Chapter 56 Getting a Job Successful completion of this nursing assistant course gives you valuable credentials for employment. For some of you it may be a step toward becoming a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Sometime during this course or after, you will likely focus on getting a job. This chapter will help you do so in a professional and efficient manner. Sources of Jobs Newspaper ads Local and state employment services Agencies you would like to work at Yellow pages People you know-family friends The internet Your school s or college s job postings Your clinical experience site Job fairs 1
Just for thought Your clinical site is an important source. The staff may observe you as future employees They look for good work ethics. They may watch how you treat others and the quality of your work. So why you are critiquing them, they may be doing the same to you. What employers look for If you owned your own business, who would you hire? Employers look for staff who: Are dependable Are well-groomed Have needed job skills and training Have values and attitudes that fit with the agency Qualities & Traits For Good Work Ethics Caring Dependable Considerate Cheerful Empathetic Trustworthy Respectful Courteous Conscientious Honest Cooperative Enthusiastic Self-aware 2
A sloppy person with wrinkled or dirty clothes may not get the job. Nor will someone with body or breath odors. Applicants that look good communicate many things to the employer You have 1 chance to make of first impression. Make it a good one! Job Skills & Training Proof of training includes: A certificate of CNA course completion A high school or GED, or college, or technical school transcript An official grade report (report card) Give the employer only a copy of your certificate, transcript, or grade report Long-Term Care To work in long-term care you must complete a state approved training and competency evaluation program. This is an OBRA requirement. The employer requests proof of training. Your record in the state nursing assistant registry is checked. Nursing centers cannot hire persons who where convicted of abusing, neglecting, or mistreating a person 3
Home care Home care agencies receiving Medicare funds must meet OBRA requirements. You must meet the training & competency evaluation requirements outlined in OBRA. Some state have additional training requirements if you want to work in home care. What employers look for: You must be able to work alone Self-discipline is essential Honesty is very important Respect the person s property Job Applications: is an agency s official form listing questions that require factual answers. Read & follow directions Print neatly using black ink Complete the entire form Report any felony arrests or convictions Give information about employment gaps Tell why you left a job, if asked. Provide references See example p. 862-863, Figure 56-1 See guidelines for completing a job application p. 864, Box 56-1 Completing a job application Give honest responses. Lying on an application is fraud. It is grounds for being fired. Be prepared to provide the following: Social security number Proof of citizenship or legal residency Proof of required training and competency evaluation Identification driver s license or government issued ID card Names, addresses, and phone numbers of references Names, addresses and phone numbers of current and past employers. Include: your job title, dates employment started and ended, your supervisor s name, hourly salary. If required proof of in-service attended and continuing education units (CEUs) 4
The Job Interview A job interview is the employer s chance to get to know and evaluate you. The interview may be at the time when you complete the application, or after they review the application. The interview may be done by 1 or more persons. Write down the interviewer s name, date and time. If you need directions to the agency ask for them at the time you schedule the interview YOU MUST BE ON TIME! When you arrive for the interview, tell the receptionists your name, why you are there and the interviewers name. When you are expecting a call back answer the phone, if you cannot at that time make sure your greeting is appropriate and professional Types of Interviews In-person you will meet the interview face to face. Appropriate dress and body language are needed. Phone interview may be your only interview or it may be used to decide if an in-person interview will follow. Video interview use a computer at home or other site. Appropriate dress and body language are needed. For phone or video interviews see addition comments on page 865 Preparing for the Interview Box 56-2 on page 865 lists common interview questions. Prepare your answers ahead of time. Also prepare a list of your skills. Give the list to the interviewer. You must present a good image. You need to be neat, clean, and well groomed. How you dress is important. See Box 56-3, page 865 5
During the Interview Be polite Greet the person Mr, Ms., Mrs., Doctor Firm handshake is appropriate for men & women Stand until asked to sit Sit with good posture Make eye contact Avoid distracting movements Watch your body language Share your skills list Review the job description continue Box 56-2 page 865 questions you may ask the interviewer Home care interview yellow box page 866 Interviewer signals the end of the interview You may be offered a job at this time or when to expect a call or a letter Follow-up is acceptable ask when you can check on your application. Say that you look forward to hearing from them Always thank them See thank you note Fig. 56-3 on page 867 Accepting or declining a job offer You can apply numerous places and have many interviews Think about all offers before accepting one If you have more questions ask them before accepting a job Agree on a starting date, pay rate, and work hours Ask where to report on the first day Ask for this information in writing Ask for the employee handbook Read everything before you start working 6
Accept a job that is best for you If you are declining thank the person for offering you a job and give a positive response (p.867) Sometimes a job is not offered. Thank the person for letting you know and ask that the agency keep you in mind for the future (p. 867) Drug testing State laws vary It may be part of the application process It may be part of the application screening process for new staff A job offer depends on passing a drug test 7