Follow these extra tips for medical professionals:

- Delete excessive jargon. Don’t load your resume with medical jargon and acronyms. Always spell things out the first time, including professional associations and certifications. Use acronyms for subsequent references. Many people will read your resume, including non-medical personnel and those unfamiliar with your specialty. Write your resume so everyone who reads it can understand it.

- Emphasize versatility. These days it’s important to show a diversity of experience on your resume, not just clinical skills. Candidates with broad experience offer employers greater value. Mention business, administrative, managerial, and teaching experience, even if outside the medical field. Supervisory experience and familiarity with budgets and scheduling are valuable assets in today’s marketplace.

- Stand out from the crowd. A resume is not just a job description. Focus on unique and unusual experiences that will make you stand out from other applicants.

-Hit the high points. Summarize agency work or travel nursing assignments in one or two sentences rather than listing each short-term assignment. Highlight a few notable experiences or accomplishments.

-Avoid educational clutter. List degrees, licenses, and certifications, but make a general statement about continuing education. Offer to provide continuing education specifics on request but don’t clutter your resume with a lengthy list of short courses. Highlight continuing education courses pertinent to the position you seek in your cover letter.

Creating cross-generational understanding requires respect for the unique contributions of each generation. Psychologist Constance Patterson, PhD, offers these insights into what motivates each generation and how to gain their cooperation:

• Traditionalists (1922-43) play fair, are hardworking and dependable, and appreciate recognition of their experience. The personal touch is important. They prefer face-to-face communication and hand-written notes.
  Motivator: “Your experience is respected.”
• Baby boomers (1943-63) identify with their job. Loyal team players with a strong work ethic, they like to be involved in decision making, are willing to work long hours, but dislike change. They desire recognition and reward for hard work. They value social interaction and prefer handwritten communication and phone calls. Motivator: “Your contribution is important to our success.”
• Gen Xers (1964-80) can be impatient, skeptical and unimpressed by tradition, but they’re determined to do a good job. These tech-savvy multi-taskers need constructive feedback but resent micromanaging. They prefer informality, like to have fun and favor e-mail communication. Bonus pay is expected for accomplishments. Work/life balance is important and busy personal lives make them less interested in working long hours.
  Motivator: “Your technical expertise is a big asset.”
• Millennials (1980-2000) are less patient, more self-oriented and less likely to remain in unhappy work situations. They’re focused on gaining the skills and education necessary to achieve personal goals. Mentoring is important and they pair well with seniors. They prefer instant communication and feedback.
  Motivator: “You’ll be collaborating with bright, creative people.”

Effective multi-generational work environments value different viewpoints, encourage active listening, clearly define roles, share expertise, value hard work, share recognition, and remember to have fun.

The following appeared in an issue of Maxim’s nursing eNewsletter, Nursing Now. To receive news in your e-mail inbox each month, sign up today.

Continuing education (CE) programs provide the opportunity to increase your knowledge, improve patient care and advance your professional development. Many states now mandate annual or biennial CE credit requirements for licensing and certification renewal.

Many universities, community colleges, and nursing schools offer continuing education workshops, seminars, and programs for nurses. The addition of online courses to most programs offers necessary scheduling flexibility for busy nursing professionals. Online classes (and correspondence courses, when offered) allow coursework to be conveniently scheduled around work and family commitments. Students and instructors communicate via web discussion forums, e-mail, and chat sessions.

Professional organizations and government health agencies are another good source of web-based courses, podcasts (online seminars), and articles available for CE credit. On its WomensHealth website, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services provides a list of links to continuing education resource sites. The American Nurses Association (ANA) offers select free CE modules to members.

When selecting a CE course, make certain it is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and your state’s certification or nursing board. Note that some states require that CE credits for certification or licensing be accomplished in prescribed disciplines.

Your employer may also offer opportunities to earn CE credits. Maxim Healthcare Services offers continuing education programs at many local offices. Web-based courses provide easy access to more than 400 ANCC accredited courses in more than 30 subject categories. Transcripts and certificates of completion can be printed from your desktop. For a list of CE subject areas, visit the Maxim Healthcare website. To participate, contact your local Maxim Healthcare office.

