7 common physiotherapy interview questions
Job interviews are a chance to confidently show prospective employers why they should hire you, so it is important to go prepared. Here are a few questions that commonly crop up, along with our tips for dealing with them effectively:1. Why did you become a physiotherapist?This is a real favourite with interviewers. Try to avoid generalisations. It's fine to say something like 'Because I have a passion for helping people'. However, you should support this statement with specific examples which show how you have made a real difference to people's lives.2. Why do you think you're good at your job?You need to strike the right balance here. You shouldn't undersell yourself, but equally you don't want to come across as over-confident. Key attributes include strong communication and time management skills, good health and physical fitness, empathy, tolerance and patience. Refer to one or two examples from your work experience where these skills were particularly relevant.3. How do you manage your time effectively?Good time management as a physiotherapist is not just about being super-organised. It's also about using the available time productively and not over-stretching yourself, which means setting realistic and achievable goals. Key things to mention are forward-planning, time allocation and reviewing how you have performed to aid future development.4. How do you go about devising a treatment plan?This is a very important part of any allied health role. Person-centred care is at the heart of the NHS strategy, so you should show how you make sure each treatment plan is tailored to the patient's needs. Talk about questioning and assessing the patient, taking into account their overall health and lifestyle. Also mention how important it is to review their progress and make any necessary adjustments to the plan.5. Are you familiar with the NHS Employers Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF)?The KSF is commonly used as a benchmark in staff appraisals, so you should make sure you understand it and what it means for you in your job as a physiotherapist. The new simplified KSF can be adapted by NHS trusts to meet local needs, so try to find out how your prospective employer uses it in physiotherapy roles. Find out more about the KSF here.6. How do you stay informed about new techniques and technology?This is an opportunity to show you are committed to continuing professional development (CPD). You should talk about any courses you have taken or are taking, and how you stay up-to-date with physiotherapy news and views, this could be through professional forums and networking sites.7. What's the role of a physiotherapist in a multi-disciplinary team (MDT)?Obviously, your professional expertise is important. However, this is also about showing you're a real team player and can work effectively with doctors, nurses and other allied health professionals. Give one or two examples of collaborative working, showing you understand the dynamics of the MDT approach and the various roles that all participants play in providing joined-up care.If you have any queries regarding your interview, get in touch with your Sanctuary consultant or to find your next physiotherapy role, view our latest jobs.
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7 common OT interview questions
Although you can never be totally sure what will come up at your occupational therapy job interview, it's still really important to prepare. We have pulled a list of frequently asked questions together and have shared some tips on how to respond to these.1. What motivates you as an occupational therapist?This is not about you and your career goals. It's about showing that occupational therapy is a vocation for you. For example, you may get job satisfaction from making a real difference to another person's life, and perhaps the lives of their family members. You can even draw on a recent example of where you feel you made a real difference, although try to keep the example short for this question.2. Tell me about a time when you felt most proud as an occupational therapist...Try to avoid generalising; it's not enough to say that you feel proud whenever you helped someone have a better quality of life. Give a specific example, perhaps talk about a particularly challenging situation which required all your skills and extra effort to achieve a successful outcome. If you can show creativity yet due diligence in your approach, even better.3. Describe two key skills required by an occupational therapist...Make sure you talk about the 'why' as well as the 'what'. If you choose 'excellent communication skills', explain why. For example, you could say 'you need excellent communication skills to engage effectively with patients and their families, as well as with colleagues'... And remember, being a good listener is just as important as being able to convey information clearly to others.4. What's the worst thing about being an occupational therapist?This is a tricky question. You need to show that you're realistic without sounding negative. If you acknowledge the negative, say how you avoid it being an issue. For example, you could say, "it can be a challenge to find the exact assisted support for an individual in the current financial climate where resources are harder to come across. I have to think outside the box and come up with a solution where the patient still receive the support they need”. Here, you might wish to talk about how you have built solid relationships with other professionals and departments to help assist you in taking this approach.5. How would you deal with a patient who is being confrontational or aggressive?This is a common interview question for many healthcare professionals, but is particularly relevant for occupational therapists. You'll need to show that you're patient and understanding, but also firm and in control. Think about ways you can make the patient feel reassured and relaxed, such as chatting with them about non-health-related matters or putting on some background music. Try to give a specific example from your work experience.6. How do you stay informed about new techniques and technology?Make sure you're properly prepared for this one with chapter and verse. For example, don't just say, 'I use the Internet." Be ready to quote specific resources, such as professional forums and networking sites.7. What's the role of an occupational therapist in a multi-disciplinary team?Don't just reiterate your core skills. Think about how you can use these in context, cooperating effectively with doctors, nurses, other allied health professionals and social care staff to provide joined-up care. To discuss any queries you may have ahead of your interview, get in touch with your Sanctuary consultant.
