Dress to Access Success:
First Impressions DO Matter

By Cyndy Robinson

Not long ago, I ran across a friend who I'd known since before my father had passed away from complications due to kidney failure. She knew him well and cared for him in our local dialysis unit. I had first met her through mutual acquaintances, and my appreciation for her positive disposition grew as I watched my father experience something that I wouldn't want anyone to go through.

While I waited for my Mother to receive her prognosis from the stroke specialist, I could hear a familiar voice coming from the administrator's office. As I approached, I knew it had to be her. There she sat, amongst the many client charts and reports that were awaiting her polish. Sheila had moved from dialysis into the heart & stroke wing of medicine.

It appeared that we had some time before the physician would be returning from an emergency call, so we chatted. I asked her about my mother, and she diligently and caring answered, showing both respect and concern. I then proceeded to ask about how she began her nursing career. She proceeded to tell me a story of determination and focus. My interest peaked.

After graduating from nursing school, she pursued employment in the field. There were plenty of opportunities in the United States that included incentives and signing bonuses. Since she had no ties here to hold her back, off she went. She worked on a general floor as a nurse and much enjoyed her convocation.

One day, there appeared an internal posting for a dialysis nurse. Sheila did not have the required experience, but day after day the posting remained on the wall. It seemed that either they were short on nurses with that specialty, or no one was interested in specializing in it. The position would provide a handsome raise in pay, so Sheila thought "What the heck", and applied.

With the closing date a few days away, she decided that this WAS the position for her and decided that she needed to do her homework. During her time off, in between her shifts and on breaks, Sheila did as much research and observation as possible in relation to being a dialysis nurse. She visited the department, took notes and asked some important questions. She was in a positive frame of mind. Even if she did not get the position, she would be ready to apply for the next relative posting to appear.

It worked. She got the call and had an appointment for interview.

When she arrived for the interview, early as usual, she was wearing the exact uniform that the dialysis unit nursing staff wore. Not only did she feel the part, but she looked it too. The questions were hard, but she was ready. She showed the Human Resources Manager that she was prepared to learn and take on the responsibilities of her aim, and she felt quite proud of herself too.

Needless to say, she got the job. Due to the fact that she was new to dialysis, her salary began at the lower end of the posting, but it graduated as she did in relation to her learning.

Sheila has a family now, and has worked in many facets of health care. Early on, she took a positive role in her own life decision and she has benefitted from it ever since. By using this open and eager attitude, she is now able to work where she wishes due to her extensive experience in the nursing field.

Footnote: She is now has the freedom to contemplate working on a part-time basis, which will allow her to focus on her life passions.