Question 1

When preparing a portfolio, the nurse should include: (select all that apply)
A) copies of diplomas awarded by colleges/universities.
B) copies of college transcripts.
C) a personal photograph, if not included with the application.
D) letters of recognition for scoring high on national achievement tests while in nursing school.
E) a copy of the voter's registration card.

Accepted Answer

Traditional documents, such as copies of diplomas, college transcripts, and recognition letters, are included in the portfolio.

Question 2

A new graduate nurse is preparing for an interview for her first position and knows that: (select all that apply)
A) the primary goal for the first job is to complete orientation and should be considered as an extension of nursing school.
B) appointments for interviews should be scheduled immediately after graduation to avoid rushing into a position.
C) self-confidence can be improved with self-talk, which reminds the graduate that peers from her school are effective practitioners.
D) work history of even nonmedical positions can demonstrate commitment and reliability so letters from these employers should be in portfolio.
E) it is best to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled interview dressed for success.

Accepted Answer

Internal dialogue establishes a means for the graduate to recall achievements that will lead to success in the first nursing position. Jobs such as cashier at a convenience store or dog-sitting can demonstrate responsibility such as handing cash or arriving on time. Arriving too early may cause the recruiter to feel rushed and arriving too late may demonstrate lack of time management and professionalism.

Question 3

According to the Hallmarks of the Professional Nursing Environment, a nurse should ask a potential employer:
A) how salaries compare with those of larger facilities.
B) what benefits are provided to RNs that are not available to other health care providers.
C) what role nurses have in determining the quality of care.
D) how the employer plans to provide long-term economic security to RNs.

Accepted Answer

The hallmark that suggests the role nurses have in determining the quality of care is noted in the philosophy of clinical care.

Question 4

When should a follow-up letter be written to a recruiter?
A) Before the interview to thank him or her for granting you the interview
B) Approximately 2 weeks after you did not get the job to inquire
C) A few days after the interview
D) When you are sure you got the position

Accepted Answer

A follow-up letter thanking the recruiter is a courtesy and a reminder of the nurse's interest in receiving a timely response.

Question 5

A potential applicant reviews the application process and learns that preemployment physicals often include:
A) cholesterol screening.
B) pregnancy testing.
C) urine drug screening.
D) vision and hearing tests.

Accepted Answer

A preemployment physical examination is often required, and this includes routine blood tests, urine drug screening, and sometimes a chest radiograph.

Question 6

Cover letters:
A) should signify an interest in the employer and let the employer know that you took time to research the organization.
B) must be handwritten so the employer can determine whether charting will be legible.
C) should be limited to one paragraph because time is of the essence.
D) let the employer know your desired salary, shift, and area of practice.

Accepted Answer

The purpose of the cover letter is to show the recruiter that the applicant has an interest in the facility and that he or she did homework to learn more about the facility.

Question 7

Which message would be appropriate to leave on answering systems?
A) "You have reached 910-999-1212. Please leave your name and number and I look forward to returning your call as soon as possible."
B) Music that has messages that might be offensive to some callers downloaded as the response when applicant is unavailable.
C) "Hi, I'm not here. Sorry you missed me. Call again."
D) "I am interviewing for positions, hope to be home soon. If you are calling about an interview, please leave your name, number, and possible positions available."

Accepted Answer

A professional or appropriate message that lets the person know they have reached the correct number and that you will return the call as soon as available.

Question 8

When the job applicant is asked to identify weaknesses, one appropriate reply for the novice nurse might be:
A) "I have no weaknesses."
B) "Are you trying to set me up?"
C) "Delegating to peers."
D) "Caring requires weakness."

Accepted Answer

It is best to be honest about weaknesses the applicant may have. The employer does not expect the graduate nurse to have only strengths. All nurses can improve in their profession.

Question 9

When preparing the education section of a resume:
A) list high school, followed by the first college attended.
B) include all colleges attended, even if a degree was not awarded.
C) omit the address of the university unless requested by the potential employer.
D) list in reverse chronologic order the names, dates, and addresses of universities that awarded degrees.

