8 Ways to Boost Your Finance Functions Innovation Quotient

8 Ways to Boost Your Finance Functions Innovation Quotient8 Ways to Boost Your Finance Functions Innovation QuotientIs innovation a strength of your employees? If it is, youre part of a select group of companies, recent research suggests.In the Robert Half Management Resources survey, 31 percent of chief financial officers said they consider their staff members very innovative. Most CFOs felt their staff are generally adept in this area but also noted room for improvement.Following are eight tips to foster a creative work environment and ensure innovation is a strength of your team.1. Build an idea-friendly culture.Make innovation a staple of your corporate culture, starting with the hiring process. When staff members at all levels feel empowered and actively participate in solving the companys challenges, they have an emotional stake in the firms success and tend to be more creative.The survey results also suggest firms recognize this need and are taking a number of steps to foster innovation. For example, the majority of CFOs said their companies provide their employees additional training and offer rewards for successful new ideas.2. Break down bureaucratic barriers.In a previous Robert Half survey, nearly one in four CFOs cited too much bureaucracy as the greatest obstacle to innovation at their organization. Look for ways to streamline processes. In addition to slowing down the creative process, red tape can demoralize staff and inhibit the flow of new ideas.3. Make sure finance has a voice and the organization listens.Your accounting and finance staff enjoy a unique perspective. Make sure theyre able to use it to contribute across the organization. For example, accounting and finance professionals can use their business analytics skills to spot organizational inefficiencies and identify new areas for growth.(Research) from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) finds that management accountants , led by the CFO, play a vital and growing role in driving advancements at some of the worlds most innovative companies, noted CGMA Magazine. In those businesses, the CFO and finance team are deeply embedded in the process of innovation and have a clear framework to let new ideas take shape.4. Brainstorm constructively.When discussing new ideas, let them flow at breakneck speeds. The time to critique and then perfect them will come later. Ask staff to build on colleagues ideas not tear them down and ensure collaboration rules over competition.5. Encourage breaks.When employees are consistently overworked, there likely will be more uh-oh than a-ha moments. Make sure staff arent so buried in their to-do lists they dont have time for creative thinking.6. Set the right example.Your team will take their cue from you, so make sure youre regularly proposing fresh ideas. Monitor current business and industry trends and best practices, and share your findings with staff.Dont be afraid to m ix things up, and give personnel the freedom to do the same. Listen to music, watch a funny video, talk to people from other parts of the company anything to break you out of your routine and provide a fresh outlook on issues affecting your department and firm.7. Tap an outside perspective.For an infusion of new ideas, consider engaging an external expert. Consultantsoffer independent opinions without being hindered by internal politics or having to do something a certain way because thats how its always been done.Companies also benefit from the wisdom these professionals have cultivated through success and in different environments. Consultants, said Paul McDonald, senior executive director of Robert Half, can be engaged to bring specialized skill sets and insights shaped by best practices learned from diverse experiences, companies and industries.8. Say thank you.Letting people know you appreciate their work will both motivate them and reinforce the type of creative thinking you expect from staff members. Note the fruits of employee suggestions. Even thoughtful proposals that couldnt be implemented or were transformed along the way should be praised.What steps do you take to keep your companys innovation engine running?Related postFinance with Foresight 5 Ways CFOs Can Provide More Effective Strategic GuidancePhoto credit Idea, by Joey Gannon, some rights reserved

How to Get a Job as a Nurse

How to Get a Job as a NurseHow to Get a Job as a NurseInterested in becoming a nurse? Heres infassonation on nursing education and experience requirements, where to find job listings, and tips for acing an einstellungsgesprch. Types of Nurses There are many different types of nurses, but most fall into the categories of LPN, RN, or NP. Licensed Practitioner Nurses(LPNs), in some states called Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), do basic patient care under the supervision of doctors or mora highly trained nurses. They can enter the field simply by taking a short training program and passing a test. Some find that an associate degree provides mora career flexibility for the same certification. While the certification itself is national, state requirements for practice vary, so make sure your training program is approved by the state where you wish to work. Nurse Practitioners (NPs) can do much of the work doctors normally do, though state law varies. To become an NP, first become an RN, then complete a graduate program, a required number of clinical hours, and an additional test. Additional, more focused training may also be required. Some NPs earn doctorates, especially if they want to get into administrative work. Registered Nurses(RNs) have more responsibility and make more money than LPNs. To become an RN, complete an associate or bachelors degree program, and complete a national test. Some states may require additional steps for state licensure. Periodic re-testing is also required. A masters degree opens up further career options. Requirements for Registered Nurses Registered nurses must complete coursework in nursing, anatomy, physiology, psychology, biology, microbiology, and chemistry as part of a bachelors degree, associates degree, or hospital-based diploma program. In order to be licensed, registered nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination after completing a state-approved academic program. Registered nurses must have suffic ient scientific aptitude to master the required science coursework and learn the medical concepts which form the foundation of nursing. They need to have the capacity to remember scientific, pharmaceutical, and medical terminology. Registered nurses need to have a caring and empathic nature to connect with patients and provide the support critical to their recovery. They must be able to do so while maintaining sufficient emotional distance to avoid internalizing patient problems. Patience is required to deal with patients who react to their illness with strong emotions or need to have information repeated many times. Registered nurses must have strong communications skills to convey complex information in simple terms to patients and to interact effectively with other hospital staff. Problem-solving and critical thinking skills are needed to interpret emerging information about the health status of patients. Registered nurses must be well organized and detail-oriented to keep track of multiple patients. In order to gain admission to nursing programs, you will need to demonstrate that you are comfortable interacting with sick or injured people. Volunteer at a local hospital or nursing home while you are in high school, if possible. Working as a paramedic or getting certified as a nurses aide are other ways for you to gain clinical experience. How to Get a Job as a Nurse Heres a nursing career overview. Also review a list ofnursing skillsfor resumes, cover letters, and job applications. Tap specialized nursing job sites. The easiest way to find sites with job listings for nurses is to search Google for nurse job sites. Also, search job sites which have listings from many different online sources like Indeed.com and Simplyhired.com using keywords such nurse, RN, and Registered Nurse, and the location where you would like to work to generate more job leads. Ask your college career office about Nursing Career Days at your school or in the surrounding area and p lan to attend if possible. Inquire about alumni contacts in nursing and healthcare. Contact these individuals for advice and perspective on your job search and career. These informational interviews can often lead to referrals for jobs. Contact former employers, clinical supervisors, faculty, family, and friends to get other referrals for informational consultations. Join Nursing Associations and attend conferences and workshops to meet with other nursing professionals. Volunteer to help organize meetings to gain even greater exposure to fellow members. Ask faculty for recommendations about the best organizations. If you are looking for temporary or per diem positions, consider using a staffing agency like nursefinders.com. If youve been out of the workforce for a while, here are tips for how to return to nursing after a career break. Interviewing for a Nursing Job Nursing candidates must prove to interviewers that they have the right set of clinical skills and personal qualitie s to handle demanding nursing positions. Be prepared to reference a list of your clinical skills and provide examples of situations where you applied those skills. You will be asked about challenges you have met and problems which you have solved in patient care contexts. Be ready to share specific patient scenarios where you intervened with difficult cases and individuals to help generate positive outcomes. Nurses must be effective team members and get along with challenging personalities. Be prepared to share examples of how you have dealt with difficult colleagues. In addition, you will need to convince employers that you are aware of your weaknesses and are prepared to take steps to improve your performance. An effective approach can be to mention historical weaknesses and steps you have taken to address those areas. Practice responding to typical nursing interview questions with faculty, advisors, family, friends, or career officestaff. Job Interview Follow Up Send a thank you letter immediately after your interview and convey your high level of interest in the job, why that position and healthcare organization are an excellent fit, and your gratitude for the opportunity. Address any issues about your candidacy which may have surfaced in the interview in a positive manner, if possible. Salary Information Registered Nurse Licensed Practical Nurse Nurse Practitioner Nursing Assistant Medical Assistant

