Question about an Assignment

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Specializes in NICU, ED, Forensic Nursing.

So for a Christmas assignment to start off my final semester we are required to write a Resume and Cover Letter, a Philosophy of Nursing, and also our own Advance Directive. If you ask me the last part of this assignment seems like it is just jinxing some bad hoodoo on us students. Lol.

Anyways my question is this. I have three hospitals I want to work at, but for my cover letter (CL) I'm going to start with the nearest one (still 55 mins away. the farthest is 58 mins away haha!) So should I write the CL to the Human Resources Department, or to the Unit manager of the Department I want to work in? Or to someone else entirely? I'm not sure on this part. I think if I can get this part answered I can get the remainder of my assignment complete. I have just updated my resume, and haven't started on the Advanced Directive or the Philosophy.

You would write it to the HR department, but cc: it to whichever nurse manager is in charge of the floor that you are wanting to go to.

You need to advocate for yourself, and I do think that to have a NM see this in hand, you are selling yourself.

I was following you until the advance directive! LOL REALLY?!?!?! Because nursing is going to make you incapacitated and needing someone to make health care decisions for you????? LOLOLOLOLOL!!!! This is awesome!

Good Luck and congrats!!

Specializes in NICU, ED, Forensic Nursing.

I know right. They're crazy! My mom swears it is because I'll have to teach patients and parents about them someday. But I still think it is ridiculous. I'm only 22, and I feel like to do that is to jinx it, I mean we have to go and get them notarized and everything. SMH....

Thank you for your reply. So I need to call and find out who the nurse manager is for my Level 3 NICU's in the area?

Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I believe the adv. directive was placed in there to see what you know about them. Better check to see what the regulations are in your state, if that information is available. But I agree your CL should go to the HR department, who, by the way, will probably never read one. Almost all do applications online anymore. Either your data "fits" their questions or it doesn't.

Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

From an educator perspective, I'd say that the Advance Directive was included to help you think about your own values - what is more important to you, quantity or quality of life? What exactly does Quality of Life mean to you - does it mean that you can still have meaningful interactions with loved ones? Or does it mean that you still have all your physical abilities also? Is intractable pain a reason for ending life? Do you feel that death is the end or is there something after death?

Hey, we educators are sneaky like that. ;)

Specializes in NICU, ED, Forensic Nursing.

HouTx: I wasn't thinking about it that way but thank you for the input, it makes more since now although I still think its a little strange.

Well guys here's my finished product.....

Cover Letter:

Edited for personal reasons

12-13-2012

To Whom It May Concern

Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas

3500 Gaston Avenue,

Dallas, TX, 75246

To Whom It May Concern,

I was pleased to learn of your need for an intern within your Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, as my experiences and career goals are directly in line with this opportunity. My experiences in clinical rotations, volunteering within an Labor and Delivery unit and transitional Newborn Nursery for over four months, and the observations made during these times, I believe have laid an exceptional foundation for the next step of my journey, an internship into the NICU with Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas.

I will graduate with an Associate's Degree of Applied Science in Nursing from Edit Name of School in May of this coming year. I plan to take the NCLEX-RN shortly thereafter.

I have a special interest in Neonatal Intensive Care; I myself was born at 24 weeks, weighing in at simply 1 pound 3 ounces. I know that had it not been for the exceptional reflexes, efficient teamwork, and exemplary care of the NICU Nurses, I would not be where I am today.

During my time in the newborn nursery as a student I was given the opportunity to expand my neonatal assessment skills. During my time as a volunteer patient care technician in the transitional newborn nursery I was able to witness the working relationships of the staff and the efficient way they managed stressful crisis situations that arose. My observations of these stressful times have stayed with me and have only increased my personal desire to work within the NICU.

To your facility, I offer dedication, patience, compassion and eagerness to grow and learn within the realm of professional nursing. I am a quick learner, with excellent clinical and communication skills. I have acquired a strong foundation of pathophysiology of disease and infectious processes. I am a team player and am willing to help co-workers in need. I am motivated and dedicated to the care I provide every individual patient and family.

I would appreciate your serious consideration for an internship into your NICU. I am excited about beginning my ne career path, and request the opportunity to meet with you in person. I can be reached at Blah Blah. Please contact me at a suitable time.

Sincerely,

Edited for personal reasons

Resume:

Edited for Personal Reasons

I am a graduate nurse seeking to expand my clinical workforce experience in the rapidly growing healthcare industry. My goal is to become a Registered Nurse in May, 2013. I feel I have a strong foundation for acceptance into your Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Internship.

* Excellent clinical and communication skills.

* Ability to learn new concepts quickly.

* Knowledge of medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology, and infection control specifics.

* Knowledge of human growth and development throughout the lifespan.

* Strong foundation of Pathophysiology of Disease and Infection.

* Knowledge and experience with IV starts and discontinuations, Phlebotomy, Foley Catheter insertion and discontinuation, and strong abilities in maintaining sterile techniques, and fields.

Education:

Associate's Degree Nursing Program (Level IV), Blah Blah (August, 2011-May, 2013)

Patient Care Technician Course, Blah Blah (January-April, 2010)

Prerequisites for RN Program, Blah Blah, 2008-December, 2009)

High School Diploma, Blah Blah, (May, 2008)

Certifications:

 CNA License # Blah Blah (April, 2010-December, 2013)

 BLS Healthcare Provider (December, 2011- December, 2013)

 ACLS Healthcare Provider (December, 2012 - December, 2014)

 Certified as a Spinal Screener (September, 2011 - September, 2016)

 Certified as Hearing and Vision Screener (September, 2012 - September 2017)

 Attended Breast Health Awareness Training (November, 2012)

Professional Memberships:

o National Student Nurses Association Membership # Blah Blah (October, 2010 - October, 2013)

Work History:

 Blah Blah, CNA/Home Aide, (August, 2011-December, 2011)

 Blah Blah, CNA/Attendant to Blah Blah, (February, 2011-June, 2011)

Volunteer History:

 Blah Blah, Labor and Delivery and Transitional Newborn Care (September, 2010-February, 2011)

 Blah Blah (January, 2009-December, 2009)

References:

 Blah Blah

 Blah Blah

 Blah Blah

I know right. They're crazy! My mom swears it is because I'll have to teach patients and parents about them someday. But I still think it is ridiculous. I'm only 22, and I feel like to do that is to jinx it, I mean we have to go and get them notarized and everything. SMH....

Thank you for your reply. So I need to call and find out who the nurse manager is for my Level 3 NICU's in the area?

Yes, you should. And because NICU is a specialty, you should make an appointment with the manager expressing your interest, and what you need to do to get to your goal. It may be some other experience for a length of time prior to NICU. And if you have to do a year of Med Surg or Peds or something of that nature, use that time to get certified in NALS and in whatever else will help you get to your goal. Good luck!

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