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J U N E 2 0 1 4 | O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E
STAFFING
haps which skills you need to add to take the next career step.
Keep in mind that your next job doesn't necessarily have to be in
health care. Your experience and education can be valuable assets in
other careers with a little fine-tuning or additional education. For
example, a background in staff management could lend itself to a job
in human resources. I've known several surgical nurses who've
applied the work ethic and dedication the career demands to get their
law degrees, and the shift in careers worked out very well for them.
Stretch yourself.
Consider doing some public speaking. I know,
some people say they fear it more than dying. But trust me, you
can overcome the nervousness to become a dynamic speaker. Why
does becoming a good presenter matter? The more you speak, the
more exposure you get, and without realizing it, you're positioning
yourself for your next job. People will remember you, and you never
know where that may lead.
Study the presenters you admire. Do they make eye contact? Do
they use notes? Is the presentation professional in appearance? Read
about how to improve your skills. I just finished a good book on pub-
lic speaking and writing talks called Secrets of Dynamic
Communication by Ken Davis (
tinyurl.com/orknbyo
). There's lots of
good instruction out there that's easy to find. Join Toastmasters (
toast-
masters.org
), a communication workshop where you'll get to practice
among people who want to see you succeed. They will only help you
learn to become a better public speaker.
You don't have to do your first talk in a packed room at a national
conference. Offer to present an in-service to your peers. Give a short
talk at a staff meeting, in church or at a social club. The point is prac-
ticing, practicing and practicing some more is the only way to
improve.
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