4 ways the nursing profession is changing

4 ways the nursing profession is changingNursing is one of the most solid career options out there right nowdemand is steady, and there will always be evergreen elements of the career, like direct patient care. But how nurses provide that care is changing with the times, as qualified medical professionals are in ever-higher demand. Here are some recent trends in nursing that show how the career is evolving. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1472832388529-0) ) Nurses as primary care professionalsRight now theres a significant shortage of primary care physiciansand with an ever-growing pool of patients, that means nurses are often stepping into that void to help make sure patients are receiving the care they need. Nurse practitioners are the professionals who have more leeway in prescribing medicine and fulfilling duties that are normally handled by physicians or physician assistants.If the prospect of stepping into this role interest you, youre in luckthe dem and for nurse practitioners is expected to grow by 19% by 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Nurses in outpatient facilitiesWith hospitals under pressure to get patients back out the door and more and more healthcare system demands from an aging Baby Boomer population, outpatient clinics and offices are handling more and more of the healthcare load. And this increased demand means more job opportunities for nurses as well. Jobs that take nurses out of the traditional hospital or physicians office setting are on the rise and offer options for nurses looking to practice in different types of facilities.Nurses and new technologyIn virtually every field, technology is revolutionizing the way we do our jobs, and nursing is no exception. Electronic health records (EHR) systems have become the norm, making updated patient data accessible instantly. And non-invasive diagnostic tools have started taking hold as well, changing how nurses interact with patients. Nurses need to be tech-savvy, from the latest medical technology to mobile phone apps that can help them organize their schedules and coordinate patient care.Technology is also becoming a major factor in the nursing classroom, with nurses learning how to perform complex tasks or handle high-pressure situations through using simulators. These tools let nurses get a sense of what face-to-face patient care is like, even before a nurse starts seeing actual patients.Nurses and diversityFor a long time, the stereotypical nurse was female, but the field is growing and changing, with more male nurses than ever stepping into scrubs. According to a study done by the U.S. Census Bureau, in 1970, only 2.7 percent of registered nurses were men. In 2011, this number increased to 9.6 percent. In addition, areas of nursing with huge gender disparities, like neonatal nursing, are increasingly seeing more men entering the field. Diversity in general is growing for nurses, making it a career choice for people fr om all different backgrounds.If youre thinking about entering the nursing field, youre doing it at a very exciting timewith a lot of change on the horizon. The more willing you are to embrace these new trends, the better suited youll be for your career in healthcare.

Employment Gaps And Job-Hopping On Your Resume

Employment Gaps And Job-Hopping On Your Resume Resume dilemma Employment gaps and job-hoppingResume Dilemma Employment Gaps and Job-Hopping In todays economy, you need to carefully present your experience to avoid being seen as unstable. Start by evaluating your situation and determining how bad it really is. If you are panicking about two months of unemployment back in 2008, your job search will probably bedrngnis be affected. However, if you are dealing with recent periods of unemployment extending for months or even years, you will need to start strategizing.If youre concerned about employment gapsThink about other activities you can use to fill that time period. You might have experience relevant to your job target, regardless of whether you were paid. Volunteer activities, community involvement, special projects, consulting engagements and continuing education can be used in the Experience section.Short gaps might not be apparent if you eliminate months from your t raditional resume. Use the career summaryto highlight your top qualifications. This will draw attention to your selling points and downplay your work chronology.If youre returning to the workforce after an extended absence, show how youve kept up-to-date with changes in your industry.If youve been out of work because you raised a family, continued your education, cared for a sick family member or retiteled from an injury, be koranvers your tone is not apologetic. Theres nothing wrong with being out of work for whatever reason, and a negative attitude might affect your resumes quality.If youre concerned about job-hoppingSome fields are prone to short periods of employment, and job-hopping might not be a concern. For many other occupations, there is less of a stigma regarding job-hopping than in the past.The best way to handle job-hopping on your resume depends on your specific job titles and companies. You may be able to lump two or more similar positions under one heading (for examp le, Sales Representative, ABC Company and DEF Company, 2/07-4/09). You can list your combined work experiences highlights. Independent contractors and temporary workers should consider grouping their experience under one time period (such as IT Consultant/Network Specialist, 4/05-present) with project highlights.You dont need to include every job youve ever held. Short-term positions that dont do anything for you can certainly be omitted. Keep in mind A resume is a marketing piece, but you will need to provide a complete work history if you are asked to fill out a job application, which is a signed legal document.Employers might be leery of hiring candidates with a history of job-hopping due to recruiting and training expenses. Use your cover letter to explain your work history and put a positive spin on your circumstances. Also, indicate your interest in a long-term position.What about a functional resume?Many hiring professionals say they prefer chronological resumes to functional resumes. They are often suspicious of functional resumes, which are usually used to hide something. Select a functional format only if you have an extremely poor work background with extended gaps or a terrible history of job-hopping.Some job seekers try to hide their spotty work histories by submitting a resume cover letter in lieu of a resume. This type of letter covers the key points of a resume in narrative format, but skips over any sketchy parts of the work history. This approach is normally not recommended, because ultimately employers will be looking for the resume.Accentuate the positiveTheres nothing you can do to change your work experience, so the best strategy is to develop a forward-looking resume that shows the value you offer potential employers. If you are sticking with a chronological resume format, lead with a Qualifications Summary, a narrative profile summing up your key qualifications for the position. This will draw attention to your strengths.Layoffs and dow nsizing Quick tips to improve your resumeUpdate your resume right away and be sure to showcase your recent achievements no matter how you may feel about your employer.Ask your former employer or colleagues to supply you with written reference letters. Consider including a positive quote from a reference letter in the Qualifications Summary or Experience section.Read as many job openings as possible to evaluate the skills and experience employers find desirable. Incorporate your matching credentials into your resume.Dont misrepresent your employment status by indicating to present on your resume.Dont write the reason for leaving on your resume, but do use the cover letter to explain your circumstances.Get a free reviewGaps in your work history shouldnt dissuade you from applying to any and all jobs that youre qualified for. But its completely understandable if youre still worried about how work gaps on your resume willcome across to a potential hiring manager. Not sure your resume is as strong as it should be, given the circumstances?Get a free resume evaluation today from the experts atMonsters Resume Writing Service. Youll get detailed feedback in two business days, including a review ofyour resumes appearance and content, and a prediction of a recruiters first impression. Theyll mind the gaps and help you stand tall.