HIEs have been around, on a small scale, for at least a decade, allowing the exchange of medical records between formerly unconnected electronic systems. The systems will decrease administrative costs for providers while improving the quality of healthcare for patients.

While there are some networks in various States, there are currently no state or federal regulations governing the exchange of medical records. However, there are several organizations working towards a nationwide, regulated network.

This will create more jobs as the system matures. On the bureaucratic level, there will be people in state and federal government responsible for creating and monitoring these networks. There will be the techies creating the software (there’s already several companies out there, but as we know with technology, there’s always room for competition and room for improvement). There will be the sales force and the tech support staff installing, training and helping providers maintain the systems. And finally, there will be the end users themselves, possibly an entire job in itself once these systems become fully integrated into the healthcare system.

How can you jump on this burgeoning bandwagon? Should you hop on board? Whether you’re looking for work or already employed the answer is YES. This is a system that you should definitely keep your eye on as it continues to grow and change, whether you’re in management, tech support, patient services or even employed as a nurse or physician.

Here are a few of the ways that you could use your healthcare experience to assist the transition to HIE’s:

1. Serve on a regulatory committee providing your healthcare expertise.
2. Become a point person who provides test runs of one of the new systems that eventually gets installed in your hospital.
3. Combine your healthcare experience with your love of technology to write software or consult for an HIE.
4. Take classes in software development if this field interests you.

Follow the HIE news at the Nationwide Health Information Network Watch.

©2010 Bridging Opportunity to Success. All Rights Reserved.

“Don’t quit your day job!” used to be a favorite phrase we used to tease our friends who couldn’t hold a tune in a bucket. In today’s economy, however, it is a truism for all of us, even if you can sing like Pavarotti or dance like Barishnykov. If you have a job, you hold onto it for dear life no matter how creatively unfulfilling. This isn’t the time to throw caution to the wind in the hopes of being discovered! But all is not lost. There are ways to put your creativity to work and still be on the payroll. There might even be a way to combine them both.

Myra, an aspiring actress, has worked for Kaiser for 10 years in their educational theatre program, first as an actor, then as a booking agent. The program’s goal is to “inspire children, teens and adults to make informed decisions about their health and help build stronger communities.” Myra toured with the Los Angeles area troupe for 4 years and then moved into an administrative role when she started having children. She’s learned that “creativity isn’t just about being in front of people to act,” and is grateful for the steady paycheck, great benefits, and the opportunity to exercise her creativity even in a healthcare setting.

In addition to these kinds of hospital-sponsored community outreach programs, many hospitals and clinics around the country are embracing art therapy, music therapy, drama and movement therapy and, get ready for this – social and therapeutic horticulture – that’s a fancy term for garden therapy. Whether you’re a licensed therapist or support staff, working in one of these arenas might give you the creative boost you’ve been looking for.

Or you might try working with a career coach to help you brainstorm ways to parlay your passion into a marketable skill. For example, if you’re a visual artist, learning the latest graphic design software will give you a competitive skill that you’re company might really be able to use. If you’re a writer slaving away on the Great American Novel, consider taking some business writing classes and looking for work as a grant writer or doing blogs and other writing assignments for your company’s marketing department.

Creative careers with paychecks attached are not plentiful. You have to think outside the box (which is something we creative types do well), be persistent, look for unexpected avenues of artistic expression within your chosen field and possibly become a maverick-doing something that no one’s done before. After all, someone had to be the first to say, “I really love gardening. It surely must have some restorative effects? I think I’ll start a social and therapeutic horticulture program!”

No, it probably wasn’t that easy, but you get the point!

©2010 Bridging Opportunity to Success. All Rights Reserved.

Although it may be virtually impossible to pin your boss’ personality down in the first week of your new job position, there are some things that you can do to impress a boss of most any personality. Here is what we recommend:

1. Remember that your job, whether you like it or not, is to make your boss look great. I know, I know, this can be hard sometimes to remember or WANT to do…but remembering this at all times will help you become invaluable to the organization.

2. Schedule a meeting with your boss quickly. Review any expectations, etc but mostly present yourself as a learner and find out what you can do to make things smoother within the organization.

3, Get to know the other staff members. Sitting in an office or hanging at a counter with zipped lips is not the way to impress the powers-that-be. Get out on the floor. Make friends with staff members and the people who are frequenting the establishment.

