stumped on strength/weakness questions

llg, PhD, RN · Nov 27, 2004

Not knowing your strengths and weaknesses, it is impossible for me to say what you should list. However, I think you have already hit on the key point. Be sure that the weaknesses you list can be easily remedied by some actions you are willing and able to take. Better yet, list your weaknesses so that they sound like strengths that you would like to to use a little more. I'm told I am rather good at that.

You need to state those weaknesses in such a way that you don't look toooooo bad. For example, say that you want to do something ALL of the time instead of just MOST of the time ... or say that your goal is to share your expertise with the rest of the staff -- instead of just using it on a daily basis yourself. The key is to not to state your suggestion for improvement as a weakness, but rather as a strength that you could make better use of.

Good luck. Let us know what you decide.

ddd

cannoli · Nov 27, 2004

Which certain areas can't you use?

That would help to narrow it down a little, then maybe we can offer some suggestions that you can use.

Agnus · Nov 28, 2004

Which certain areas can't you use?
cannoli,
That would help to narrow it down a little, then maybe we can offer some suggestions that you can use.

things related to "essential" nursing functions such as competencies and basic standsards of job performance like attendence, appearance general things like that.

dddd

sounds like some helpful tips. The way the question is worded is To increase effecivenes, he/she needs to start or stop the following (list at least 3)

He/she can maximize current strentghs by focusing on and continuing to (list at least 3)

All I can think of is l"eave home by 0515. To maximize my comfort level."

(Here is my rational for that one. I can not control what time I arrive at work but I can control when I leave for work. Leaving earlier like I used to insures a stress free comute and start to the day. My shift start at 0645 and under the best of conditions I have a 1 hour commute. It is a 50 mile drive and a lot can and sometimes does happen between the time I leave and the time I arrive. Weather, accidents, traffic tie ups, construction, rock slides, fires etc.

Mulan · Nov 28, 2004

things related to "essential" nursing functions such as competencies and basic standsards of job performance like attendence, appearance general things like that.
dddd
sounds like some helpful tips. The way the question is worded is To increase effecivenes, he/she needs to start or stop the following (list at least 3)
He/she can maximize current strentghs by focusing on and continuing to (list at least 3)
All I can think of is l"eave home by 0515. To maximize my comfort level."
(Here is my rational for that one. I can not control what time I arrive at work but I can control when I leave for work. Leaving earlier like I used to insures a stress free comute and start to the day. My shift start at 0645 and under the best of conditions I have a 1 hour commute. It is a 50 mile drive and a lot can and sometimes does happen between the time I leave and the time I arrive. Weather, accidents, traffic tie ups, construction, rock slides, fires etc.

How about, to increase effectiveness needs to stop being so conscientious and be willing to leave things for oncoming shift thereby decreasing incidental overtime

to increase effectiveness needs to stop being such a perfectionist for same reason

needs to start being more concise in charting for same reason

Strengths. Organization? Teamwork? Continuing Ed?

2ndCareerRN · Nov 28, 2004

Another trick is to make your weaknesses sound like strengths.

For example, a weakness of mine is to strive for perfection in my job myself, but by attempting to ensure others I work with try for the same goal I come off as arrogant, or pushy. While I can strive for perfection in my job I probably shouldn't ask or asume others would also try it. By doing my job to the absoloute best I can, and not trying to influence other's work I am seen as more of a team player.

Now, you have taken a percieved weakness and turned it into a strength that management likes to see.

bob

11:11 · Nov 28, 2004

Another trick is to make your weaknesses sound like strengths.

I like this...

One thing Ive learned in evals is when listing so called "weaknesses" or "goals" for the next year nursing management likes to see measurable outcomes.

That could be classes, CEU etc so be careful how you phrase things or which "weaknesses" you pic.

On a personal level I know my weaknesses and what I'd like to do to improve them and dont want managements help.

11

rjflyn, ASN, RN · Nov 28, 2004

It is annual review time. I have a form I need to fill out before my review.
List 3 strengths
List 3 things needed to increase effectiveness
I must admit I am stumped.
I have to be careful how I fill this out because if I list areas for improvement which address certain areas I automatically do not qualify for a raise and have to go through a type of "rehab"

You could turn this back on them- ie better nurse to staff ratio's , more assistive personel. 3 12 hrs shifts as opposed to 5 8's. Especially if its how they worded the question.

Rj

Mulan · Nov 28, 2004

You could turn this back on them- ie better nurse to staff ratio's , more assistive personel. 3 12 hrs shifts as opposed to 5 8's. Especially if its how they worded the question.
Rj

I like that!