A New Job Description With a DNP
Q: I'd like to propose a new job description to my manager when I graduate with a DNP. Any thoughts on how to do this or how to create the job description?
It is a good time to transition into a new role when you graduate with your DNP. A new job description will help you do just that. The first step in creating the ideal job description is to define this position by visualizing what you want to do and where you want to be. Then, provide a summary overview of what your position entails by providing a list of job duties and responsibilities. Be clear, specific and concise because these are expectations that you are accountable for and are evaluated by. These duties should reflect the skills, experiences, credentials, certifications and educational levels needed to successfully perform them. Keep the list of responsibility manageable to about eight to 12 items. You may want to group related duties into a main responsibility area, such as administrative, managerial, supervisory or financial responsibilities; clinical responsibilities; and health promotional, communication, health IT, training/educational, and health and safety/QI-related responsibilities. Begin each category of responsibility with an action verb stated in the present tense. A job description should provide a clear picture of what you do.
I recommend that you develop this job description with your employer to meet areas of needs that are mutually agreed upon. Job descriptions serve important purposes in an organization. They serve to manage roles and ensure organization structure, as well as determine hiring practices are fair and free from discrimination. They are also used to determine pay and grading systems and serve as a reference tools for recruitment, training and development, disciplinary, promotional/progression and workflow purposes. Therefore, your proposed job description needs to align with the existing structure of your organization.
Last but not least, make sure that your proposed job description contains all the elements required by your organization such as a job title, the relevant department, the person to whom you report/by whom you are supervised, a job purpose, key responsibilities and accountabilities and minimum job requirements. You may want to start with your current job description as a template. Then, turn on an Internet search engine. There are plenty of instructions, templates and ideas at your fingertips, but be creative and think outside the box. Wouldn't it be wonderful to be rewarded with an ideal job!
Editor's note: At the DNP Answers blog, nurse practitioners with a DNP answer your questions about the degree. This question is answered by blogger Mai Kung, NP, DNP. Comment below to discuss this topic, or send new questions to jford@advanceweb.com.
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