Tanner in the Fall

Autumn is my personal favorite among the seasons.  Rustic colors, cooler temperatures, football and hayrides are just some of the aspects of this time of year that warm the heart.

When you work at an organization like Tanner Health System, Autumn can also be a very busy season.

For instance just over the past week, employees that do not normally perform invasive procedures have pulled out their scapel and scissors and have put them to use . . . carving pumpkins. 

The annual pumpkin carving contests at Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton and Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica always bring out some very interesting and creative entries.  Pumpkins are adorned with a variety of acoutrements from hats to hosiery; and the carvings span from the traditional "Jack O' Lantern", to architecture, to babies and one even bore a remarkable resemblance to one of our VP's.

Higgins General Hospital just completed their annual Chili-Cook Off.  Team members not only get to show off their culinary prowess by preparing the dishes, but they also get to sample all of the entries.  There are awards for "Best Tasting", "Hottest" and "The People's Choice!".  The point is that everyone has the opportunity to share in the fun (and maybe the heartburn, too).

Other happenings this Fall have included participation in a 5K Moonlight Run, an "Ideas in Motion" process improvement exposition, blood drives and community health fairs - not to mention an accreditation survey at the Carrollton facility.  
In the near future there will be Farmer's Market events and a big "Choirs for Cancer" concert.

Healthcare is an adventurous career choice. Employees share in experiences that are both exhilerating and difficult; celebratory and sometimes sad. 

Struggling together, laughing and crying together.

These shared experiences help solidify relationships and teamwork.  Out of this grows a great organization that is also a wonderful place to work.

Like Tanner Health System.

Tanner in the Fall

Things Change

Earlier this week, I had the rare opportunity of attending a nurse recruitment career fair at a nearby college.  Career fair adventures are usually reserved for members of our recruitment team - but being an honorary member of said team - I am sometimes endowed with the privilege.

As I talked with potential candidates ranging from those that were already licensed RN's to those that were just hoping to make it into a nursing program, I was struck with a sense of irony.  Two years ago hospitals were in the throes of a nursing shortage and a new graduate could choose from any number of potential employers. 

Now things are different, for the time being at least, the market has shifted and even nursing jobs are fewer. Sadly, I spoke with several candidates that graduated some time ago and have not yet landed solid employment.

My purpose in posting this blog today is not to discourage those of you that find yourself without meaningful employment - rather I hope to encourage you.

There are positions available (if you don't believe me, browse through our Search Tanner Jobs area) both for licensed health care providers and for non-clinical workers; but organizations are being more selective these days. So it is important that your job search begin with a look in the mirror.

"Stop the whole car"
My dad, who spent most all of his life in sales and marketing, used to tell the story about a time in which he and another salesperson were driving along about to start a day of sales calls.  At some point, the driver remarked that they had no particular plan and no particular list of prospects to call on.  The other exclaimed, "stop the whole car!!".
"Stop the whole car" he repeated, "- and pull over so we can build a plan!". 

If your job search has no particular plan, it is time to stop everything.  Hold your resume up to the mirror so-to-speak and take a fresh look at it. Ask yourself some hard questions:

Does it present you in the best light? 
Is it honest?
Is it easy to follow or cluttered and confusing?
If someone handed it to you - would anything compel you to take the time to read it?
Would you hire you?

Take a Look at Yourself
Next take a look at yourself.  When you meet potential employers, are you dressing the part - even if you're only showing up to apply?  How about that smile, are you reflecting confidence and a proper attitude?

Your frame of mind is reflected in your facial expressions.  If your mind is set on the negativity of your situation, chances are that your smile - or the lack thereof - will reveal it. There is nothing compelling about a bitter or angry person.

Details. Details.
Are you paying attention to details?
I have a little book that was published early in the twentieth century, it is filled with short articles about a variety of subjects.  One such article discusses preparing for a job interview - I find it interesting that it points out that one should be mindful of dirty fingernails and offensive breath. That advice is still timely.  When the job market is tight and employers may have several equally qualified candidates to pick from; the minor details can make all the difference in the world.

Finally, are you growing while your search is ongoing?  Are you taking advantage of education or volunteer opportunities?  Are you reading articles or books that will give you new insights?  Are you getting out and talking to a lot of different people?

My career fair experience this week served as a reminder to me that things do change.  If you feel that you are locked into a situation of permanent unemployment - it is helpful to remember that - things change. 

Often the first step to changing one's situation is to change one's thinking.

Thanks for stopping by.

Things Change