4. Remember to wear your learning cap. Recognize that you are NEW and that even staff members in other positions can teach you. Be a sponge. It will help you pick things up more quickly and impress them as well. It will also help you do your job even better.

5. Ask staff members what the organization is lacking, or what they are frustrated with (note this is not a question for the first day, more like after you get to know them a little) and see what you can do to help.

6. “Go the extra mile” and “Take the high road” whenever possible. This will benefit you and the people that you work with. The staff members and boss will see that you have high integrity and that you truly care for other people.

7. When you are complimented, ask what you can do better at as well. This shows humility and a willingness to learn.

8. Remember that you are not just working for your boss, but for fellow staff member and the public as well. The “I am here to serve you” attitude, although it seems petty (and never say it aloud) can go a long way in helping to impress your boss in the early days and beyond.

©2010 Bridging Opportunity to Success. All Rights Reserved.

They are the largest not-for-profit academic medical center in the nation and last month, they received the prestigious ranking of #6 in America’s Best Hospitals list by U.S. News & World Report.

To help job seekers learn more about their culture, career areas and upcoming events, NewYork-Presbyterian has created a new career website. This site offers a wealth of information and gives job seekers an opportunity to hear first-hand stories from hospital employees.

Edy, a Clinical Laboratory Chief Technologist, says that the people she works with are truly quality people, focused on patients. On her video, she shares that one Friday evening, an Oncologist approached her with a baby’s bone marrow aspirate in hand. “I need to treat this patient today,” he said. The Oncologist, Pathologist and Edy sat side-by-side to run the needed tests far into the evening so that the baby could receive care that night. “I’m a mother.” She says, “And that baby is someone’s loved one.”

Marisol, a Physician’s Assistant in the surgical department agrees. “The teamwork is amazing.” She thrives on connecting with her co-workers and also enjoys the annual Employee Recognition Day. “The care here, for all people, is outstanding.” She says, “The best compliment is when a patient tells me that they are comfortable and happy. They also like that I can speak Spanish. And everyone that I work with here is so very compassionate and caring. It makes a big difference for me.”

In spite of high unemployment rates and budget cuts at medical centers nationwide, NewYork-Presbyterian continues to hire and support employee benefits and programs. In 2009, the hospital hired 1,918 new employees, including 658 new nurses, and they expect to hire more than 1,900 employees this year. It’s obvious that they value their team members, patients and quality care.

Search for current job openings at NewYork-Presbyterian.

©2010 Bridging Opportunity to Success. All Rights Reserved.

2. Do they ask for a writing sample? Make sure you send one paragraph with either short, clipped sentences or (better yet), make the entire paragraph a run-on sentence.

3. Do the complete opposite of what the ad says. If it says “No calls”, pick up the phone immediately and dial the company. If it says to complete an application, fill out your name only, write “see resume” on the rest of it and turn it in.

4. When following up, skip the automated company phone directory to find who you want. Instead push zero several times in a row until you get a human and say, “Who runs the HR department? I mean, the TOP person. OK, I need to talk to them right now.”

5. Sending an email instead? Hound the webmaster of the site until they give you the information that you need.

6. When the HR person does not call you back, show up in person and tell the receptionist that you had an appointment. No luck? Leave them a few voicemails. Grow slightly more irritated with each one and don’t forget to leave some in the middle of the night-after all, you will be stressing out by now and won’t be able to sleep.

7. Send out an email every couple days to your entire email list and give them a rousing rendition of your latest job searching adventures. Make sure those you have listed as references are on your list.

8. When you receive your rejection letter (that is, if you at least had your address on resume or application), post the entire contents on all your social sites and complain about the employers. Don’t forget to add “THEIR loss!”

9. Repeat…

©2010 Bridging Opportunity to Success. All Rights Reserved.

1. Make sure that it’s been awhile (like a year) since you’ve received one. Also make sure the request is congruent to policies and procedures, if your company has any related to pay raises.

2. Make sure you have a list of accomplishments that you can review at your meeting with your supervisor. Don’t hand them the list-have it memorized. Don’t give a speech-but be prepared to rattle off a few of them.

3. Keep any failures in mind. By that I mean, if you have had disciplinary action occur for anything that you have done in the past few months, it’s not the time to ask for a raise. Improve your performance and try later.

4. Add value to your services. Your attitude ongoing at work should be about giving your employer and your customer/patient more bang for their buck. Don’t fall into the trap of deciding that you will do something better or more when you are paid MORE. Add value at your current rate and your employer will likely see how hard you are working.

5. Add value to your job position. More than ever, it’s a great time to step outside of your job description a little bit by being willing to go above and beyond. This counts-and it shows. Take the high road and you will stand out above the worker who is watching the clock from 4:30 on and slips quickly out the door at 4:59 every night.

6. Offer to do more of something specific, if at all possible, when speaking to your boss. (“I’d be happy to stay after on Tuesdays to make sure that gets done. Would that be OK?”)

7. Watch your approach. I don’t recommend “I deserve a raise and this is why”. I recommend first a discussion called “what can I do to help you more” and then working on that before even broaching the subject. In fact, if you make your whole job about service both to customers/patients and employers, you may get raises before you even ask for them.

8. Be humble. I don’t mean go and be a mouse (hanging your head saying “I really don’t deserve this but…”.I mean your attitude should be “I’m no better than anyone else here. However, I work hard and provide you with 150%..do you agree?”)

9. Whatever the response from your superior, respond graciously. That will be remembered above most anything else. Be understanding, know that budget is likely a concern and thank your superior for their time-no matter what their answer is.

©2010 Bridging Opportunity to Success. All Rights Reserved.

HDJ-What kinds of services does a career coach offer?

Graham- Just a few of the benefits you could experience by working with a career coach include:

1. Expediting the process of determining your new career direction.
2. Helping you with a systematic approach to finding your career fit.
3. Giving you feedback and guidance from someone who has helped hundreds make career changes.

In this economy, old ways of job searching will delay your employment. Responding to Newspaper and Internet ads as your only means of searching will almost guarantee extended unemployment. But a skilled career coach can help you to develop targeted job search tools (like your professional resume), hone your skills for marketing yourself to employers, and design a strategic game plan for finding your next job.

HDJ- How else can these services help someone who is job searching?

Graham- They offer jobseekers the chance to learn how to use all of the tools at their disposal. It provides them with an understanding of how to use their time and resources to the greatest advantage. Career coaches help by listening, providing feedback, and asking powerful questions to improve the job seeker’s ability to market and sell themselves in the job market.

They can coach you on how to answer interview questions most strategically. It’s not always the most qualified person who gets the position-sometimes the person who communicates the most persuasively will get the job.

HDJ- What strategies might benefit someone searching for a job in the healthcare field?

Graham- A good career coach is going help a job seeker identify their unique selling points. With so many applicants in the Healthcare industry having similar qualifications, it is important to communicate exactly what it is that “sets you apart”. It’s not enough to assume that it’s obvious or that everyone will recognize your talents.

HDJ- Do you recommend networking? Why or why not?

Graham- Yes, absolutely. It’s not who you know, but who knows you. Job seekers should become a member of a networking group or two to meet new people and establish a presence in a supportive environment. Sharing ideas leads to exposure and opportunities for everyone.

Usually networking contacts won’t be potential employers. They will be people who know about potential employment. If one discovers that a contact is a potential employer, they should take off their networking hat and pursue employment.

Effective networking also includes being involved on social and professional networking sites such as LinkedIn and Twitter.

HDJ- What is a common job searching mistake that you see?

Graham-That’s any easy one! People don’t read the advertisement and job description carefully. Read it 324 times, then read it again. Also, analyze and use those key words from the ad and job description to ensure that your résumé matches the employer requirements.

HDJ- Thank you Graham! Follow Graham on Twitter.

©2010 Bridging Opportunity to Success. All Rights Reserved.

1. Help my Resume- A no-cost resume rewriting service with a mission in mind to help people present themselves better. Their vision: “By the end of 2011, we will be the leading advocate, conscious, voice and solutions provider to, and on behalf of the unemployed, regardless of age, sex or race throughout the United States.” They have a comprehensive blog with a ton of good job searching information as well. Follow them on Twitter and Like them on Facebook.

2. Expert Resume Man- We first met Graham on Twitter, where he keeps a steady stream of interesting job conversations and resources going. Today he posted a great tip: “Never include marital status, religious/political affiliations in résumé. Don’t insert picture either.” Graham is a career coach and if you feel the need for some more in-depth analysis of your resume, job search or defining your objective/goals, he’s the one to go to.

3. Landon Long- We also met Landon on Twitter. He is great at outlining the common pitfalls on resumes and offers a free course on his website about resume writing. The course includes access to four newsletters on job interviewing.

4. HealthCareers.net offers a great blog with a lot of healthcare job stats and growth predictions. In addition, they have job listings, health news, education and financial aid information. You can even view educational programs by State.

5. Job-Hunt.org offers hundreds of listings for job resources including online job searching tutorials, a Guide to Lay-Off Self Defense and more. From Job-Hunt website, “Job-Hunt is dedicated to the millions of people who have had their personal lives disrupted by the loss of a job…We hope that Job-Hunt can help open doors and provide assistance and hope to job seekers…A job loss can be a new beginning as well as an ending. A career is a process, not a destination! Don’t give up!”

6. Don’t forget to check out our blog for great resources and also our job listing section for thousands of healthcare jobs!

©2010 Bridging Opportunity to Success. All Rights Reserved.

But every job has its challenges, and whether yours are conflict with co-workers/superiors, low pay for long hours, patient “unappreciation” or just plain-ole office politics-jobs can get discouraging. How can you prevent those discouragements from affecting your job performance and burning you out?

Here are some suggestions for you:

1. Never doubt the impact that you can make. You won’t always hear it and sometimes, you might hear it in an odd fashion (such as a twisted compliment or overhearing family members talking about you), but know that your impact is great. Consider jotting down each compliment that your receive. Then you will have a list to refer to when you have a tough day.

2. Know when you need a break. If you are overly tired, feel discouraged or dread going to work, it’s time for a break. There is a reason why your employer allows vacation time. Breaks will keep you refreshed and thinking clearly. Take the breaks that you are allotted.

3. Encourage and use humor while on the job. Humor is an essential stress reliever and having some appropriate fun with your coworkers can do wonders to relax everyone who is there. Feeling stressed? Keep a joke book at the desk and pull it out when everyone is as tense as a stretched rubber band.

4. Don’t forget to eat! I’m not kidding. In the healthcare field we are incredibly busy and at times will go hours without the food needed that fuels our body and minds. Don’t let yourself move into low blood sugar, irritability and stress. Make sure everyone has scheduled breaks to eat and take those breaks. If you can’t, stash some higher protein snacks in your work area that you can grab on the go.

5. Communicate with your patients, co-workers and superiors. Communication is incredibly vital to keeping the work environment running smoothly. If you are uncomfortable with someone, there is a reason. Try and talk it out. Make it a priority to verbally de-clutter the workspace as needed. This will help everyone’s stress level, even those not directly involved with the issue.

©2010 Bridging Opportunity to Success. All Rights Reserved.

1. Only apply for jobs that you are well-qualified for. The old adage “apply for every job possible” is usually a waste of time. For every job open, there are a ton of applicants who have the specific experience for that job and you will only stand out above those people if you have more than they have. Stick to your niches and to your areas of strengths to put yourself in a position to ace the interview.

2. Assume that everyone else is as qualified as you are and that they have great personalities. Seek other ways to put your best foot forward and truly make yourself irreplaceable to your future employer-even before you become employed. What can you bump yourself up on?

3. Before your interview, research the employer. Reviewing their website and printed material will give you a heads up about the company and help you appear more knowledgeable about them during your interview.

4. Consider advanced training. Where else can you go in your training? Can you continue education in your field? What about management classes? Consider the education that will help you become more valuable to a potential employer and follow through on it.

5. Ask questions. The interviewer might give you a chance to ask questions during the interview. Questions that are somewhat in-depth about the company are great as they show that you want to learn more. Be wary about asking for specific salary, benefits, etc. Of course you have the right to know these but it can give the impression that those are the only important things to you. Save them for after the employer calls you about the next step in the process.

6. Bring your references to the interview and a copy of your resume, even if you have already turned them in. I can’t tell you how many times an employer is unable to dig them up for interviews or “didn’t have time to go back to the office to grab them” but it has happened to me. It saves everyone time and grief if you can just hand another copy over.

7. Dress professionally. Shake hands firmly. Look your interviewer in the eye. Beware of nervous habits such as leg bouncing, twisting hair, and “umm’s”. Enough said. See an interview here with an HR Director on more of that.

©2010 Bridging Opportunity to Success. All Rights Reserved.