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Time to write down your career plan. You don't need to write it in stone, as a good career plan is flexible and can change at a later date. But let's get the basics written down so you can organize your thoughts. Your career plan should contain the following sections and topics: Self-Assessment List your likes, dislikes, interests, values, and motivations. List your skills and aptitudes. What are you good at? List your personal resources available for further career training (money, time, accessible schools) Career Exploration Research three possible career paths, including average pay, types of work, and education required to enter the profession. Write down the pros and cons for you in these three optional career paths. Find at least one job advertisement for each of these career paths and evaluate whether the job advertised would be good for you (once you are fully trained for it). Decision-making and Goal-Setting Prioritize your possible career paths. Pick your top choice. Set at least three specific short-term goals that you can measure and achieve within the next year. Set at least two specific long-range goals that you can achieve within five years. Career Action Plan Choose at least one action you can take toward each of your three short-term goals. Choose at least one action your can take toward each of your long-term goals. Include a leadership plan to participate in programs and community service locally and regionally as a healthcare student, identifying at least three opportunities for career development. Organize your career plan clearly and write each required part of the plan. For the lists, you don't need to use complete sentences, but for the other points, use complete sentences so that your thinking process and plan of action are clear.

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Career Plan

Self-Assessment

Likes, Dislikes, Interests, Values, and Motivations

  • Likes: Working with people, solving problems, helping others, continuous learning.
  • Dislikes: Routine tasks, heavy paperwork, working alone for long periods.
  • Interests: Healthcare, community service, mental health advocacy, technology in medicine.
  • Values: Compassion, integrity, professionalism, commitment to lifelong learning.
  • Motivations: Making a difference in people’s lives, personal growth, financial stability, job security.

Skills and Aptitudes

  • Strong communication skills
  • Empathy and active listening
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving
  • Ability to work in a team
  • Organizational skills

Personal Resources Available for Further Career Training

  • Money: Able to save a portion of income; potential for student loans and scholarships.
  • Time: Part-time job allows for study time; flexible evening and weekend classes available.
  • Accessible Schools: Local community college offers healthcare-related programs; online courses available for additional flexibility.

Career Exploration

Possible Career Paths

  1. Registered Nurse (RN)

    • Average Pay: $75,000 per year
    • Types of Work: Patient care, administering medications, collaborating with healthcare teams.
    • Education Required: Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); pass NCLEX-RN.

    Pros: High demand, diverse work environments, opportunities for advancement.
    Cons: Physically and emotionally demanding, long hours, potential for burnout.

    Job Advertisement: RN position at Local Hospital offering various specialties. Evaluating the ad, I would be suited once trained, given my skills in patient interaction and teamwork.

  2. Physical Therapist (PT)

    • Average Pay: $85,000 per year
    • Types of Work: Evaluating patients, developing treatment plans, rehabilitation exercises.
    • Education Required: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT); state licensure.

    Pros: Positive impact on patient recovery, increasing job growth, flexible work environment.
    Cons: Extensive education time, physically demanding work, potential for emotionally draining experiences.

    Job Advertisement: PT position at a rehabilitation center highlighting collaboration with patients and families. Once trained, this aligns well due to my interest in rehabilitation and patient care.

  3. Health Information Manager (HIM)

    • Average Pay: $90,000 per year
    • Types of Work: Managing patient data, ensuring privacy compliance, utilizing technology in health records.
    • Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in health information management; certification preferred.

    Pros: Increasing field with tech integration, typically desk-based, pathway to leadership roles.
    Cons: Less patient interaction, reliant on technology and data systems, challenging compliance requirements.

    Job Advertisement: HIM position at a healthcare facility focusing on data management and compliance. Although it may be less appealing due to the lack of direct patient interaction, I possess analytic skills suitable for this role.

Decision-Making and Goal-Setting

Prioritize Possible Career Paths

  1. Registered Nurse (RN) – Top choice
  2. Physical Therapist (PT)
  3. Health Information Manager (HIM)

Short-Term Goals (within the next year)

  1. Apply and get accepted into a nursing program.
  2. Complete at least two relevant healthcare volunteer activities.
  3. Obtain CPR and First Aid certification.

Long-Range Goals (within five years)

  1. Graduate with my BSN and pass NCLEX-RN.
  2. Gain experience in a healthcare setting and pursue specialized nursing certifications.

Career Action Plan

Short-Term Goals Actions

  1. Apply to Nursing Program: Research local nursing programs and gather application materials by the end of the month.
  2. Healthcare Volunteer Activities: Sign up for volunteer opportunities at a local hospital or health fair by the end of the next month.
  3. CPR and First Aid Certification: Enroll in a CPR class within the next two months.

Long-Term Goals Actions

  1. Graduate and Pass NCLEX-RN: Create a study plan and join a study group after admission to the nursing program.
  2. Pursue Specialized Certifications: Research certifications available in my area of interest after gaining experience and begin enrolling in courses by year four.

Leadership Plan for Career Development

  1. Join Student Nursing Association: Participate in leadership roles, attend workshops, and network with professionals.
  2. Mentor Local High School Students: Volunteer to speak at local schools about pursuing a career in healthcare.
  3. Participate in Health Fairs: Organize and assist local health fairs to provide resources and education to the community while gaining experience in patient interactions.

This career plan serves as a foundation for achieving my professional aspirations within healthcare and will be revisited and adjusted as needed to reflect my growth and changing interests.