The following appeared in an issue of Maxim’s nursing eNewsletter, Nursing Now. To receive news in your e-mail inbox each month, sign up today.

Trade shows draw exhibitors from all walks of the healthcare industry that are eager to showcase and demonstrate new products, technologies, and services. A typical regional show may draw representatives from hospitals and surgical centers, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, pharmaceutical companies, medical laboratories, medical software firms, medical equipment and product supply companies, physician and dental groups, staffing companies and government health departments.

Trade shows provide an opportunity to discuss new treatment techniques, give new technology a “hands-on” trial, learn about new services that might assist your patients, try out new equipment and sample new healthcare products. You can collect cards and literature to create a referral file of products and services for future recommendations to patients. Attending trade shows allows you to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in diverse areas of the healthcare industry in one convenient location.

When you attend a trade show or local health fair, don’t neglect the opportunity to network. This is a great opportunity to meet other industry professionals and learn about potential employers in your area. Carry extra business cards to exchange with other professionals. If you are intrigued by a particular company, ask about employment opportunities and remember to get the name and contact information of the firm’s hiring director. You might take along a few copies of your resume, but be sure to follow up by sending an introductory letter and another copy of your resume directly to the hiring director.

Maxim Healthcare Services attends dozens of national trade shows, as well as local shows and fairs. To see the events Maxim will be at in the coming months, visit our tradeshow schedule on Maximnurses.com.

The following appeared in an issue of Maxim’s nursing eNewsletter, Nursing Now. To receive news in your e-mail inbox each month, sign up today.

At many nursing schools, alumni associations make it possible for you to tap into the full services of your school’s career services network, even decades after graduation. Many offer specialized career advancement and career exploration services available only to alumni. Some services, particularly individualized assistance, may require a fee; but many services are free with alumni association membership.

Whether you’re just getting started out, or are an experienced nursing professional, there is something to be gained by everyone through alumni association membership. While offers will vary from school to school, the broad range of exclusive alumni services available to you may include:

• Individual career counseling and advising
• Access to online self-assessment instruments
• Specialized workshops on a variety of nursing career issues
• Career transition assistance
• Notice of continuing education (CE) courses, including those available through the Maxim Rewards Continuing Education Program
• Graduate school application assistance
• Professional networking opportunities at alumni association events, activities, or lectures
• Access to extensive print and digital career resources, including alumni newsletters
• Professional development workshops
• Personal help with resume writing, cover letters, interviewing, and salary negotiation
• Mentoring services and opportunities
• Alumni group travel programs

The following appeared in an issue of Maxim’s nursing eNewsletter, Nursing Now. To receive news in your e-mail inbox each month, sign up today.

Professional organizations also provide important services to their members. They provide a forum for disseminating and discussing news, education, new regulations and standards, and new techniques and practices in medicine and healthcare. Many provide continuing education classes, sponsor educational conferences, and offer access to professional journals, published research, periodicals and books to help members stay up-to-date. The self-employed can obtain affordable group insurance through professional associations. In addition to professional liability and life/health insurance plans, the American Nurses Association (ANA) even offers pet insurance. Some groups like the ANA also offer members financial services like free 24/7 online banking and low-interest credit cards.

Professional association sites also serve as a powerful networking tool. Many list job postings and job search tips. Recruiters often turn to professional organizations to search for potential employees. Social networking is the newest feature available on professional association sites. Chat rooms and forums allow members to share information with other professionals or just talk about their day in a supportive atmosphere.

To find a professional organization, do an Internet search for your specialty (ex. pediatric nurse + organization). On the ANA Web site you’ll find an extensive list of specialty nursing practice organizations. The Nurse Practitioners’ Web site, NP Central, also provides a comprehensive list of professional organizations with links to their Web sites, as does the Nursing Organizations Alliance Web site.

The following appeared in an issue of Maxim’s nursing eNewsletter, Nursing Now. To receive news in your e-mail inbox each month, sign up today.

