Changing Students' idea of a 9-5
When students are getting ready to graduate I have them all fill out forms, these forms help us understand what the students are looking for in a job. Such as, how far they are willing to travel to find a job, what days and hours, the different shifts, etc. Most of them are putting 9am-5pm Monday-Fridays. I work at a nursing college, nursing jobs are not a typical '9-5', and trying to get them to realize this, it is a fight in itself sometimes, they get upset because they have kids, lives, etc. They usually just say that they will still want us to help them locate these 'dream' job schedules.
I know that happens . I try to take advantage any time. We do an introductory meeting with new students and that is the very first opportunity to set up their minds on what to expect on their new careers. Try it !
Katie,
Your form sounds great. In getting the information you are helping students get an idea of the job market and where and how they fit in. If students think that nursing is a 9 to 5 job, perhaps something is missing in your courses. It is important to help students understand what is required of them at the workplace. This should actually happen at admissions interview. Students who must live a 9 - 5 life because of family and other responsibilities will probably not succeed in nursing where nights and weekends are often the norm. Perhaps more working grads are needed to visit and talk about life on the job. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
