1’ I ) I ‘I’ 0 K I A I,

Seven Strategies for Yourself

Reto oling

ealth care is reorganizing. Institutions that pro- vide health care are restructuring, reengineering,

and reinventing themselves. Nurses are asked to be resil- ient while simultaneously retooling themselves. But just how are you supposed to do that?

The first strategy is to abandon concern over job se- curity and take charge of your own career. Instead of fo- cusing on employment, focus on employability (Water- man, Waterman, & Collard, 1994) . This means continued learning to enhance the skills you have that will make you more valuable to your current and future employers. You can do this formally through university programs or in- formally by seeking additional opportunities that will al- low you to stretch your capabilities (e.g., charge duties, special projects, and committee assignments). To test your focus on employability, check to see if your resume is any different this year than last. If you have added new skills or completed new projects that you can put on your resume, you’re doing the right thing. If you’ve only added another year to your current position, you need to challenge yourself.

A second, related strategy is not to overstay your wel- come. It’s good to stay in one position long enough to become an expert and be recognized for exceptional per- formance, but you can stay too long. To test whether or not you’ve stayed too long, assess your comfort level. Do you find the work easy? Are you sure you can be success- ful next year in your current position? If so, you are not getting better-just older. You need to seek opportuni- ties that will build on your experience and increase your skills, thereby enhancing your options for future employ- ment.

The third strategy is to seek positions that will help you achieve your long-term goals. Be willing to assume a position with less status, responsibility, and if necessary, less pay, in a different kind of organization. If you are a nursing director in a small hospital, be willing to take a nurse manager’s position in a larger institution where you would like to grow and develop. If you hold a line posi- tion in a hospital and have become complacent, taking a staff position in home care may be a stimulating and skill- enhancing move. To test whether or not you have goals and future options, ask yourself what you see as your next career move. If all you can see is filling your boss’s shoes, then you have myopia. Don’t concern yourself with ti- tles-concern yourself with learning.

The fourth strategy is to be a “low maintenance worker.” You can have exquisite degrees and demon- strated skills, but if you require constant nurturing and special attention, you will be more trouble than you are worth. So watch your attitude. Value your personal worth and have confidence in your ability. To test whether you are a low maintenance worker, ask yourself how many times you have discussed what “they” are doing to “us.” High maintenance workers talk about “them” and “us,” need constant care and feeding, and have little tolerance for others’ mistakes. Low maintenance workers support the struggles of their coworkers and the higher-ups to find solutions to problems. Be a team player.

The fifth strategy is to be inclusive, that is, share in- formation and power with others. Compliment and en- courage others so that their self-worth is enhanced and they feel empowered. To test whether or not you have an inclusive style, note how long it has been since you gave public credit to someone else. If it’s been a while, then begin to cheer on the other members of your work group.

The sixth strategy is to never expect something for nothing. Acquire the appropriate credentials for the posi- tion you seek. Make yourself and your career goals known to influential individuals within and outside your organi- zation. Seek mentors who can provide counsel and guide your career, and then listen to them. Attend professional meetings, those of AWHONN and others, to network- even if you have to invest in such activities yourself. To test whether or not you expect something for nothing, ask what you are willing to give up to remain employable. If the answer is that you are not in a position to sacrifice, you fail the test of being a self-reliant worker ready to reinvent herself to keep pace with change (Waterman, Waterman, & Collard, 1994).

The seventh strategy, of course, is to maintain a sense of optimism and good humor. When facing change, see the opportunities and overlook the losses. When entering competition, find challenge and eschew bitterness. When working in health care, stay tuned up and avoid being turned out. Karen B. Haller, RN, PhD Editor

Reference Waterman, R . H., Waterman, J. A,, & Collard, B. A. (1994, July-

August). Toward a career-resilient workforce. Haward Business Review, pp. 87-95.

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