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Working in a permanent role
With healthcare professionals being in such high demand, as a candidate, you are perfectly placed to make your choice between being a locum or opting for a permanent position.Working as a locum will give you more freedom to work in completely different environments at your choosing, but if you don’t crave the independence and prefer to work somewhere permanently, what do you need to do and how can a resourcing agency benefit you?Firstly, let’s look at the plus points of a permanent role:Guaranteed hoursIn a permanent healthcare position, you'll be contracted to work a minimum number of hours each week. It's not just about having job security and peace of mind. It also makes getting a mortgage or loan more straightforward. A sense of belongingYou'll feel part of a team in a familiar environment. You won't be regularly facing the challenge of getting to know new people, systems, processes and protocols. CPDContinuing Professional Development (CPD) is important for your career and necessary for revalidation. As a permanent member of the team, you're more likely to have access to CPD training and advancement opportunities funded by your employer. Career progressionAs a permanent employee, you'll be well placed to apply for internal nursing job opportunities and progress your career in a familiar organisation and setting.All these plus points are possible to replicate within locum work, it’s just different.What should you look for from an agency?With frontline healthcare roles in such high demand, it’s not difficult to identify permanent job opportunities online. But these can sometimes be old vacancies and you must fill out application after application; it takes time, and lots of it! Registering with a reputable health and social care recruitment agency makes light work of the application process. With Sanctuary Health, for instance, you simply register, upload your CV and a dedicated healthcare resourcing consultant specialising in placing permanent candidates will find you suitable opportunities. What’s more, they’ll only ever present you with permanent roles that are an exact fit and handle the entire onboarding process so that all you need to do is prepare for interview.
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Enjoy the flexibility of a contract healthcare job
Anyone who has chosen a career in healthcare, will have many of the same aspirations and duty of care. But it can be hugely rewarding and demanding in equal measure. For many of our candidates, working as a locum provides just the right balance between meeting your career aspirations and having a healthy work-life balance.Plenty of scopeIn most practice areas, there are plenty of well-paid locum opportunities for suitably qualified and registered healthcare professionals.With demand being so high, it is a great time to consider becoming a locum healthcare professional. If you are thinking of making the move, you’ll want to know more about how the process works and what your options are.Getting startedMaking the decision to go locum is the hardest part. The rest involves following a few basic procedures to make sure you are employable as a locum.Firstly, you need to make sure your finances are in order. You’ll need to register with HMRC to inform them that you will be reporting your income directly to them. Many choose to work as a limited company.Creating a limited company is a straightforward process and usually takes no longer than an hour online . You simply contact Companies House to let them know your intentions and provide some basic information to register. You will be responsible for keeping existing records up-to-date and filling the relevant documentation.You might also decide to work through an umbrella company or agency, who take care of the vast majority of administration for you. Usually you complete timesheets and they will invoice the end-client (employer) on your behalf and make the necessary deductions before paying you. In this instance, always look for an organisation that abides by IR35 rules .Finding workIf you’re making the jump from a permanent position to locum work, you’ll want to be sure working for yourself doesn’t jeopardise your job security.There are several things you can proactively do to feel assured from the start. Firstly, and most importantly, register yourself with a recruitment agency that has plenty of roles in your specialist area of healthcare.Look for an agency that is on framework to supply health professionals within your specialised area of practice. You can be confident they adhere to very strict rules to supply to the NHS. It’s also a good indicator that they have the best interests of you and your employer at heart.As a on framework agency ourselves, Sanctuary Health, concentrates on meeting the integrated needs of hundreds of healthcare organisations in the UK.Take a close look at how your chosen agency supports candidates. You are more than a number. An agency that looks after its locum healthcare professionals will find you highly suitable roles, guide you through the interview process and check in on you once in post. They’ll also be proactive in identifying future roles as your contract nears it end. You should never feel out of place.The benefits of working as a locumRates of pay depend on several factors; not least of all your grade, training and experience, but they are usually very attractive compared to permanent employment.Although greater earning potential is a significant pull-factor, there are plenty of other benefits too. If you want to experience working in different departments to broaden your career prospects, contract work is ideal. It also gives you more