Starting a new job as a graduate nurse can be an intimidating experience, but with the right advice, support, and tips mentioned in this post, you can make the most of your new career.
Here are five tips to help you navigate the challenges of being a new graduate nurse:
🙋🏼♂️ Ask Questions and Seek Help
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and reach out for assistance when needed. Everyone was once a new graduate nurse, and it can be comforting to know that you are not alone in this journey. Your colleagues, supervisors, and mentors can provide valuable insight and support to help you succeed. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of your resources.
Extra Tip: Have a system for your continued learning and growth. Clinical and non-clinical.
⏰ Time Management
Being mindful of your time and prioritising your tasks is an essential part of being a successful new graduate nurse. Make sure to take regular breaks and pace yourself to avoid burnout. Prioritising your work, taking breaks, and developing good time management habits will help you stay on top of your workload.
Extra Tip: This is unique to you! Developing nursing skills is an ongoing and dynamic process. Check out the podcast I recorded with the Two Humerus Nurses, where time management was the theme of the recording. I share the same resource I used as a student with my students and graduates, and they find it helps them to reduce distractions and focus on categorising their patients’ care.Download Your Copy.
👥 Build Relationships with Your Colleagues
Building positive and supportive working relationships with your colleagues will make your work environment more enjoyable and help you learn from each other. It is important to build relationships with your peers and supervisors in order to get the most out of your job.
Extra Tip: Start this in your first year of nursing! If you are serious about nursing, then commit to it and network with others. You have a lot of chances to make connections and build a network for your future at university and on placements. In the third year and beyond, attend conferences at least annually in your field and interest area. You are here now in your graduate year, continue to build on the relationships you have and develop new ones along your path.
🍀 Maintain a Growth Mindset
Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and continuous learning. Stay open-minded and willing to try new things. Don’t be afraid to take risks and challenge yourself.
Extra Tip: You will always be learning something new. Be inquisitive and enjoy the fun of learning with others while performing your job. It’s ok if you do not like something, especially if you have given it a try and enjoyed the journey. It’s all about experience first, then identifying second, and finally choosing what aligns with you.
🥸 Focus on Patient-Centred Care
Always put the patient first.
Focus on giving your patients good care with compassion and building good relationships with them and their families. As a newly graduated nurse, it’s important to give your patients good care and get to know them well.
Extra Tip: Concentrate on this and work from there. This will help you with the environment as the stresses, people, and workload change to focus on what is truly a priority and of concern to your patient and yourself.
These tips can help you become a successful and well-rounded new graduate nurse.
With a bit of hard work and dedication, you can make the most of your new career.
Head out and have a great time!
Remember to savour the experience!
You’ve earned it!
Take a moment to dive into your progress, learning, and growth.
Critical tasks are those that are essential to patient care and safety. They require immediate attention and should be your top priority.
Examples of critical nursing tasks may include:
Administering medications to a patient experiencing a life-threatening reaction
Responding to a patient who has stopped breathing and performing CPR
Assessing and managing a patient who is experiencing a rapid decline in health status
Responding to a patient who has fallen and is showing signs of a head injury
🤔Urgent
Urgent tasks are those that have a deadline or need to be done quickly but are not life-threatening. They require prompt attention and should be completed after critical tasks.
Examples of urgent tasks include preparing a patient for surgery, completing documentation, and responding to a patient’s call light.
Examples of urgent nursing tasks may include:
Administering medications on time to ensure the patient’s pain is managed effectively
Assisting a patient who is experiencing shortness of breath
Responding to a patient who has pressed the call bell to ask for help with using the bathroom
⌚️Routine
Routine tasks are those that are done on a regular basis but do not require immediate attention, such as taking vital signs or performing a bed bath. While these tasks are important, they are not as critical or urgent as other tasks. Routine tasks should be completed after critical and urgent tasks.
Examples of routine nursing tasks may include:
Performing daily patient assessments to monitor for changes in health status
Administering medications at scheduled times (excluding medications for pain/diabetes, these would be urgent)
Assisting patients with activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing
Documenting patient care in the electronic health record
🥱Extras
Extra tasks are those that are not essential but may be helpful. Examples of extra tasks include restocking supplies, organizing a patient’s room, and completing non-urgent paperwork. These tasks should be completed last if time allows.
Examples of extra nursing tasks may include:
Attending staff meetings to discuss patient care and unit operations
Participating in continuing education activities to maintain nursing licensure and competency
Completing administrative tasks such as ordering supplies and completing paperwork
Participating in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient care and safety
Example of the CURE tool used in the Emergency Department
Applying the CURE tool in a practical scenario:
You are a nurse working in a hospital’s emergency department. You have four patients assigned to you, and each has different needs. One patient is experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath, another patient requires a dressing change for a wound, a third patient needs a medication refill, and the fourth patient needs assistance with using the bathroom.
