Prepare a presentation from attached chapter

372 | | Nurse Assistant Training

UNIT

TRANSITIONING FROM
STUDENT TO EMPLOYEE5

23 Entering the Workforce

24 Enjoying Professional Success

5

Chapter 23 | Entering the Workforce | 373

After reading this chapter, you will have the information needed to:

■ Plan a job search.
■ Prepare a résumé, reference list and cover letter.
■ Describe the job application process.
■ Interview effectively.
■ Accept or decline a job offer.
■ Know what to expect during your fi rst few days on the job.

Goals

23
C H A P T E R

Entering the Workforce

374 | | Nurse Assistant Training

You are sitting at lunch with a few of your
classmates talking about your classes. Suddenly your
friend Jenny says, “Can you believe it? You know,
in just about two months, we will all be working
somewhere. That’s incredible. I don’t even know
where to start.” As the discussion continues, your
instructor Ms. Howard walks by. She overhears your
conversation and sits down to join you. She says, “You
know, with everything going on in our country today,
the demand for well-trained, hard-working nurse
assistants is very high. More people are living longer
lives, many with chronic health conditions. Employers
at health care facilities and agencies are looking to
use staff members effectively to maximize efficiency
while maintaining an excellent quality of care. You are
a great group of students, and I think you are going
to have lots of choices and opportunities once you are
ready to enter the job market!”

PLANNING YOUR JOB SEARCH
Once you graduate from your program and pass your
state certifi cation test, you will start looking for a job.
Most people start looking for a job without a plan, which
can result in wasted time and a feeling of frustration. You
can avoid this—and increase your chances of success—
by making a plan. Being organized will help you make the
most of your search and fi nd the job that is right for you.

Identifying the Right Job for You
Your training qualifi es you to work in many different types
of health care settings and with many different types of
clients. Before beginning your job search, it is a good idea
to think about what sort of job situation best suits your
interests and lifestyle. Asking the following questions can
help you identify job opportunities that will appeal to you:

■ In what type of setting do you want to work? For
example, would you be more comfortable working in a
facility or in a person’s home? Do you prefer the fast-
paced environment of an acute care setting, such as a
hospital or clinic, or would you like to have time to get
to know the people in your care over a longer time?

■ Is there a particular type of client you enjoy caring
for? For example, if you enjo