flexibility. You can choose the contracts that suit you best. This enables you to better balance family and social commitments.You can improve your CV with a more varied work profile. You can choose to work either in the public or private sector. And if you are fairly early on in your career, it’s a great way to test the waters and decide which direction you want to take your career.If you want to explore international opportunities, you can also do this on a contract basis. Some agencies, including Sanctuary Health, place qualified staff in international positions. So, if you want to find out what it is like to work in other English-speaking countries, you can.A long-term optionFor many healthcare professionals who enjoy the flexibility of locum work, they never look back. They choose to continue to work in roles that interest them and keep them motivated. They enjoy the freedom. At Sanctuary Health, for example, we have a he number of candidates entering their double-digit years as locum workers.How Sanctuary Health helpsIf you are thinking about leaving permanent employment to become a locum healthcare professional, we can help take the guess work out of your decision to leave.The first step is always to register with us and a dedicated healthcare consultant working within you specialised discipline will be in contact to talk about your prospects. We always aim to present you with opportunities based on your exact criteria.Interested in finding out how Sanctuary can find you a locum healthcare job? Register today.
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Shift work. What you need to know...
Looking after patients is a 24-hour-a-day job, especially if you work in a hospital or other inpatient setting. So, how do you make the most out of shift work?Type of shift workIn recent years the number of hours worked by doctors and nurses per shift has started to change. Increasingly, NHS employers are implementing longer, 12-shifts, clustered into fewer days during the week. Some professionals prefer this way of working since it can help with having a better work-life balance, but others prefer shorter shifts over more days.You might not have the flexibility to decide the type of shift pattern you wish to do with your current employer, but if you are registered with a healthcare recruitment agency, they’ll be able to find you an employer who will be able to accommodate your preferred working pattern.Deciding a shift patternIt really is up to you as an individual. If you struggle with long days in what is already a demanding job, you might prefer to do five shorter shifts over the week rather than three long days. It will also depend on what additional support you have at home and whether you have children to think about too. If you register with an agency, they’ll walk you through your options.What breaks will I need to take?Rest breaks during your shiftWe know working shifts is highly demanding, but it’s important you take a break. If your daily working time is more than six hours, you are entitled to take a 20-minute uninterrupted break.Daily rest breaksYou are entitled to a rest period of at least 11 hours in any given 24-hour working period, which can be taken over two days. If this is not possible, which due to the nature of healthcare work, does happen, “equivalent compensatory periods of rest” must be put in place.With 12-hour shifts becoming increasingly popular, you must be aware that there should be a break of 11 consecutive hours between each 12-hour shift. This is to protect both you and your patients. RCN offers specific guidance for nurses.Weekly rest breaksAt least every seven days you should have a 24-hour rest period. This is on top of your 11 hours daily rest period. Your employer can average the weekly period over 14 days, providing either two uninterrupted rest periods of not less than 24 hours or one uninterrupted rest period of not less than 48 hours.Understanding the 48 hours per week ruleYour agency should monitor your working hours to make sure you do not work beyond the average 48 hours per week, unless you have specifically agreed not to apply the limit. This needs to take the form of a written agreement with your chosen agency.It’s always advisable to check your contract with your agency to read what it says about maximum weekly working times.Tips for working shiftsShift work can prove hugely beneficial, especially if you have other commitments outside of work you need to attend to. But it can also be tiring. If you follow some of these tips below, you’ll be on track to mastering shift work.Sleep:Try and make your room as dark as possible. There are some great options to purchase made-to-measure black-out blinds from plenty of low-cost online retailers. They’re a doddle to fit too!If you struggle to wake up, try investing in an alarm clock that gently wakes you up by replicating natural sunlight. Ideal if you need to start in the early hours in the Winter.It’s tempting to make your bedroom warm, but if you make it cooler than the rest of the house, you’ll find it easier to get some sleep ahead of your shift.Ear plugs and eye masks are useful too. Especially if the rest of the family has other plansDuring your shift:Make time for breaks (see our guidance above)If you find you are feeling tired, try and grab some fresh airCaffeine is also a necessity but if it doesn’t agree with you try something refreshing like peppermint teaTry to eat nutritious meals. Think nuts and grains and you’ll feel more energisedFinally, don’t forget you’re only human. The only superpower you have is your ability to treat and support patients and so it’s important to look after yourself.If you are interested in shift work, we have plenty of opportunities, simply upload your CV.