Some healthcare staffing companies provide a more satisfactory work experience and better benefits than others. If you’re considering working with a staffing company, look for the following:

• A variety of job options, including occasional and permanent positions, short- and long-term assignments, and flexible scheduling. You want a company that can provide work that fits your schedule.
• A company that takes a personal interest in helping you meet your goals. You want a company that values your preferences when matching you to a job. Is 24-hour support provided should you have a question, problem, or concern?
• Most staffing companies today offer employment benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401(k) plans to employees who work a certain number of hours.
• Free continuing education programs to meet re-licensing, re-certification, and professional development goals. Does the company offer assistance if you need to update your license?
• Travel opportunities, usually short-term assignments, allow you to explore new cities and facilities without relocating. Does the company arrange travel and accommodations?
• If you’re considering relocating, choose a staffing company with a nationwide reach. 

The following appeared in an issue of Maxim’s nursing eNewsletter, Nursing Now. To receive news in your e-mail inbox each month, sign up today.

There’s a lot of truth to the old adage, “It’s not what you know; it’s who you know.” Networking is the most effective way to find out about new job opportunities and get your foot in the door. Through networking you can connect with other healthcare professionals professionally, socially, and personally. Networking allows you to exchange information, share experiences, and cultivate professional relationships. By connecting with others in your profession you gain exposure to a broad spectrum of information and viewpoints that allow you to achieve a greater understanding of your field. Once relegated to meetings and social events, the Internet has taken networking to a new level. It is now possible to network at your personal convenience from the comfort of your home with just the click of a mouse.

How to Network:

• Set goals. Networking is an exchange. Know what you want to learn and what you have to give.
• Identify contacts. Decide who or what organization can best provide the information, mentoring, or opportunity you seek.
• Make contact. Make a phone call, send an email, join a chat room, meet for coffee, or attend a meeting. Introduce yourself and invite an exchange of information.
• Nurture connections. Make regular contact to solidify your connections.
• Grow your network. Gradually add contacts to your network to increase your networking scope.

Where to Find Networking Opportunities:

Take advantage of the opportunity to meet other people in your field by attending meetings of local professional organizations. Attend workshops offered by area hospitals and healthcare organizations. You’ll also find good networking opportunities online. Many nursing specialties offer chat rooms and discussion groups on their Web sites. Alumni organizations are another good networking source. Check out these general networking sites:

• NurseGroups.com is a social networking site that brings nurses together, both professionally and socially.
• NurseLinkUp.com is an online community that connects nurses around the world.
• NurseChat.com offers a place for nurses to exchange information and advice.
• Medicalmingle.com is a professional social network for people working in, servicing, or studying for a career in the healthcare and medical field.
• Linkedin.com is a social networking site for professionals across all industries, designed to increase user visibility and overall connectability.

Nurses and other healthcare professionals serve as first responders in matters of patient advocacy. Patient advocacy is speaking on behalf of a patient to protect his or her rights, to ensure he or she receives quality care, and to help him or her obtain necessary information and services. Social workers, physicians, lawyers, and others may serve as patient advocates, but it is their professional knowledge and skill combined with their intimate involvement in a patient’s daily care that places healthcare professionals in the position to serve as a patient’s primary advocate.

In providing daily care for a patient, nurses are the first to discover new symptoms, notice physical or mental changes, and understand a patient’s emotional needs. Through observation and participation, they are aware of the care and services a patient receives and are in a unique position to recognize unmet needs. While important in every care environment, advocacy can be critical in homecare situations where family interaction, stresses, and resources can have considerable impact on patient care. The healthcare provider may be the patient’s only link to the outside world and the family’s only source of information and support.

Patient Advocacy Week, April 13-19, recognizes the essential role each medical professional plays in protecting the rights of patients. Patient advocacy is so fundamental to nursing that it is included in the American Nurses Association (ANA) definition of nursing: “. . . the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations.”

Today, most hospitals and residential care facilities staff an on-site advocate to serve patients and their families. Often a social worker, the advocate’s role may include answering questions, providing information, facilitating problem-solving, and coordinating communication between the patient or family and appropriate staff. However, staff advocates may be unaware of events and issues that impact the patient’s health and well-being. Nurses and other healthcare professionals will always carry the primary responsibility of advocating for their patients. It is through these individuals that doctors, managers, and other staff are generally apprised of a patient’s difficulties or needs.