Using the CURE tool, you would identify the chest pain patient’s care as critical and attend to them immediately. Next, you would treat the patient who requires a dressing change as urgent to prevent an infection. Afterwards, you would attend to the medication refill for the third patient, as it has a deadline. Finally, you would assist the fourth patient in using the bathroom, which is a routine task.
Overall, using the CURE tool can help you prioritise your tasks effectively and manage your time wisely. By doing so, you can provide better patient care, reduce stress, and prevent burnout. Remember, critical tasks are always your top priority, followed by urgent tasks, routine tasks, and extra tasks last.
Critical tasks: Responding to a patient who is experiencing cardiac arrest, managing a patient who is experiencing sepsis or septic shock, performing interventions to manage a patient with a rapidly deteriorating condition, and managing a patient with a compromised airway.
Urgent tasks: Administering medications to manage a patient’s blood pressure or oxygen saturation, responding to alarms or changes in vital signs, and assisting with procedures such as inserting a central line or changing a ventilator setting.
Routine tasks: Assessing and monitoring patients, administering medications on schedule, performing daily patient care tasks, and documenting patient care in the electronic health record.
Extra tasks: Participating in multidisciplinary rounds and care conferences, participating in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient outcomes, and attending unit meetings to discuss patient care and unit operations.
Emergency
Critical tasks: Responding to a patient who is experiencing a life-threatening allergic reaction, performing CPR on a patient who has gone into cardiac arrest, managing a patient who has experienced a traumatic injury, and responding to a patient who is experiencing an acute asthma attack.
Urgent tasks: Administering medications to manage a patient’s pain or anxiety, performing triage assessments to determine the severity of patients’ conditions, and responding to a patient who has sustained a minor injury and requires urgent care.
Routine tasks: Assessing and monitoring patients, performing wound care and other routine interventions, and documenting patient care in the electronic health record.
Extra tasks: Participating in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient outcomes, attending meetings to discuss patient care and unit operations, and participating in continuing education activities to maintain nursing licensure and competency.
Anaesthesia
Critical tasks: Monitoring a patient’s vital signs during surgery, responding to a patient who is experiencing a complication related to anaesthesia, and managing a patient who is experiencing an adverse reaction to medications.
Urgent tasks: Administering medications to manage a patient’s pain or anxiety, responding to changes in a patient’s condition during surgery, and assisting with procedures such as intubation or insertion of a central line.
Routine tasks: Preparing patients for surgery, assessing and monitoring patients before and after surgery, and documenting patient care in the electronic health record.
Extra tasks: Participating in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient outcomes, attending meetings to discuss patient care and unit operations, and participating in continuing education activities to maintain nursing licensure and competency.
PACU
Critical tasks: Managing a patient who is experiencing postoperative complications, and responding to a patient who is experiencing respiratory distress or other urgent issues after surgery.
Urgent tasks: Administering medications to manage a patient’s pain or nausea, monitoring patients for postoperative complications such as bleeding or infection, and responding to changes in a patient’s condition after surgery.
Routine tasks: Assessing and monitoring patients, providing wound care and other routine interventions, and documenting patient care in the electronic health record.
Extra tasks: Participating in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient outcomes, attending meetings to discuss patient care and unit operations, and participating in continuing education activities to maintain nursing licensure and competency.
Surgical
Critical tasks: Responding to a patient who is experiencing a life-threatening complication during surgery, managing a patient who is experiencing hemorrhage or other urgent issues during surgery, and performing emergency procedures such as chest tube insertion.
Urgent tasks: Administering medications to manage a patient’s pain or anxiety, preparing patients for surgery, and assisting with procedures such as wound closure or insertion of a urinary catheter.
Routine tasks: Assessing and monitoring patients, providing wound care and other routine interventions, and documenting patient care in the electronic health record.
Extra tasks: Participating in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient outcomes, attending meetings to discuss patient care and unit operations, and participating in continuing education activities to maintain nursing licensure and competency.
Mental Health
Critical tasks: Responding to a patient who is experiencing suicidal ideation or intent, managing a patient who is experiencing a psychotic episode or severe agitation, and responding to a patient who is experiencing a medical emergency while in a mental health crisis.
Urgent tasks: Administering medications to manage a patient’s anxiety or agitation, responding to patients who require crisis intervention or de-escalation, and monitoring patients for adverse medication effects or changes in mental status.
Routine tasks: Conducting patient assessments, administering medications as prescribed, facilitating group therapy or other therapeutic interventions, and documenting patient care in the electronic health record.
Extra tasks: Participating in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient outcomes, attending meetings to discuss patient care and unit operations, and participating in continuing education activities to maintain nursing licensure and competency.