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Who are the healthcare professional registration bodies?
For many health sector jobs, you must be registered with certain professional bodies, as well as having relevant qualifications. We can help with advice on required registrations and on registration procedures for both UK-qualified practitioners and those who qualified outside the UK.Here are some of the key registrations necessary, categorised by role:Mental HealthPsychiatristsTo practise psychiatry in the UK, you must be licensed and registered with the General Medical Council and be a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.Clinical psychiatrists must also be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).PsychologistsAnyone wishing to practise as a psychologist in the UK must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). There are also other professional organisations you can join voluntarily, including the British Psychological Society.RMNs, RNLDs and CPNsYou must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). If you qualified in the UK, you will receive automatic registration on completion of the application form and payment of the appropriate fee. Nurses who qualified outside of the UK are individually assessed for registration. Find out more here.Cognitive Behavioural TherapistsThe British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) is the leading UK professional body for CBT practitioners.Allied HealthOccupational TherapistsAnyone looking for work as an occupational therapist must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).PhysiotherapistsPractising physiotherapists must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). In addition, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy offers chartered status for qualified physiotherapists, with full and associate memberships available.Speech and Language TherapistsSpeech and language therapists must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) is the professional body for speech and language therapists in the UK, providing leadership and setting professional standards.DietitiansPractising dietitians must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The British Dietetic Association (BDA) is a trade union and professional body representing the professional, educational, public and workplace interests of members.Health Science ServicesBiomedical ScientistsBiomedical scientists must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You can also become a member of the Institute of Biomedical Science, which is the UK professional body for biomedical scientists.Clinical ScientistsTo practise as a clinical scientist in the UK, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The Association of Clinical Scientistsassesses trainees as a preliminary to registration with HCPC.Medical Lab AssistantsRegistration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is not essential to work as a medical lab assistant. However, many employers insist on candidates being registered.ImagingRadiographers, Mammographers, Sonographers and Nuclear Medicine TechnologistsRegistration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is mandatory for anyone wishing to work in any of these roles in the UK. The Society and College of Radiographers is a trade union and professional body representing the professional, educational, public and workplace interests of members.RadiologistsTo practise as a clinical radiologist in the UK, you must be licensed and registered with the General Medical Council and be a member of the Royal College of Radiologists.If you’re looking for your next position, take a look at our wide range of healthcare roles.
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Using psychology at your nursing job interview
You may think that smashing that interview for a new nursing position is more of an art than a science. But think again. Focusing on psychology can help you make the right impression. Psychology plays a big part in all human interactions and job interviews are no different. Of course it's important to show off your skills and experience as a nurse. But thinking about the psychology behind the interview experience can also help you land that nursing job.Mirror body languageA significant proportion of communication is non-verbal. While it's important to think about your own body language – for example not looking too laid back, clench your fists or cross your arms – it's also good to try and mirror the interviewer's body language. In psychological circles this is known as the 'chameleon effect'. The idea is that people tend to be more positive towards you if your body language is similar to theirs. It also helps you connect with the interviewer and show them that you're interested in what they're saying.Don't clock watchIt's easy to find yourself checking the time sub-consciously, so be alert to this issue. It can give the impression you're not taking the interview seriously and would rather be somewhere else. As a nurse, you need to show focus and commitment.Don't gushIt's tempting to fill spaces in the conversation, but you can talk too much, which can make you seem over-excitable or disorganised in your thoughts – not a good trait for someone in a nursing job. Don't just answer with mono-syllables, but also try to be clear and succinct. Remember, in communication less can be more.Make eye contactFrom the moment you arrive at your interview, you should look the interviewer straight in the eye. Interpersonal skills are important for nurses and making eye contact will show you are confident in dealing with people.Find common groundThis is a tried and tested sales technique which can also pay dividends in interviews. We all tend to like people who share our interests and values, so it's always good to try and find one or two things in common with your interviewer. Weave some personal information into your answers which might just hit home.Construal Level TheoryAccording to some psychological research, the further you are away from an object or person, the more abstract your thinking will be. So how does that apply to a nursing job interview? It means that if you sit closer to the interviewer and focus on specific attributes or examples of your experience, you're more likely to engage successfully with them.Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP)Invented in the 1970s, NLP is a form of assertiveness training mainly used by salespeople and business executives. However, there are some aspects of the technique that can be useful in job interviews, for example trying to replicate the kind of language used by the interviewer, proactively asking questions and using 'power words' such as 'believe', 'overcome', 'thrive', 'success' and 'change'.If you’re nervous about your upcoming nursing job interview, make sure you read through our blog articles. We have a wide range of content which is designed to help you apply and prepare for your nursing job role. If you can’t find what you’re looking for and you need some dedicated advice tailored especially for you, then please give one of our trained consultants a call. They’ll be happy to help you make the most of your interview preparations.
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Get your physiotherapy CV out there
You've written your CV and you're all set to find your dream physiotherapy role. Now what? Here are some tips for getting yourself noticed by recruiters.Writing your CV is just the first step towards landing the perfect job. Once you've created a well-crafted summary of your qualifications and experience as a physiotherapist, it's time to think about how and where you're going to distribute it to get maximum exposure and have the best chance of being selected for interview.One size doesn't fit allThe first thing to do – before you hit the send button or drop your envelope in the mail – is to make sure your CV is tailored rather than generic. This is more difficult if you're sending the CV on spec, rather than applying for a specific physiotherapy position. However, you can research the potential recruiter and make sure you've bigged up the key skills and experience you have that match the kind of roles they generally offer. Add a covering letterIf you're sending your CV out speculatively to potential employers, it's important to include a covering letter. It's an opportunity to introduce yourself, as well as highlighting your key skills, strengths and attributes. You can also write in your own personal voice, rather than the more formal, bullet-point style of your CV. Once again, make sure you tailor the letter to the recipient and type of physiotherapy job you're in the market for. Online or traditional mail?These days the majority of recruitment is done online, so uploading your CV to job sites or agencies, or distributing it by email directly to recruiters, is probably the best way to get results. However, using traditional mail to target a few carefully selected potential employers may be effective, mainly because you'll immediately have the advantage of standing out from the crowd. Optimise your CV with keywordsMany recruiters and job sites use search engines to sift CVs, so make sure you've included keywords and key phrases. For physiotherapy jobs, typical search terms include 'rehabilitation therapy', 'electrotherapy', 'learning disabilities physiotherapist', 'HCPC registered', 'respiratory physiotherapy', 'neurological physiotherapy', 'pediatrics' and 'geriatrics'. Wider networkingRemember, it's not just through job sites, recruitment agencies and potential employers that you'll get to hear about physiotherapy jobs that might be of interest to you. Networking with physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals such as occupational therapists can also lead to job opportunities. It's not a good idea to just upload your CV to networking sites because of the potential for identity fraud. However, you may find new contacts to whom you can directly send it or who may introduce you to colleagues who are recruiting. If you’re ready to find your next physiotherapy job role, why not look at our latest vacancies?