Accepted Answer

Details about education should include degrees and diplomas awarded, names and locations of schools awarding them, and graduation dates, starting with the most recent graduation and degree.

Question 10

A new graduate arrives for the first interview feeling prepared and excited about beginning a nursing career but quickly becomes concerned when the recruiter asks which illegal question?
A) "Have you been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation?"
B) "We are very interested in hiring you but you do understand the position is contingent on the results of the preemployment physical and background check?"
C) "What do you consider to be your major weaknesses for this particular position?"
D) "Because you are applying for a position in the operating room, you must be able to be on call. How many children do you have responsibility for at home?"

Accepted Answer

It is illegal for the recruiter or interviewer to ask number of children or dependents prior to making a job offer.

Question 11

A nurse who is applying for a position contacts an expert on writing résumé and cover letters and is told:
A) to use correction fluid sparingly.
B) that when an error is made, a single line should be used to cross through the mistake, and initials should be inserted above the error.
C) to limit margins to one half inch so that the page appears full of information.
D) to be concise, limit the resume to a single page.

Accepted Answer

A resume is an effective, compressed one-page summary of the nurse's education and employment history.

Question 12

A new graduate secures the first interview and wants to work where cultural diversity is appreciated. The applicant feels that accepting this interview was the right choice when the recruiter states, "We do not discriminate based on sex, race, or age and practice inclusiveness of diversity." Which question would reflect this statement?
A) "Nurses must work a master schedule where one month is Monday through Friday and the next month is the weekend shift. What is your religious belief about working on Sunday?"
B) "We offer many benefits for employees such as educational benefits and health insurance."
C) "Our mission is to provide patient-centered care that reflects the belief of the patient and family with an aim to win them over to Western medicine and less superstition, don't you agree?"
D) "Do you have any issues with working with patients who are from a disadvantaged background because we have many people who refuse to work then want free care?"

Accepted Answer

Sharing information about employee benefits is not asking about discriminatory issues-it just informs the applicants of availability.

Question 13

A valuable tool for determining whether a potential employer is suitable for your career goals is to:
A) call The Joint Commission (TJC) to ask whether the organization meets required standards.
B) assess the work climate by walking through the facility.
C) review financial statements of the institution.
D) ask what they can do for you rather than what you can do for them.

Accepted Answer

By observing the staff when taking a tour of the unit, the applicant can get an accurate feel for the culture and personality of the nursing unit. The applicant can assess the manager's interactions with staff and can see how nurses respond to each challenge.

Question 14

The appropriate procedure for addressing a cover letter when the applicant is unsure of the name and title of the person to whom the letter should be addressed is to:
A) address the letter to "To Whom It May Concern."
B) address the letter to "Nurse Recruiter."
C) call the facility to inquire about the name and title of the person.
D) leave the salutation blank if the name and the title are unknown.

Accepted Answer

The letter should be addressed to a specific person. If the person's name or title is unknown, refer to a marketing brochure, or call the recruitment office and ask for the correct title and spelling of the person's name.

Question 15

A graduate nurse should begin the job search knowing that:
A) few jobs are available for RNs because of a failing health care economy.
B) it would be more promising to apply to a rural hospital than to an urban hospital.
C) although efforts have been made to reduce expenditures for health care, the need for RNs remains stable.
D) the demand for nurses to work in acute care hospitals has decreased because most services are being shifted to outpatient and ambulatory settings.

Accepted Answer

The nursing shortage has caused institutions to find unique ways to lure nursing graduates to their place of employment. These include sign-on bonuses, expense-paid weekend visits to the facility, tuition reimbursement, and low-interest loans. Although health care costs are a concern, attracting nurses is currently a priority, with little worry about associated costs.

