Managers/leaders...a question for you re: applicants for clinical leadership position

JJGRN · Oct 29, 2009

I am applying for a clinical leader position on the unit I've worked on for quite a few years now. I meet the qualifications and feel good about applying, just looking for ways to make myself look more attractive to the manager. I am certified in my specialty and am also a clinical instructor for a local college. I was thinking of joining the ANA to continue to show my dedication to the practice of nursing, but don't want it to look "forced", if you know what I mean. Basically, I would like to know if you would frown on this practice, looking "cheesy" since I'm joining at the same time as I'm applying.....thanks for any input, I sincerely appreciate it! (also, I'll take ANY advice on what you like to see in applicants on both their resume and the interview process, good and bad things!!)
-J

I don't think the ANA membership would enhance your resume that much IMHO, but one thing I would look for is if you've accepted leadership roles in your current position. Are you involved in any councils/committees? Are you a positive role model on your unit? I would be looking for how you are using your leadership abilities when on the unit either running charge, precepting, or getting involved in unit improvement activities. :twocents:

schroeders_piano, RN · Oct 29, 2009

Having been a nurse manager and a director, joining the ANA would have done nothing to boost your application with me. Mainly because I think ANA is a worthless organization. I would have looked more kindly upon applications where people joined the nursing organization for their specialty area such as ENA(Emergency Nurses Association) and were active members of that organization.

llg, PhD, RN · Oct 29, 2009

It depends on what the people filling the position value. If they are very active in the state nurses' association, then the membership might help. If not, then it is probably not all that important.

Applicants for all types of jobs should do their homework and find out what the people doing the hiring value. It's their opinions that count -- not ours.

But as a general rule, membership in appropriate professional organizations is considered a good thing. Anyone who wants to be seen as a leader should probably belong to at least one or two.