Community
Critical tasks: Responding to a patient who is experiencing a medical emergency, managing a patient who is experiencing a sudden decline in health status, and responding to a patient who has sustained an injury or acute illness while at home.
Urgent tasks: Administering medications to manage a patient’s pain or other symptoms, responding to patients who require urgent medical attention, and providing education and support to patients and families.
Routine tasks: Conducting patient assessments, providing wound care and other routine interventions, administering medications as prescribed, and documenting patient care in the electronic health record.
Extra tasks: Participating in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient outcomes, attending meetings to discuss patient care and community health initiatives, and participating in continuing education activities to maintain nursing licensure and competency.
Medical
Critical tasks: Responding to a patient who is experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, managing a patient who is experiencing sepsis or other acute medical conditions, and performing emergency procedures such as intubation or chest tube insertion.
Urgent tasks: Administering medications to manage a patient’s pain or other symptoms, responding to patients who require urgent medical attention, and monitoring patients for adverse medication effects or changes in health status.
Routine tasks: Conducting patient assessments, administering medications as prescribed, providing wound care and other routine interventions, and documenting patient care in the electronic health record.
Extra tasks: Participating in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient outcomes, attending meetings to discuss patient care and unit operations, and participating in continuing education activities to maintain nursing licensure and competency.
General Practice
Critical tasks: Responding to a patient who is experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, managing a patient who is experiencing a sudden decline in health status, and performing emergency procedures such as CPR or defibrillation.
Urgent tasks: Administering medications to manage a patient’s pain or other symptoms, responding to patients who require urgent medical attention, and providing education and support to patients and families.
Routine tasks: Conducting patient assessments, administering medications as prescribed, providing wound care and other routine interventions, and documenting patient care in the electronic health record.
Extra tasks: Participating in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient outcomes, attending meetings to discuss patient care and unit operations, and participating in continuing education activities to maintain nursing licensure and competency.
Aged Care
Critical tasks: Responding to a patient who is experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, managing a patient who is experiencing a sudden decline in health status, and performing emergency procedures such as CPR or defibrillation.
Urgent tasks: Administering medications to manage a patient’s pain or other symptoms, responding to patients who require urgent medical attention, and providing education and support to patients and families.
Routine tasks: Conducting patient assessments, administering medications as prescribed, providing wound care and other routine interventions, and documenting patient care in the electronic health record.
Extra tasks: Participating in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient outcomes, attending meetings to discuss patient care and unit operations, and participating in continuing education activities to maintain nursing licensure and competency. Additionally, some specific nursing tasks may include assisting patients with activities of daily living such as dressing and bathing, monitoring for changes in cognitive function and mental status, and communicating with family members and other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care.
It’s time to apply for all of the programs available to new graduate nurses for 2023.
There is a great program opportunity that closes THIS WEEKEND!
Read on 🤓
Ok, you have decided you would like to pursue a new graduate position in a hospital, commencing your career as a hospital nurse while developing yourself as a clinician 👩🏼⚕️👨⚕️
You have applied for your state or territory health areas, such as NSW Health for everyone in NSW and so on. This is one of the many options available to grads seeking to commence their career in the hospital setting.
Many do not realise, that Ramsay is the biggest private hospital provider in Australia AND is one of the most popular and prestigious healthcare providers internationally. They have hospitals in every state and territory of Australia as well as internationally in countries including the UK, Singapore, Italy and even France!
🤩 Graduate Fellowship Program with Ramsay
📅 Applications Close August 14th!
Dont miss out!
There are many reasons to consider an alternate hospital new graduate program such as Ramsay Healthcare. Ramsay offers a new graduate program they now refer to as a fellowship program. This is a great alternative for you to look at! Let’s have a look at a couple of advantages:
The fellowship runs over 24 months and you are able to work full or part-time depending on what works for you.
At the end of the 24-month period, you are offered a position with the organisation based on your performance.
Opportunity to complete rotations in the general ward, theatres, critical care (ED and ICU) and specialised services such as oncology and many others.
Opportunity to gain experience all over Australia
Opportunity to travel and work internationally, on another continent such as Alaska or somewhere like Singapore, Italy, the UK or even France!
Think about what you are interested in and what will fuel you to turn up, learn and do your best, each and every day.
Have you thought about it?
Have a think and if you are aiming for a hospital new graduate role, consider Ramsay Health.
After all, I completed a Theatres New Graduate Position and loved every moment 😜
🤷🏼♂️ What Nurses Can Claim in Tax at the End of the Financial Year.
We would all love to earn a bit more money. Tax time is your chance to get that little more back in your pocket. For you to maximise the amount you get back into your bank account, you need to know what you can claim when completing your tax return at the end of the financial year.
Every year since I started nursing, I have helped, discussed, and guided individuals at tax time with their work-related expenses, ultimately ensuring they get their hard-earned money back in their pocket. Nurses can claim a number of expenses at tax time each year. There are also some things you can do to help reduce your net income as a nurse. To get us started, check out this list below.
Here is a list of common tax deductions for nurses:
Overtime Meals
Travel expenses
Personal car usage
Overnight accommodation costs
Uniforms and protective clothing
Repair and cleaning of uniforms and protective clothing.
Equipment and expenses related to training courses
Purchase and repair costs of work-related equipment
Stationery
Books and journals
Work-related phone and internet expenses
Logbook for travel expenses
Briefcase or work bag
Fob watch
Union fees
Professional memberships and subscriptions
The annual certification fee
Agency commissions and fees
You can claim the work-related portion of other expenses that relate to your employment, including:
Union and professional association fees.
Agency commissions and agency fees, and annual practising certificate fees
Technical or professional publications.
Tools and equipment, such as a stethoscope or a pin watch.
PPE mentioned below and more!
Want to learn more about nursing and your end-of-year tax?
🤓 Read ON!
💡 Start to think about what you are going to add to your expenses and claims list.
⭐️ Golden rules
Follow these three golden rules to make sure you get your work-related expense claims right.
You must have spent the money yourself and weren’t reimbursed.
The claim must directly relate to earning your income.
You must have a record to prove it.
✔️ What Nurses CAN CLAIM
👉🏼 To claim a deduction for work‑related expenses:
You must have spent the money yourself and weren’t reimbursed.
It must directly relate to earning your income.
You must have a record to prove it.
🚀 Tax tips for nurses and health professionals:
Keep records
Save ALL of your receipts, whether you think it’s an expense or not! You could claim it.
💡 Most phones can scan straight from the operating system.
No apps or software needed!
That means no special apps, nothing special. On the iPhone, you can literally open files, tap + hold and scan a document. Done. Save these to a folder on your phone, or even better, connect your scans to a folder within your cloud storage and access your receipts wherever you are with whatever device you have with you.
🔥 Expenses and Deductions for Nurses 👇🏼
👨⚕️ Nursing Registration Fees
I highly encourage you to claim your annual nursing registration fees. For example, your AHPRA fees, which we all pay each year to practice as nurses, Just keep the email receipt as proof of payment, and at the end of the year, claim it.
📚 Education
Examples include seminars, conferences, training courses, and tertiary studies.
You can claim self-education and study expenses if your course relates directly to your employment as a nurse or midwife and it:
maintains or improves the skills and knowledge you need for your current duties.
results in or is likely to result in an increase in income from your current employment.
📚 Journals, books, periodicals, magazine subscriptions, and professional affiliations
If you are a member of a professional group, subscribe to an educational piece or author or series, and then ensure you claim it!
I am a member of the OTA (Operating Theatre Association). I claim my membership and the annual conference I attend for it annually.
👨🏼💻 Applications and Software
Do you use an app or software specifically for your work? Maybe it’s a rostering app, a medication resource, or a patient safety tool. Either way, you can claim that too!
I have claimed a number of apps and software over the years related to my profession and specific job role.
📱Phone and Internet
You can claim phone, data, and internet costs apportioned for private and work use, with records showing your work‑related use. You can’t claim phone, data, and internet use if you only use your phone to communicate with your manager about your shifts or use the internet to check payslips, rosters, or income statements. These are standard requirements for all employees. However, if they are used primarily to perform your job role, you can claim them. For example, an educator who uses their personal phone to access work emails and perform work-related tasks can claim a percentage of their phone bill.
👕 Clothing and Uniforms
You can claim the cost of buying, hiring, repairing, or cleaning clothing if it is considered:
Protective – clothing that has protective features and functions that you wear protects you from specific risks of injury or illness at work. For example, nonslip nursing shoes or scrubs.
A compulsory uniform – clothing you are explicitly required to wear by a workplace agreement or policy, which is strictly and consistently enforced and is sufficiently distinctive to your organisation.
🚙 Car Expenses & Travelling
This one can get a little grey and will likely need clarification from your accountant or the person looking after your tax return. In simple terms, you can claim a deduction when you drive between separate jobs on the same day.
You can claim:
The cost of trips between home and work if you have been shifting places of employment.
The cost of using a car you own when you drive it.
Examples
For instance, going straight from your first job as a nurse to your second job as a university lecturer on the same day.
Travelling between locations, to and from a different place of employment for the same employer on the same day, such as between clinics for the same employer.
You cannot claim:
The cost of trips between home and work (regardless of the distance travelled or shift time/date).
How to claim and log evidence
To claim car expenses, you can use the logbook method or the cents per kilometre method.
There are a few notes on the ATO website which talk about using your own car to drive heavy tools and equipment where there is no safe storage available. If you think you fall into this group, I’d suggest seeking further advice. If you’re thinking about it, you can’t claim a deduction for getting or renewing your driver’s licence, even if you must have it for your job. This is a private expense.
😎 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal protective equipment you buy, such as safety glasses, footwear, masks, or anything you need to perform your role.
I wear SafeStyle Eyewear as my safety glasses, which you can also get in a pair with your prescription! I love them due to their square and finished design and also the blue light lenses helping with my headaches! I even use these as sunglasses or for when I am working outside. They are perfect for every occasion, and I can claim them for free. Check them out by CLICKING THIS LINK. If you like them and want a pair, use code: ANE10 to enjoy a 10% discount.
🍱 Meals for Overtime
This one is a bit confusing. According to the ATO, “you can’t claim a deduction if your overtime meal allowance is rolled into your salary/wages and not included as a separate allowance on your income statement or payment summary.”
If you want to claim a deduction for an overtime meal, I recommend keeping your receipts. However, the ATO sets an amount each year that you can claim for overtime meals without receipts if it was a “reasonable amount.” So if you’re asked to do overtime, don’t go hungry. Go buy a meal—just keep the receipt.
💸 Union Fees
Whilst you can absolutely claim your annual union fee, don’t forget to jump onto their website and see what other freebies and discount codes are on offer for you to benefit from.
I claim my fees, every time.
🎒Work Bag
Do you have a bag for work? Maybe a laptop sleeve, cover, or bag? All of these are work-related expenses and you can claim them.
I have two work bags. One for when I am primarily doing education work and another for when I am working clinically. I love leather, so they are nice bags. 😆
🖊 Stationary
You can claim your favourite pen! All of those office items you use in your job, can be claimed as an expense.
According to the ATO, “as long as the expense relates to your employment, you can claim a deduction for the work-related portion of the cost of stationery”.
This includes:
Calculators
Logbooks
Diaries
Pens
I am one of those crazy people who loves certain pens and perform better using certain pens. So I purchase my own and claim them on tax.
⌚️Watches/Fob Watches
Do you wear a fob watch or another type of wristwatch with special features that help you in your nursing role? The cost of these items may be deductible. This includes battery replacements, repairs, and watchbands.
As a small catch, the ATO says, “If the watch cost more than $300, you can only claim a deduction for a loss in value (depreciation).” Sorry to the Apple Watch fans…
🩺 Tools and Equipment
Do you need tools and equipment specific for your job and they are not provided to you by your employer? Equipment including stethoscopes, trauma shears, utility pouches and tool holders and securements are all items you can claim for.
I claim for my stethoscope, my shears, pen lights, theatre caps and my scrubs!
🪛 Repairs to tools and equipment
Do you use a stethoscope, trauma shears, an apron or a pen at work? If these items break, you can claim the cost of getting them fixed or getting them replaced.
🙋🏼♂️ Special Circumstances
The ATO does make mention of potential allowances “for work that may be unpleasant, special, or dangerous.” Speak with a tax agent if you believe this is you in nursing.
🚫 Cannot Claim
Private expenses such as music subscriptions, childcare, fines, flu shots, and other vaccinations, even if you’re required to have them for work.
You can’t claim a deduction if the cost was met or reimbursed by your employer.
I believe having a good tax accountant is important. Mine taught me a lot about my taxes as I transitioned professions, workplaces, and different roles. The same accountant now helps me with it all, including business and more!
For years, I have witnessed others doing it themselves to save money and try and complete their tax online themselves.
Yet, they often pay up to $100 to do it themselves and get a fraction of the money back compared to what they could have received back! For literally a couple of dollars more, you can get a professional who will do the entire process for you and teach you along the way!
A very valuable asset to have!
Thank you for reading!
I hope you enjoyed this blog.
Have you done your tax for this year yet?
Did you claim something new related to your nursing role?
CVs are critical components of your application as you attempt to land an interview.
What does CV stand for?
A CV (or curriculum vitae) is a marketing tool that you present to prospective employers in order for them to consider you for a current or future opportunity, program or position.
What is a CV?
A CV is more formal than a resume and is more common in Australia. It should be no more than two pages for job seekers with limited experience and no more than four pages for those with more experience.
What does it include?
The CV is a document that includes some basic personal information as well as a summary of your education, qualifications, work experience, interests, and accomplishments.
Some professional CV writers recommend including a career objectives or goals section, but whether that is appropriate depends on where you are in your career or what type of role you are applying for.
Tips ✔️
The ultimate marketing advertisement – Imagine this…
Think of the CV like it’s a brochure. The brochure will list the benefits of purchasing or using a particular service. The product they are leasing and service they are getting or potentially getting is…you!
Boom!
Your CV is your first point of contact with potential employers and is essential for getting your ‘foot in the door’ for an interview.
Design it well and make it easy to read…
Everything is about visual appeal! Remember, this is a marketing document for you. It might get you a foot in the door… with that in mind… we need to make it appealing to read. How? Simple but effective designs! Simple fonts with lots of white space! You can make this a hard copy (which you will most likely need for the online systems and initial application) or electronic and/or digitally accessible.
The consequences of designing your CV without using a template… A poorly executed and presented CV that fails to convey relevant information, makes it difficult to read and may limit your ability to secure an interview.
Ask yourself – Would you give yourself a position?
Consider your CV from the perspective of an employer when developing and writing it. Would you stand out from the crowd (i.e. other candidates), and would the manager want to speak with you based on the information in your CV?
The more the BETTER!
When you’re just starting out in your career, getting an interview is critical because it allows you to expand on your CV and sell yourself despite your lack of experience. When it comes to applying for jobs, don’t do it one at a time or, worse, only apply for one position. Complete multiple applications to increase your chances and gain extra practice.
After delivering the documents and application – Deliver YOU and deliver you well!
If you are invited for an interview, you are then in a fantastic position to explain and expand on what is in your CV and use your interpersonal skills to help secure the position. Don’t slow down here. Make sure you know what it takes to deliver yourself well at the interview.
Structure and Types of CVs 📝
Different CV Formats
There are numerous CV formats that you should be familiar with in order to create and design the most purposeful CV possible. As an undergraduate, new graduate, or experienced nurse, your CV and application will be slightly different.
Without Experience CV
The purpose of this CV is to demonstrate the candidate’s ability and potential. What they offer in particular may differ from that of other candidates. Typically, they have little or no experience (less than two years) and may still be in school. As a result, it is necessary to focus on inherent abilities, knowledge, academic achievements, qualifications, acquired responsibilities, volunteer work, travel/trips, languages, and so on. There may be no Job / Work History section.
Professional CV
A professional CV is written for people who have at least 5 years of experience and are in intermediate positions with significant responsibility levels. It focuses on the achieved objectives, problem-solving, applied abilities, promotion, and development of the career to date. In this case, studies may be less important than gained experience.
Executive CV
Executive CVs are used by people in high-level positions. It focuses on the goals achieved as a senior manager or champion of some area with significant leadership and problem-solving experience, which may include project development, use of abilities, and team motivation. To summarise, they should emphasise their competencies and how they apply them.
Chronological CV
The most commonly used CV format does not always make obtaining an interview easier.
The academic education and experience are presented in inverse chronological order, beginning with the most recent or most recent work, then the previous ones, and finally the studies.
The disadvantages of this format are that it can display any periods of inactivity (months, years) and/or frequent changes in work. This frequently leads to the candidate filling these spaces with irrelevant information for the position.
It emphasises a person’s advancement in the workplace: promotion and increased responsibilities are reflected, which has the disadvantage of revealing if a person, despite being very effective and satisfied with their role, has not ascended or taken on more responsibilities.
When to use a chronological resume: If you have extensive professional experience, have not been out of work for an extended period of time, have not changed jobs frequently, and are looking for work in the same industry.
Advantages: The format is traditional, and most hiring managers regard it as simple to read and understand. It demonstrates job security. It reflects your increased responsibilities and/or advancement. It emphasises the type of position you held and the companies for which you worked. It describes your responsibilities and accomplishments.
Disadvantages: It highlights any changes in the company or “job-hopping.” It allows the reader to either work out or concentrate on the age of the candidates. It could indicate a lack of recycling or updating training. It reflects any inconsistencies in work activity.
Functional CV
The Functional CV avoids the disadvantages of the Chronological CV type and allows for the display of abilities and achievements obtained, even if the dates in the work experience are not continuous, aiding in the concealment of periods of inactivity or successive similar jobs without promotion. When you want to highlight your professional career or enter a completely different activity, the type of company and/or studies are irrelevant but your abilities, capacities, and type of work are.
If you want to highlight your abilities over the course of your work experience, you can use the Functional CV. If you want to return to the job market after a long absence. If there are numerous periods of unemployment between jobs. If you’ve changed jobs frequently. If you want to work in a completely different industry. If you believe your age will be a barrier (“very young, very old”). If you have worked as a freelancer or self-employed person. If you are a recent graduate with no prior experience.
Advantages It demonstrates the individual’s abilities and strengths. It enables you to highlight the skills and knowledge that are most relevant to the position you seek. It eliminates the repetition of roles in similar positions. Flexibility in presenting/displaying your person and achievements. Useful in new technologies, such as the Internet, telecommunications, media, and public relations. You can discuss abilities, interests, and motivations that you do not always use in your work but could.
It does not highlight the names of the companies for which you have worked. The length of time spent in each position is unimportant. It restricts the job description and responsibilities.