Question 16

A nurse entering the job market wants to be certain that the first position is rewarding and allows for growth as a registered nurse. According to the Hallmarks of the Professional Nursing Environment, the nurse should ask:
A) about the philosophy related to clinical care to determine the role of RNs in deciding outcomes related quality outcomes.
B) if professional development opportunities are supported through paid leave and tuition reimbursement.
C) how compensation packages compare to others in the same area and nationally.
D) what the projected need for RNs is in the next 5 years and current turnover rate.

Accepted Answer

The hallmark that suggests the role nurses have in determining the quality of care is noted in the philosophy of clinical care.

Question 17

While performing a job search, a nurse reviews the list of Magnet hospitals of the American Nurses Credentialing Center because:
A) these hospitals are able to hold on to revenue gained from patient care.
B) nursing longevity, autonomy, and self-governance are important features of these institutions.
C) all RNs have a minimum of a master's degree and are credentialed in the area in which they provide care.
D) these hospitals have the most up-to-date diagnostic equipment such as magnetic resonance imagery.

Accepted Answer

Magnet hospitals demonstrate excellence in areas such as low RN turnover rates, adherence to standards of nursing care as defined by the American Nurses Association, and mechanisms in place for staff participation in decision making.

Question 18

A nurse interested in an entry level position as a registered nurse prepares the cover letter. A correctly written cover letter might include:
A) "I am interested in a position where community outreach is valued as noted in your organization's mission statement."
B) "I am highly educated and have several degrees including an Associate Degree in accounting, a certification in word processing, a Bachelor's degree in journalism, and a Bachelor's degree in nursing."
C) "I am looking for a position that will allow me to develop my skills and still have a balanced home and work life."
D) "I am married, a Christian, a single parent, and due to the downturn in the economy will be willing to work any shift or nursing unit."

Accepted Answer

Letting the potential employer know you have researched the organization shows a sincere interest.

Question 19

To determine basic competency, the interview for a nursing position may include a test in:
A) pathophysiology.
B) correctly writing nursing diagnoses.
C) pharmacology.
D) computer skills.

Accepted Answer

Preemployment pharmacology testing is common. Institutions often give a quiz to assess basic knowledge of routinely administered medications, their purposes, and associated adverse effects.

Question 20

Many nursing professionals have portfolios that include:
A) family pictures.
B) letters of commendation.
C) articles that describe lack of quality in health care.
D) high school achievements.

Accepted Answer

A portfolio includes letters from supervisors and patients, congratulatory messages from peers, and evaluations documented by supervisors.

Quiz 27: Job Search: Finding Your Match

When preparing a portfolio, the nurse should include: (select all that apply)

A new graduate nurse is preparing for an interview for her first position and knows that: (select all that apply)

According to the Hallmarks of the Professional Nursing Environment, a nurse should ask a potential employer:

When should a follow-up letter be written to a recruiter?

A potential applicant reviews the application process and learns that preemployment physicals often include:

Cover letters:

Which message would be appropriate to leave on answering systems?

When the job applicant is asked to identify weaknesses, one appropriate reply for the novice nurse might be:

When preparing the education section of a resume:

A new graduate arrives for the first interview feeling prepared and excited about beginning a nursing career but quickly becomes concerned when the recruiter asks which illegal question?

A nurse who is applying for a position contacts an expert on writing résumé and cover letters and is told:

A valuable tool for determining whether a potential employer is suitable for your career goals is to:

The appropriate procedure for addressing a cover letter when the applicant is unsure of the name and title of the person to whom the letter should be addressed is to:

A graduate nurse should begin the job search knowing that:

A nurse entering the job market wants to be certain that the first position is rewarding and allows for growth as a registered nurse. According to the Hallmarks of the Professional Nursing Environment, the nurse should ask:

While performing a job search, a nurse reviews the list of Magnet hospitals of the American Nurses Credentialing Center because:

A nurse interested in an entry level position as a registered nurse prepares the cover letter. A correctly written cover letter might include:

To determine basic competency, the interview for a nursing position may include a test in:

Many nursing professionals have portfolios that include: