcare ranked first or second in seven of nine regions, never falling below third in the others, according to Fierce Enterprise Communications. In addition, Bureau of Labor Statistics predictions expect to see see another 20.5 million jobs created in the industry through 2020, with healthcare support, personal services, social assistance and health care practitioners each to see sectional growth of at least 25 percent. Of the industry's total jobs, at least 2.5 percent are expected to be directly linked to electronic health records and similar information technology positions, according to EHR Intelligence. The technology has actually been limited by a lack of skilled applicants, according to a survey from Industrial Relations- nearly half of EHR participants in a recent survey reported delaying projects in lack of a qualified candidate, while a full 75 percent revealed they needed to outsource the work itself.

What does it take to be a Great Nurse Manager?

Having a career in nursing is extremely rewarding but not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is deciding which path to take in the ever-expanding role of nursing. Some nurses are fortunate to find their niche right away but for others, it takes a while to find the position that best suits them.

Becoming a nurse manager is a goal many nurses include as part of their career development process. Transitioning from clinician to nurse manager, into a role where we are contributing through others instead of independently, can be quite daunting. Today’s nurse manager has one of the most difficult jobs in health care, and it’s imperative to have access to all of the tools required to become successful. Managers need to know how to manage budgets, deliver presentations, and should have sharp communication coupled with negotiating skills.

 The days of the starched, polished whites, opaque stockings and stiff hats are long gone from the nurse leader figure. Business suits, advanced degrees, laptops and spreadsheets are the stuff modern nurse managers are made of. Turning to my own team, I asked what they valued the most in nursing leadership. Cathie, RN, expressed nurse managers are made from something even more palatable:

“The characteristics of an exceptional manager resemble that of mayonnaise in a tuna, chicken or egg salad sandwich. Too little mayonnaise leaves the substance unable to hold together. Just the right amount of mayonnaise gets little overall recognition, applause or notice; the focus is on the overall product or outcome. Good, clear and frequent communication, creation of a supportive environment for team growth and accessibility are often statements made about clear strong management. The exceptional manager knows well their own strengths, skills and short-comings, and knows the talents, skills and background of their staff." -

Nurse Job Applications?

When searching for a job, we take a lot of time trying to create a perfect resume. But, is this enough? As Jim Collins says in his book, "From Good to Great", let's confront the brutal facts before we tackle how to structure a successful nursing job application strategy.

 

1. Applying for anything and everything will not yield eventual success. Be specific, be choosy and always play to your strengths and experience. If you are not a strong candidate right from the start, you won't "become one" over time, nor will they "find a spot for you" down the road. This is especially true for new nurses and all those who are “open” to new possibilities. 
    
2. Not all resumes meet the requirements of the job. HR Directors and nurse recruiters routinely estimate that roughly half of all resumes submitted for a particular position don't even come close to meeting the requirements of the job and are immediately discounted. Odds are good that your nursing resume falls in to this category. Even if you believe you are perfectly suited for the nursing position in question, your materials might not convey that idea to them at all. Don’t assume they will. 
    
3. Only the best of the best is to be chosen. In the current job market, employers have the privilege of selecting from only the very, very best candidates, which goes back to reinforce Fact #1. While it seems counter-intuitive, HR says over and over that it is hard to find qualified candidates these days, which brings us directly to Fact #4. 
    
4. From paper to phone interviews, everything is seen. In order to be the best candidate for the nursing job, you have to look the best on paper and other formats. You have to respond the best in phone screens, and you have to consistently demonstrate how and why you're the best during every interaction from networking to initial application to final round of nursing interviews. 
    
5. Shortcuts are not the way to success. Searching for the best nursing job takes time and energy. Being successful means you have to work consistently, constructively, and strategically over time and not take shortcuts. Applications alone will not get the job done. You must connect with people personally and professionally in other ways. Reach out. Learn more. Customize your materials accordingly.