Combined CV
CV formats that combine the formats (chronological and functional CVs). The functional format of the CV is followed by the chronological format. The combined format is more difficult to write and more complex, but it has the advantage of emphasising the candidates’ experience and abilities for the new position they are applying for, as well as reflecting their experience and training in a dynamic format.
An advantage includes it clearly demonstrates that you know what you want to do and that you have the skills required for the position. It includes the section “Achieved Goals.” It allows for greater flexibility and creativity in displaying abilities. It aids in obtaining a specific position.
Disadvantages You’ll need a different summary for each job you apply for. It takes a long time. It removes information about your skills and experience that you may prefer to keep private if you are applying for multiple positions at the same company.
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I had a good couple of weeks off over Christmas and New Year which was absolutely fantastic!
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This week, in my stories there has been a lot of chat about GOALS!
I love reflecting and looking at where I want to develop myself personally and professionally as the new year commences.
At the end of last year, upon reflection, I realised that I set out to achieve a lot last year….and…I did it ALL! I was stoked with achieving it all!
The toughest thing I did was remain dedicated. After many years, I found the help I needed for my ADHD. I did this as I started noticing an effect on the people around me, at work and in my relationship with my wife, that was no longer functional and ok for them…or me.
This presented other personal and wellbeing challenges which has increased the load and learning curve with the management…..however this is the main area I am working so hard on in 2022. I want to be a better me! AND I WILL BE!
The constant grind working on my mental health and wellbeing is something I will always be working on, its something to just constantly learn about and improve on yourself and try and enjoy each and every moment!
Anyway, enough about my reflection….
Today I wanted to chat to you all about Goals. Setting our goals is important. It is important to have something to work towards.
When it comes to the goals, how do we know if we have achieved a goal? Do you monitor your goals and their progression? Do you set a clear path for their execution?
All something to consider…
When I look at what I want to do and setting goals to get it done, I use a few things that may help you with yours.
These can be broken down to simply – Break it down, Identify needs and wants, sort out the why, assign priorities, consider the resources, set the goals, schedule and plan.
This is just a break down of what I do.
Let’s have a look together.
Break it all down
I break the areas of my life down to ensure I am working on, planning and progressing in all areas of my life equally or to the degree I want to be with that area.
For example: I have these areas I look at
Personal
Wife – Aims
Relationships
Mental health and Wellbeing
Physical Health – Including Fitness (training) & Nutrition
Computers & Technology
Work
Nursing Clinical
Nursing Education
Aquatic Rescue
Pre hospital care
Business
Aussie Nurse Educator
Life Saving Education
Rory Tanner
These are my main core areas of my life I constantly work on.
Identify your NEEDS & WANTS
Identifying between a need and a want can sometimes be difficult. The way I think about it is a NEED is something that the area requires to function, or to maintain its ability to do its main role and is directly involved in the want.
A WANT on the other hand is something that will help you but isn’t needed right now.
As a new graduate nurse, I needed to do lots of things and I had many goals. You NEED to develop your skills as an RN and you would also WANT to develop these skills. This is consistent with each other and fuels and motivates you forward.
New graduate nurses also NEED to be able to complete all the shifts required of them including night shifts. You maybe don’t WANT to do night shift though.
There is an issue with the WHY (why are you here doing this?) and this also presents another NEED on top of the other…. – I now need to learn how to perform at my best on night shift and deal with the thought, ‘I don’t want to’.
You need to work on the WHY!
For me, I couldn’t do nights! My physical and mental health suffers way too much! Hence why you don’t find me in the ED ?
Sort out your WHY
Why do we do what we do? Powerful question! For me? Well, because I like it and it literally floats my boat! I do it because I am passionate and interested, which builds my motivation to do it!
If you do not have a solid WHY, you will probably fall away and not achieve that goal…
So WHY do you NEED to do this and all these night shifts? Here is a couple for you.
Because you committed to becoming a Nurse. Nurses do shift work. Full stop. It is part of your training and development as a Nurse and person.
It is extremely important to your clinical area, other colleagues, the hospital, health services and your patient. All of which you as a nurse, work for and serve professionally! Remember you chose this!
It is vital for you to develop the skills to manage these shifts, yourself, others and your patients overnight. This is a hard learning curve. When to eat, when to sleep, when and what to do. You have a lot of support when you are junior! Reach out and use that support! You are not weak, dumb or behind! You are learning and you will get there!
Did we say you have to do it forever? No! I didn’t. Just sort out your short term and long term WHY!
Assign Priorities
You need to know how much priority (a rough percentage) you want to place on each area and sub-area of your life. This will change based on the year, the stage of life and more! There is no right answer!
The key is to assign and stick to it!
There was a time, actually two that I can remember, where I was struggling. It was all because the PRIORITY was not set or it was wrong!
