Learning Objective #1: State two reasons why nurses should plan ahead regarding job opportunities

Learning Objective #2: List four different employment opportunities that might be worth pursuing in health care

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Nursing opportunities have changed over the last 50 years and many nurses are unaware of breaking out of the traditional hospital roles of bedside caregiver or educator. The nursing profession is trusted and new opportunities are opening for those individuals who want to take a chance with new job prospects. Changing roles strengthen the profession, which keeps nurses competitive and visible in the workforce.

The contribution of this content to leadership knowledge empowers nurses to examine new roles in transition. Clearly, new employment opportunities exist in healthcare. Today, nurses work in expanded practice settings as: family nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, politicians, entrepreneurs, legal nurse experts, and health care consultants in diverse health care environments. Forecasting workforce projections demonstrate the need for qualified health care professionals to plan strategically for the future. According to Healthy People 2010 the impact on the health of the world's people will be influenced by nursing. Nurses need to recognize how their education can transcend into successful employment in diverse healthcare venues influencing outcomes.

This interactive PowerPoint presentation will share information about strategic job opportunities in the workforce today. There will be a networking discussion with the audience to collaborate about expanded roles experienced by the participants globally. In addition, there will be an interactive exercise to create the “best job” that a nurse could create in an actual employment environment.