Creating an Outstanding Job Application

 

• Make sure your resume aligns perfectly with the job posting. Sending out a generic, universal resume and cover letter combo "as-is" is one of the fastest ways to be discounted. 
   
• Typos are another application killer, yet, errors are quite common on resumes. Creating application materials is an exercise in technical writing and persuasive argument. Raise the bar! 
   
• Have you been job searching for awhile now? Be sure to check any arrogance, cynicism, desperation or anger at the door. It is nearly impossible to hide such feelings. If they exist, they'll show. If they show, you're done. 
   
• Showcase your skills in ways that demonstrate the impact you’ve made in your nursing roles. Discuss how your universal or soft skills directly contributed to specific outcomes. Don't just "list" what you can do. Demonstrate how well you serve as a nurse. Your content should be highly relevant to the position in question. 
   
• Acknowledge what you know about the healthcare organization. There is so much information available out there about the hospitals, clinics and agencies that interest you: websites, press releases, LinkedIn, Facebook, Hoover's, word-of-mouth - you name it! Pick one that you're really interested in working for and articulate three reasons why you want to work there without sounding selfish. Is it their patient-oriented culture? Regional impact? State of the art facilities? Do they specialize in care services that are important to you, personally and professionally? Be clear about "what" and "why". Go beyond: genuinely align yourself with what's important to them. 
   
• Apply for jobs in multiple ways. Yes, HR needs you to apply online. They need your information in their database as connected to a particular job of interest. But don't stop there! Follow up by phone or email or LinkedIn to check the status of your application. Build connections with company insiders. Send materials by regular mail, too. Request an informational interview. Attend networking functions and ask questions about what the needs are, how they are evolving, and who to talk to further.

No, this will not work in every case. You might successfully hit small milestones 10-20% of the time with these methods. But not doing so will surely decrease your chances of overall success.

- See more at: http://www.nursetogether.com/nice-nursing-resume-but-we-dont-want-it#sthash.e1cVlIWB.dpuf

Ask for the Job

Next Steps

By asking good questions you can reduce post-interview doubts. If you feel that the interview went well and you want to take the next step, you should express your interest to the interviewer by asking: "After learning more about your company, the position and responsibilities, I believe that I have the qualities you are looking for. Do you see any issues or concerns that would lead you to believe otherwise?"

This is an effective question because it opens the door for the hiring manager to be honest with you about his or her feelings. If concerns do exist, you may be able to create an opportunity to overcome them, and have one final chance to dispel concerns, correct misconceptions, sell your strengths and end the interview on a positive note.

Developing Habits in your job search

Starting today develop a new habit in your Job Search. Complete the tasks you dread most early in the morning. Often these are the tasks that take you out of your comfort zone, which is why you push them back to the end of the day. Unfortunately, many actions scheduled for the end of the day never get completed.

If you do not have a sales background, the entire job search process can be uncomfortable. On top of that, you are asked to “sell yourself” which is not the easiest thing to do in this competitive job market. The more you force yourself to do things that you perceive as difficult, the more results you will enjoy. The skills needed to conduct an effective job search do improve with practice and repetition.

• View mistakes as learning experiences
• If you can’t overcome an objection – practice and you will be prepared to overcome it the next time
• Remember, every no is that much closer to a yes
• Set minimum daily standards and hold yourself accountable to complete them

If you put something off, it is on your mind all day and prevents you from being your best, which can have a negative impact on your job search. Starting tomorrow “swallow the biggest frog first” and you will improve your results.

Why haven't I gotten the call? My resume is Awesome

Hiring authorities do not want to receive a cover letter or resume that was obviously mass mailed. Your cover letter as well as your resume should be customized to fit the opportunity and company you have targeted. Your career summary should be keyword rich to avoid being eliminated by automated systems. 

Only target jobs that require your credentials and interests vs. applying to any and every lead you surface. It is best to target the individual who would be your bosses’ boss. You have much better chance of scheduling an interview when you get your resume in the hands of a hiring authority vs. the human resource department.

