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DNP in Practice

Strengths Inventory

Selling yourself requires knowing what you bring to an organization. To know what you bring, you have to know your worth. A skills inventory is a tool that will help you get very clear on what you can do. Use your elevator speech to translate the worth of those skills to potential employers.

There are hundreds of examples of ways to build your inventory. Try the examples above, or use a search engine to find something that suits you better. Even if you just put it on paper or in an Excel document, reflect on what you can do so that you can articulate it to others.

Elevator Speech

A big part of selling your new skill set is telling people what you can do. You may not have a lot of time, so be concise. It's time to develop your elevator pitch.

  • It should be short enough to say during a short ride on an elevator
  • Engaging, but not overwhelming (think of being in an elevator with someone)
  • Appropriate for the setting (think of body language in an elevator setting)

Check out these resources to help you devise a speech:

Once you have your speech written practice, practice, PRACTICE!

When giving your elevator speech:

  • Focus on the success of your organization and how your skills will drive that success.
    • You know what you can do and you know what your organization needs.
  • Find ways to explain the benefit of your education and experience to the organization and stakeholders.
  • Identify your organization's values and link your skills to supporting those values.

Disseminate

Publishing and presenting is a great way to make a name for yourself.

Ideas for non-academic publishing/speaking

  • Trade Journals and professional publications
  • Guest blog posts
  • Podcasters are constantly looking for content
  • Book speaking engagements with local universities and colleges by giving informational talks to students on health-related topics
    • Be willing to do this for free

Teach classes and workshops in your clinic or office or through an online provider like:

Many people worry that they can't publish or present until they are more established, or already viewed as an expert. You have the word "Doctor" in your title -- you are expert enough, you just need to get started.

Consult

You have skills and perspective that no one else has. Many companies will value your unique insight, but not as a full-time employee. Consider consulting. An organization may need your help for implementing one QI project, or assessing workplace issues.

Example of a nurse consultant in operation

Mentor

Many of you are familiar with the adage:

  • See one
  • Do one
  • Teach one.

When you mentor others, it cements your knowledge and opens unexpected opportunities. Putting something in perspective for others often puts in in perspective for you. Find a structured mentorship program, or engage with nurses in your workplace as an unofficial mentor.

 

Get Involved in your Community

Join clubs or associations in your area in order to build your network

Join Professional Organizations

Join at least one professional organization and become involved. This is a great way to begin speaking, publishing, presenting, and mentoring. There are many professional nursing organizations. Check out those below, or find one that is more suitable for your area:

Social Media

Social media can be a great way to market yourself and what you know:

  • Build a network through LinkedIn
  • Develop a niche specific to your area of nursing on Instagram or Facebook
  • Build a professional Facebook account and offer Facebook live talks