Nursing school did not adequately prepare me for this role" and "Why didn't anyone tell me about this when I was a student?" are commonly heard complaints from new nurses during their first two "rite of passage" years following graduation. But this transition to professional practice-fraught with challenges, anxiety, triumphs and tears-does not have to be so difficult. The Nurse Professional helps novices to prepare for their transition into a "real world" role from student role through graduation, NCLEX success, job search, first job, and beyond. It is the only book to cover all of the steps that new nurses must take to ensure a smooth transition into the professional role. The author is a nurse educator and mentor with extensive experience in recruiting and orienting nurses. Dr. Hunt also is co-founder of the Nurse Advocacy Forum, providing advocacy, support, networking, professional development, leadership, and mentoring to students and new graduate nurses. She offers sound advice regarding the most current issues facing new nurses and practical strategies for getting a job of one's choice, describes steps to take well before graduation to ensure a smooth transition to professional practice, and addresses the various indicators of academic achievement, that are required for employment at some nursing facilities. She also discusses the benefits of externships, internships, professional development, and networking, how to develop a winning portfolio, and how to successfully transition into professional practice. It provides information workplace bullying and how to deal with it, the importance of self-care, self-advocacy and networking; writing a resume; interview skills; and much more. The book's website includes PowerPoint slides and templates for role play/simulation scenarios for faculty use. Key Features: "Top Ten Tips" in each chapter concisely highlight important topics. Samples of useful forms and documents are available in the Appendix. Delivers specific, practical strategies and exercises for a successful transition and entry into practice Written by an experienced nurse/educator and nurse mentor with extensive experience regarding how new nurses transition into practice