In my first year of nursing as a new graduate, I was doing a lot of things and the areas of my life suffered due to a shift in priority. I went way up into the work area and left too much of the personal area behind…not good.
Have this clear from the start and keep it in sight!
Consider the Resources
What do you have available to help you?
This will depend on the life area and overall goal. These can be internal or external resources. Identify the things that will help you achieve each specific goal.
The common items for me: ADHD, mindset, productivity skills, social connections, network, macbook pro, ipad and iphone
Set the Goal
To set your actual goal, you should consider using a structure like SMART GOALS.
SMART goals stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.
Defining these parameters as they relate to your goal helps ensure that your objectives are attainable within a certain time frame. This approach eliminates the grey areas and guesswork, sets a clear timeline, and makes it easier to track progress and identify missed milestones.
SMART Breakdown – to help you set your goals
S: Specific
First step to be effective is being specific.
Three quick and easy questions here for you to ask in relation to the goal you want to set
What needs to be accomplished you’re done?
Who is ultimately responsible for it and who else is involved in the process?
What steps need to be taken to achieve the goal?
Where is it located?
Which resources or limits are involved for me?
M: Measurable
Quantifying your goals (that is, making sure they’re measurable), makes it easier to track progress and know when you’ve reached the finish line.
Questions to get you started include:
How much and how many?
How do I know if I’ve reached my goal?
What is my indicator of progress?
A: Achievable
Achievable, attainable and realistic to be successful. The goal should stretch your abilities but still remain in reach and possible. If you are setting an achievable goal, you may be able to identify previously overlooked opportunities or resources that can bring you closer faster or a more efficiently.
Goal answers questions such as these:
How can I get the goal accomplished?
How realistic is the goal, based on other constraints such as resources?
Do I have the resources and capabilities to achieve this goal?
If not, what is missing and what do I need. I.e. what’s the prior goal.
Have others done successfully before?
R: Relevant
The WHY! Ensure it matters to you!
We all need support and assistance however it’s about remaining in control and being consistent with you. So the plans need to drive everyone forward but ultimately leaving you still responsible for achieving your own goals.
Ask questions such as:
Does this goal seem worthwhile?
Is it the right time to send this as it go?
Does the goal match our other efforts and needs?
Am I the right person to achieve?
Is it appropriate and applicable in my current social economic environment?
T: Time
Every goal needs a target date so there is a deadline for you to work towards. Also setting something as a mini goal to keep you motivated. This section of the process is to help and prevent every day tasks from taking over to ensure you can still reach your goals.
A timer appropriate goal answers these questions:
What is the time frame to achieve this goal?
Does the school have a deadline?
When did I want to or need to achieve this goal?
Schedule & Plan it out
This will be specific to you!
I am heavily reliant on technology to achieve my goals and this is a main resource in the overall process. Scheduling and planning is so vital to ensure you are being intentional with your time and being as productive as you can be, while leaving time for the other things in life.
I use a combination of the calendar app on MacOS and iOS connected to my google and iCloud calendars to schedule my life, year, months, weeks and days.
I use DayOne to journal my thoughts and monitor progress of the schedule and planning on execution.
I use Notion to do absolutely everything else!
Become accountable
Do what you need to do to become accountable. Some people are internally or intrinsically motivated. Others are external or extrinsic in the nature of their motivation.
I spent a considerable amount of time being an endurance athlete and during this time we were asked to identify how we were motivated. This was very powerful to performance.
See it’s not the performance that is the issue, you already want to do that. What about the training involved? All the hurdles and challenges. Identifying how you are motivated! Don’t get me wrong, you are not one or the other. It is like learning styles and the way you learn. We are a combination of them all, however most people find one area helps and drives them more than another.
I am internally motivated to achieve. All I have to do, is complete this process and commit that I want to do it and I am there getting it done. For example, I immensely enjoy the challenge of learning something new and then applying the skills and seeing them in action.
On the other hand, I had friends who were athletes and they were quite external in the way they spiked and fuelled their motivation. An example includes, focussing more on the competitive or performance outcome of what is happening. These people may be lifted by social media, winning the event or being seen by others as ‘good’.
I was always taught, as an athlete, that being more intrinsically motivated is better for in both the short and long term. Even if you are predominantly externally motivated, thats ok, you just need to identify what works for you and then do it.
Be accountable and work it out.
What is the benefit to you and how can you apply this in your life or into the future?
We need to know how it will benefit us! This ties in with the WHY and the motivation. Review each stage and each goal to ensure you are on track and working towards or are achieving that goal.
What area did we improve and what skills did we learn and / or develop?
How does this help us in the future?
Well, I know that was a tad long but….goals are important and this is how I sit down and consider my situation and what goals I want to achieve.
Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed the read!
Now, go write those GOALS if you haven’t already ?