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Take your career in the right direction
Are you thinking moving into a more senior nursing role or a different nursing specialism? How do you make sure you follow a career path that's right for you?As a nurse, you have a number of options for career development. Maybe you're an adult nurse, but feel you'd like to work with children. You may be thinking of switching from a general nursing job to a mental health or learning disabilities nursing role. Or perhaps you feel you're ready to take on new responsibilities as an advanced nurse practitioner, nurse specialist, matron or nurse consultant. Whatever direction you see you're career path taking, before you make the move to a new area of nursing, it's important to give it some careful thought and ensure you don't have any regrets. Here are a few tips...Do you really want a change?We all have times when our jobs get us down a bit and we feel like we need a change. Do a quick evaluation of your current job satisfaction level. Are there things that you could change to make your job more rewarding and fulfilling? Would this make a difference to the way you feel? Is the grass really greener?Make sure you do plenty of research on the nursing role to which you're thinking of switching. If possible, talk to people who are already doing that kind of nursing work or senior nursing colleagues. Linkedin is a good resource for finding relevant contacts.Think about your long-term goalsWhere do you want to be in five years' time? Do you love the idea of working with children and have a rapport with young people? If so, a job in children's nursing could be your true vocation. Are you a natural born leader with an ability to inspire and motivate others? If so, you should consider moving into a team leader or managerial nursing role.See the bigger pictureRemember, changing to a different nursing role is not just about new challenges and a new working environment. It could mean different hours, shift patterns, career development opportunities, training requirements, etc. Make sure you think everything through, so that you go in with your eyes wide open.Don't burn your bridgesRight now you may feel that the change you make is guaranteed to be a permanent one. But it's wise never to say 'never'. Anyone can make a mistake and regret a career move, so it's a good idea to stay in touch with your former colleagues and senior nursing staff, just in case you have second thoughts. If you’re keen to make changes to your nursing career, why not take a look at the wide range of nursing job roles that we have available? With locum and permanent positions available, as well as opportunities throughout the UK, we can support your career and help you to achieve your goals.
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Making a good first impression
If you're being interviewed for a nursing position, making a good first impression could help you be seen as a standout candidate. So, how do you plan for those important first few minutes? Acing an interview for a nursing post is not just about having the right qualifications and experience. Nursing jobs also require good inter-personal and communication skills, so it's important to show the recruiter that you're a strong candidate in these areas too. Remember, first impressions count. Experienced recruiters usually avoid making snap judgements. However, making a really positive start to your interview will lay the groundwork for success. Here are our top tips for nurses to inspire confidence from the get-go. What to wearAs a nurse, you don't generally have to think about how to dress at work. But that doesn't mean you should turn up for your interview wearing scrubs. If you're in any doubt as to what to wear, just think smart and you can't go wrong. Keep it simple and avoid over-accessorizing. Use perfume or after-shave sparingly.Get there earlyDon't run the risk of arriving late or with just seconds to spare. Aim to arrive early so that you have time to compose yourself and don't feel rushed. Body languageWhat you do when you enter the interview room is as important as what you say. You should make eye contact with the person greeting you, shake hands (try to avoid sweaty palms!) and, most importantly, smile. According to a study by the Penn State University, smiling communicates to another person that you are not only likeable and courteous, but also competent. When you sit down, don't slouch or look too relaxed. Avoid crossing your arms, which can make you look defensive and unapproachable. It's OK to use your hands for emphasis, but make sure you do it carefully. Having your palms facing upwards is a sign of openness and honesty. Clenching your fists or waving your hands around too much can make you seem nervous and unpredictable. Try not to fidget and be wary of sub-consciously touching your face or playing with your hair, which can give the impression that you're untrustworthy.What to say and how to say itYour first words will say a lot about you to the interviewer. Introduce yourself politely but decisively. It's good to initiate conversation, but you should avoid nervously filling a silence by talking about the weather or other trivia. Adopt a tone of voice that's positive and enthusiastic, but not over-confident or arrogant.Switch your phone offIf you start your interview by having to say 'sorry' for getting a call or a text, your interviewer is unlikely to be impressed. Make sure you switch your phone off well before you enter the interview room.Don't carry too muchYou should only take into the interview what you really need, for example a small bag with any documentation or certificates you need to present. Go in overloaded and you'll look disorganised. Don't be tempted to go in with a coffee you've grabbed from Costa or your phone in your hand. You'll look as if you're not taking the interview seriously. Finally, try to stay calm and in control. Interviewers are used to candidates being nervous. However, as a nurse, it's important to show that you can cope well under pressure. If you’re nervous about your next job interview, then please give one of Sanctuary’s trained consultants a call. They will be able to help give you advice and guidance to help you nail your next job interview.
