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I Would Like to Apply for a Job in Staff Development Where I'm Employed, but Wonder if It's Okay to Speak With Nurses Who Work There?

Nurse taking notes on a clipboard

Question:

Dear Donna,

I have been working at a hospital for 12 years. I am enrolled in an MSN program and am due to graduate in May. I would like to apply for a job in staff development. I?m not sure whether to talk to the nurses who work in that department, or if I would even qualify. What do you think?

Wants to Work In Staff Development

Dear Donna replies:

Dear Wants to Work In Staff Development,

Now is the perfect time to start gearing up for making that transition once you complete your degree.

Depending on the relationship you have with your immediate supervisor, let him know your future plans. I presume your supervisor knows you are pursuing your MSN so let that person know you aspire to someday work in staff development. Also let your supervisor know that (on your own time) you plan to talk to the nurses who work in staff development just to get information for future planning. This also is something good to bring up on an annual performance review or whenever you have the chance to make an appointment to chat about it. Additionally, express your interest in doing department in-service, being a preceptor or anything where you can get relevant experience

Then speak to the staff development manager and as many of the staff members in that department as possible. Do an informational interview with them and let them know of your future aspirations. To learn how to get conduct an informational interview, read this column: (www.Nurse.com/Cardillo/Interviewing). Make yourself available to work on projects with them as needed, on a voluntary basis or on your days off from your regular job.

To further boost your teaching and training experience, consider seeking part-time paid or volunteer opportunities for the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Volunteer work can be a great training ground.

Some other ideas include reviewing the website of the Association for Nursing Professional Development (www.anpd.org) and attending local chapter meetings as a guest for now to start making contacts. Remember, when there?s something you want to do, it makes sense to rub elbows with those already doing it

Best wishes,
Donna