Professional Persistence: The Key To A Successful Nursing Career
Guest post by Renee Thompson
Jacob just wouldn’t take “no” for an answer. We were at a neighbor’s party and there was a “no kids allowed” hot tub rule. All of the other kids accepted this rule and although they whined a bit, they quickly found something else to do – but not Jacob. He sat on the edge of the hot tub and over the next 15 minutes, asked his mother a 100 times if he could come in. Jacob repeated, “Please mom, please.” over and over again. It was like some type of brainwashing persistence technique! Finally, against our advice, Jacob’s mom gave in and I got out. Justin sat proudly in the warm hot tub while the other kids ran around the house playing tag.
He was 10 and had already mastered the art of persistence
Nurses aspire to get a better job (or their first job), climb the ladder, and achieve greater success. However, when faced with initial rejection, many of these nurses give up.
As Thomas Edison said, “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”
The power of professional persistence
The best thing you can do if you know what you want, but still can’t seem to get it, is to practice professional persistence. We see kids like Jacob practicing this technique frequently in the grocery store, on the playground, and in school. They keep asking until they get what they want. I’m not suggesting that giving in to kids is okay, especially if you are the parent, however, we can adopt the principles behind their excessive nagging with a bit of a professional twist.
Professional persistence means to respectfully and consistently, over time, make known that you want something. Professional persistence sends a message that you are serious, committed and willing to do what it takes to get what you want.
After five years in acute care, I wanted a job as a homecare nurse. A local company had 75 applicants for 1 position however, without homecare experience, I knew my chances were slim. I didn’t get the job, but made the decision to keep trying. I called once every 2 weeks to inquire if any new positions opened. Each call gave me the opportunity to chat with the administrative assistant and after several months, we built a relationship. Each time I called, she put my application on the owner’s desk with a note saying that I called. Finally, the owner contacted me about another position and I got the job. She told me that although I had no experience in homecare, it was my professional persistence that got me the job. Apparently it was clear to her that I really, really wanted to be a homecare nurse. I stayed in that company for 5 years and loved every minute of it!
If you find yourself as a new nurse who still can’t get a job or seasoned nurse trying to advance your career, but you’ve encountered roadblocks along the way, learn from Jacob and follow these steps:
1. Decide what you want
This is the most important step, but often the most ignored. Whether it’s a new job, promotion or career alternative, decide what you want to accomplish. Make sure you know what you really want, especially if you are going to devote so much time and energy into getting it.
2. Make an action plan
Once you know what you want, make a plan for how you are going to communicate your intent. For example, if you are still looking for your first job as a new nurse, make a list of all the organizations hiring new nurses, obtain the contact information for HR or the nursing department, apply, and then follow-up with a phone call or email at regular intervals (2 weeks, 3 weeks, etc). Make the plan and then follow it.
3. Be professional in every communication
There is a fine line between professional persistence and being a nag. This is why you have to be reasonable regarding how often to follow-up (no sooner than every 2 weeks depending on the situation), and you have to maintain the highest level of professionalism. Start each communication with a greeting, end with a closing and always be sure to express your gratitude for their time. For example, you can end an email with “Thank you for your time and consideration” sincerely, <insert your name>.
Just like Jacob in the hot tub, it is the consistency over time that generates the biggest rewards! Be persistent. Be professional. Don’t give up!
I hope these tips help.
Take care and stay connected
Renee
Renee is the CEO and President of RTConnections, a company that educates, connects and inspires current and future nurses. To connect with Renee, please visit her award winning website, http://rtconnections.com/, where you can access her social media platforms, sign up for her eNews list and find out where she will be speaking next!