This does result in more interviews, but there is the additional challenge to track your job search activities. Track which version of your cover letter and resume you send to each particular employer. If you are applying online, send an additional resume through regular mail to the individual who would be your bosses’ boss. 

When applying to job boards and website postings, too often your resume seems to end up in a deep black hole. It is for this reason that a hard copy sent to an individual is a great backup plan.

Hope this helps.

John Fulcher, CSAM

Questions you should ask to see the BIG picture

Questions to ask:

After you have studied the company's Website, make a list of questions to ask the employer:

• Why is this position available?
• What training programs are available to the person in this position?
• What are your expectations and goals for this position in the first 90 days?
• What obstacles must be overcome for the person in this position to succeed?
• How will my performance be evaluated?
• What opportunities are there for growth in the next two years?
• What growth do you anticipate for your organization in the next 12 months?

Follow-up quickly

After your interview, follow-up is critical.

When you get in your car, immediately write down key issues uncovered in the interview. Think of the qualifications the employer is looking for and match your strengths to them. Note these and any other questions or concerns that you will want to discuss with the Talent Agent. 

Call your Talent Agent as soon as possible after the interview to discuss your thoughts, questions, impressions and interest. 

Finally, make sure to write and send a Thank You letter no later than 24 hours after the interview.

Questions you could be asked on an interview

• Tell me about yourself. Keep your answer in the professional realm only. Review your past positions, education and other strengths.
• Why are you interested in this position? Relate how you feel your qualifications match the job requirements. Also, express your desire to work for the employer.
• What are the most significant accomplishments in your career? Identify recent accomplishments that relate to the position and its requirements.
• Describe a situation in which your work was criticized. Focus on how you resolved the situation and became a better person because of the experience.
• What do you know about our organization?
• How would you describe your personality?
• How do you perform under pressure?
• What have you done to improve yourself over the past year?
• What did you like least about your last position?
• Are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) company?
• What is your ideal working environment?
• How would your co-workers describe you?
• What do you think of your boss?
• Have you ever fired anyone?
• What was the situation and how did you handle it?
• Are you creative?
• What are your goals in your career?
• Where do you see yourself in two years?
• Why should we hire you?
• What kind of salary are you looking for?
• What other types of jobs/companies are you considering?

Interviewing Do's

Interviewing Do's

The following tips will help you have a more productive and comfortable interview.

Do

Know the logistics – Time, location, interviewer's name and position title.
Preplan your day so that you are not rushed, preoccupied or lack sleep.
Arrive 10-15 minutes early. Being late to an interview is never excusable.
Be professional. Smile, make eye contact and maintain good posture. This starts at the front door.
Remember, your interview may actually start in the parking lot or lobby. Your potential employer and their employees are watching.
Ask questions. An interview should be a mutual exchange of information, not a one-sided conversation.
Clarify questions. Answer the interviewer's questions as specifically as possible. Relate your skills and background to the position requirements throughout the interview.
Give your qualifications. Focus on accomplishments that are most pertinent to the job.
Anticipate tough questions. Prepare to turn perceived weaknesses into strengths.
Listen. Concentrate not only on the interviewer's words, but also on the tone of voice and body language. Once you understand how the interviewer thinks, pattern your answers accordingly and you will be able to establish a better rapport.
Dress appropriately. Make your first impression a professional one. Dressing up is better than dressing down.

How to build a Summary on your Resume

Summary Statement.

Your summary should be brief.

Include your title and years of experience.
List pertinent skills.
Discuss your character traits or work style.
Example: "Financial Accountant with over 10 years' experience with two Fortune 500 companies. Technical skills include P&L, budgeting, forecasting, and variance reporting. Bilingual in Spanish and English. Self-starter who approaches every project in a detailed, analytical manner."

www.bauerhealthcare.com

Walgreens Becomes 1st Retail Chain To Diagnose, Treat Chronic Conditions

Walgreens Becomes 1st Retail Chain To Diagnose, Treat Chronic Conditions - Kaiser Health News

Candidate Overview

Candidate Overview

You know you’re an impact Player, so let Bauer Consulting Group, Inc. help you find the opportunity that will let you make your impact.