As emphasized in the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses, nurses have an ethical duty to safeguard the rights of their patients:

• The nurse’s primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, or community.
• The nurse promotes, advocates for, and strives to protect the health, safety, and rights of the patient.

In today’s increasingly complex medical environment, it is easy for patients and their families to feel overwhelmed, particularly when faced with a serious illness. As patient advocates, nurses and other healthcare professionals provide vital support, information, and assistance in obtaining access to treatment. They can assist families in understanding a patient’s illness, making informed medical decisions, and coping with the requirements of treatment and care. They can recommend support groups where patients and their families can find much-needed comfort and encouragement in the company of others facing the same struggle. Advocates may be able to direct patients to resources for assistance with legal, financial or employment issues related to their illness.

In advocating for their patients, nurses and other healthcare professionals should turn first to the resources available through the hospital or care facility at which they work, or to their staffing company. Excellent information and statistical data on most major diseases and medical conditions, as well as general health information can be found on the federal government’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site (http://www.cdc.gov/). Most disease-specific organizations such as the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, and others host Web sites that provide clinical information, notices of clinical trials, access to research findings, prevention information, and support group networks. These additional Web sites can be helpful to patient advocates:

• The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (http://www.ahrq.gov/) provides downloadable guides and information on a wide variety of diseases and medical conditions, as well as information on health plans, prescriptions, prevention and wellness, and quality of care issues. Up-to-date research findings are also posted. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, AHRQ is a federal government Web site that provides information for both patients and medical professionals. Considerable information and press releases are also available in Spanish.
• The Patient Advocate Foundation (http://www.patientadvocate.org/index.php) offers free case management services to patients and a wealth of useful information on financial resources, clinical trails, disease information, job retention, Medicare help, and senior services. PAF is a private, non-profit group dedicated to ensuring universal access to quality medical care. Basic information and resources are available in Spanish.
• A useful list of links to advocacy Web sites for specific diseases and medical conditions is provided on the Enduring Health Web site (http://www.healthier-harvest.com/news_articles/medical_information/advocacy_list.htm#PATIENT%20ADVOCACY%20GROUP%20INFORMATION). Scroll past the product advertisements to find a brief description of each organization and a summary of information provided on its Web site with a link. Web sites are listed alphabetically by disease from Alopecia Areata to Urologic Disease.
• Patient-Centered Guides (http://www.patientcenters.com/) provide disorder-specific information with a primary focus on cancer. A number of helpful books are reviewed and available for purchase. The Life on Wheels Center (http://www.patientcenters.com/wheels/) provides information and a comprehensive list of advocacy groups, organizations and resources for wheelchair-bound patients.

Online classes are a blessing for busy healthcare professionals. They allow you to keep up with medical advancements, increase your skills, and meet continuing education requirements at a time that’s convenient for you.

Try these tips to get the most out of your next online class:

• Get acquainted. Familiarize yourself with the course’s online delivery system. Find the course syllabus, schedule, calendar, requirements, methods of communication, where to go for help, etc. Take any tutorials offered. Try out the log-in instructions. Report access issues immediately.
• Prepare. Give yourself every opportunity to succeed. Find a quiet place to work without distractions. Engage the support of family and friends to help with household chores, errands or child care so you have time to concentrate on your coursework. Arrange a back-up plan in case you have computer problems.
• Tune in. Carefully read all written material from your instructor. Log on every day to check for instructions and to participate in discussions.
• Participate. Take full advantage of online conferences. The anonymity of online classes can be very liberating. Don’t be shy about contributing your ideas, perspective, and comments. Do read your classmates’ comments and be respectful and polite in your responses.
• Keep up. Allow at least 3 hours per week per credit hour for coursework. Set up a daily schedule for working on assignments and stick to it. Don’t get behind. Try to complete all assignments before the due date so you have time to get help.
• Speak up. Don’t hesitate to speak up when you have a question. In conversation, we rely on visual cues and body language to help convey our thoughts. Online, those nuances are absent. If you don’t speak up, no one will know you need help.
• Apply your knowledge. Use what you learn on your job. Applying your coursework to the real world will help you internalize what you are learning and give you valuable new insight into your job.