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Stress management tips
In most nursing jobs, stress and pressure are not unusual. So, how do you make sure you stay cool, calm and collected when the going gets tough?At Sanctuary we understand how important it is for nurses and other professionals working within the NHS to be able to deal with the pressures of delivering excellent care in a busy, challenging working environment. Here are our tips for staying sane and avoiding the risk of burn-out...Be self-awareIt's easy to think you're dealing well with stress when in fact you're simply internalising it, putting your mental and physical health at risk. Look out for the key signs that you're bottling things up, which include digestive problems, irritability, fatigue, headaches, heart palpitations or chest pains.Talk to a colleagueDon't be afraid to share your anxieties and concerns with a friendly, empathetic colleague. Just talking things over can help you get a sense of perspective and make you realise that you're not alone in feeling stressed or challenged.Avoid too much caffeineIt may give you a temporary energy boost, but caffeine also ups your level of cortisone, a hormone related to stress and anxiety. Too much caffeine can also raise your blood pressure and heart rate. And remember, caffeine is not just in coffee. It's also in chocolate and some popular over-the-counter medicines, such as cold remedies.Have a breakJobs in nursing require a great deal of focus and commitment, particularly in a busy hospital setting. However, it's important to take time out. You should try not to skip your lunch break and, if possible, take a couple of shorter breaks during the working day. Even if you just step outside for a couple of minutes, it's a chance to clear your head and calm your mind. You'll find you're more focused and productive when you return to the ward.Be on top of thingsBeing organised gives you a sense of control, which can in turn reduce your stress levels. It's about simple things such as making a 'to do' list when you start the day, as well as prioritising tasks and scheduling your time effectively. Try mindfulnessA review published in Nurse Education Today in 2018 found that 'mindfulness meditation is an effective strategy for preventing and managing the workplace stress and burnout, which so often plague nursing staff and students'.Originating from Buddhism, mindfulness involves using meditation to focus on what's happening in the present moment and be more self-aware. The NHS website has a useful overview of mindfulness and its potential benefits in dealing with stress and anxiety.Work-life balanceIt's vital to switch off and recharge when you're away from work. Use your leisure time well by getting involved in hobbies, pastimes or sporting activities. Try to build a strong network of supportive friends with whom you can relax and socialise.The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has produced a guide to stress management for nursing staff. It features lots of useful information about identifying the signs and symptoms of workplace stress, and reducing and managing stress levels, as well as signposting nurses to sources of help and support. You can download it here.
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Career gaps on your CV
Are you returning to work as a nurse after a break to start a family, care for an elderly parent or simply recharge your batteries? Here are a few tips for explaining the gap when writing your CV.Whatever the reason you took time out from your job as a nurse, there's no need to be embarrassed about your career break or try to cover it up. Nursing jobs are demanding, and a potential employer shouldn't see it as a negative that you needed some time to focus on other priorities in your life.Career history – a different approachWhen writing a CV, most people work backwards through their career history ie listing nursing positions they have held in reverse chronological order. To de-emphasise a career gap, why not take a different approach?Carefully read the job description for the nursing job you're applying for and start your career history with a section focusing on the key skills you have which match this job description. Provide one or two examples from your career experience to show how you have used these skills effectively as a nurse. This approach will ensure you show the recruiter that, despite not having a full employment record, you have the necessary skills and experience to do the job well.You can then go on to list your career history in detail. To make the career break less obvious, it's a good idea to use only years, rather than specific months and years, to show the beginning and end of each employment. However, whatever you do, don't extend any periods of employment to cover up a career gap. The recruiter may know someone who worked where you did at that time and could catch you out.Focus on your achievementsIf your career break wasn't for parenting or caring for a loved one, it's a good idea to show a potential employer what you gained from your time away from the workplace. Maybe you took the time to learn new skills or do some courses? Perhaps you did some volunteering?What if you were ill?If your career break was due to illness or stress, you should be honest about it. However, it's also important to show that you are fully recovered, and that you have the energy and resilience to take on new challenges. You could perhaps attach a letter from your consultant or doctor confirming that you are fully fit for work.Brief your refereeIf one of your referees is someone you worked with immediately prior to your career gap, it's worth having a chat with them to make sure they're aware of how you want them to approach the issue. It's not about asking them to hide or spin the truth. It's about making sure what they say is consistent with what's on your CV. Returning to nursing – professional requirementsIf you're returning to work as a nurse after an extended break, you may need to re-register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), as well as updating your knowledge and skills. There's a guide from Health Education England (HEE) here and information from the NMC on returning to nursing is available here.If you’re ready to apply for a new nursing job, why not take a look at our latest vacancies? We recruit for a wide range of nursing job roles throughout the UK.
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