Industry Knowledge & Expertise

We literally have hundreds of conversations with the decision makers of leading companies every day. We are experts on specific industries where we can have the most impact, insights and provide the greatest value. This means that we will be better able to guide you to the best opportunity in your industry.

Confidentiality

We are not a job board where employers can indiscriminately sift through resumes. We are very respectful of your confidentiality and will not release your information unless you want us to.

Interview Coaching

We provide you with key information and guidance throughout the hiring experience. Including background on companies, the hiring authorities and what they are really looking for during the interview; you are not in this alone.

Contract Staffing Opportunities

"Temporary" or "limited time" employment is one of the fastest growing segments in recruiting. If you would like to investigate working on a "contract" basis, we can help you better evaluate the pros and cons of this work arrangement.

Relocation Assistance Program

If necessary, we can provide you with a free relocation service (available through our MRINetwork) that will assist you in making a smooth transition to your new city. We understand that we need to make your entire family happy, not just you.

Bauer Consulting Group, Inc. is your personal Talent Agent.

Questions you may be asked during an interview

Consider the following when preparing to answer the following questions that the employer is likely to ask:

Tell me about yourself. Keep your answer in the professional realm only. Review your past positions, education and other strengths.

Why are you interested in this position? Relate how you feel your qualifications match the job requirements. Also, express your desire to work for the employer.

What are the most significant accomplishments in your career? Identify recent accomplishments that relate to the position and its requirements.

Describe a situation in which your work was criticized. Focus on how you resolved the situation and became a better person because of the experience.
What do you know about our organization?
How would you describe your personality?
How do you perform under pressure?
What have you done to improve yourself over the past year?
What did you like least about your last position?

Are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) company?

What is your ideal working environment?
How would your co-workers describe
you?

What do you think of your boss?
Have you ever fired anyone?
What was the situation and how did you handle it?
Are you creative?
What are your goals in your career?
Where do you see yourself in two years?
Why should we hire you?
What kind of salary are you looking for?
What other types of jobs/companies are you considering?

6 Ways to Impress Hiring Authorities

6 Ways to Impress Hiring Managers
1. Demonstrate your experience. You bring a lifetime of accumulated experiences to a
job. Explain to your proposed new employer how you can help them achieve their
organizational goals and objectives.
• Ask (in your own words) what the most important areas are for you to focus on if you get hired.
• Ask (in your own words) what specific issues you should tackle in your first 90 days.
• Ask (in your own words) if there are important jobs not getting done that you could accomplish.
2. Use specific examples
. The best way to convey your rich experiences is with stories of
how you improved the bottom line of the company at your past jobs. Be prepared to
include brief stories about how you found a way to improve quality, customer service or save money.

3. Relate to the Hiring Manager.
Be positive and don’t speak badly about former employers
or bosses. Try to relate to your future boss.

4. Emphasize adaptability
. Show you are flexible and adaptable in all circumstances.
Employers want to know that you are a team-player and easy to get along with.

5. Pass your knowledge on
. Companies want workers willing to coach and mentor newer
employees. Employers are looking for people with the ability to share ideas - people
with good interpersonal skills and good communications skills. They want solution
oriented people who can explain how we got to a certain point and explain what needs
to be done to correct a problem.

6. Be excited about the opportunity.
At the end of the interview let the Hiring Authority
know that you are excited about working for them and ask, “What are the next steps?”

Quality and Less Expensive Healthcare

http://www.nursetogether.com/Career/Career-Article/itemId/3238/4-Steps-to-High-Quality-and-Less-Expensive-Health-.aspx

Becoming a Nurse Leader

Becoming a Nurse Leader

Nurses-Tips-for-a-Smooth-Transition

http://www.nursetogether.com/Career/Career-Article/itemId/73/New-Job-Nurses-Tips-for-a-Smooth-Transition.aspx