Beat the Heat Cool Summer Jobs

Beat the Heat Cool Summer JobsBeat the Heat Cool Summer JobsTourists and vacationers flock to sunny beaches, crowded theme parks and shaded mountain cabins in the summer for much-needed rest and relaxation. These holiday-goers have spent months making their travel plans, picking the most relaxing or exciting destination. As vacationers pack their bags and prepare for their trips, job seekers and adventurers could take a cue from them and plan their summer jobs.Nationwide the most in-demand summer jobs are in retail, customer service and food service. Using Mashables Top 10 US Summer Travel Destinations for 2014 as a guide, Simply Hired has pinpointed the most in-demand and unique summer jobs in some of Americans favorite travel destinations.1.Tour Guide in Key West, FLEach summer tourists flock to the island of Key West for the Spanish history, Cuban food, Naval Air Station, freely roaming chickens and to lounge on beautiful beaches. With so many sites, becoming a tour guide is a fun way to experience the charming schauplatz while making a salary. This kind of job works well for someone with an outgoing personality who enjoys meeting new people. According to Simply Hireds Salary Estimator, the average tour guides salary in Key West is $37,000.2.Nanny in San Diego, CADo you like children? Are you looking for a flexible summer job that will give you the opportunity to enjoy plenty of free time in a beautiful setting? With beaches and sunny weather, San Diego could be the ideal place to become a nanny. With children-friendly destinations like baseball stadium Petco Park, SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo and LEGOLAND, it will never be difficult to entertain your charges. According to Simply Hireds Salary Estimator, the average nanny salary in San Diego is $30,000.3.Product Promoter in San Francisco, CAFor personable people who are comfortable selling and marketing products, becoming a product promoter can be a great summer job. Responsible for setting up displays, demon strating or explaining products and services, as well as providing product samples, product promoters are experts in customer service. Become a chocolate promoter in Ghirardelli Square and walk Fishermans Wharf after a shift. According to Simply Hireds Salary Estimator, the average product promoter in San Francisco makes $56,000.4.Teller in Virginia Beach, VABank tellers are an in-demand role across the country, especially in vacation destinations. Responsible for receiving and distributing money, people who excel in this position have a good grasp of basic math, the English language, clerical skills and customer service. Consider becoming a bank teller during the summer months in Virginia Beach to afford the citys 11 beautiful golf courses, the boardwalk and gorgeous Atlantic Ocean beaches. The average teller salary in Virginia Beach is $32,000.5.Parking Lot Attendant in Orlando, FLInterested in visiting The Theme Park Capital of the World? Its expensive to sample all of the amazin g theme parks in the area including Disney World, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, City Walk, SeaWorld, Gatorland and Wet n Wild Water Park. With over 51 mio tourists a year visiting the city, the theme parks, hotels, restaurants and other destinations are always in vital need of parking lot attendants. Its a good way to earn some summer cash, just make sure that your driving record is spotless. The average parking lot attendant in Orlando earns $14,000, but that doesnt include tips.6.Merchandise Displayers in Ocean City, MDFamous for its Ocean City Boardwalk and shopping district, an easy way to enjoy the summer sunshine and fresh seaside air in Ocean City is to become a merchandise displayer. Merchandise displayers and window trimmers are responsible for helping retail stores display their goods for sale. During vacation months, small businesses strive to increase their profits by drawing in curious tourists to their storefronts. According to Simply Hireds Salary Estimator , the average window trimmer in Ocean City earns $23,000.7.Food Preparation and Serving Destin, FAKnown as The Worlds Luckiest Fishing Village, each summer Destin is overrun with tourists happy to relax on its famous white sand beaches. According to Simply Hireds data, the most in-demand roles in Destin during the summer are in food preparation (Its important to keep those tourists fed during Destins annual Seafood Festival.) According to Simply Hireds Salary Estimator, food preparers in Destin can earn $21,000.8.Training and Development Specialists in New York City, NYIn financial and cultural hub New York, tourists flock to attend Broadway shows, see the lights of Time Square and explore the history of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. However, regular city dwellers generally evacuate the city during the summer months to escape the heat and humidity, leaving tourists to roam the streets. To enjoy the best of both worlds try becoming an in-demand training specialist who speci alizes in providing on-the-job training to help workers maintain or improve job skills. On average, training development specialists in New York earn $76,000.9.Nonfarm Animal Caretaker in Las Vegas, NVSin City is known for its raucous parties, scorching summer days and vivid nightlife. However, did you know that animal caretakers are in demand? From becoming a cat sitter, dog walker or maybe caring for the MGM lions, there is a great opportunity to combine a love of animals and Las Vegas into a fun summer job. The average animal caretaker in Las Vegas earns $27,000.10. Hotel, Motel and Resort Desk Clerk in Myrtle Beach, SCManmade island Myrtle Beach is one of the United States top tourist destinations. With its humid subtropical climate, the city enjoys year-round sunshine and vacationers revel in its boardwalk and The Carolina Opry. With this large volume of tourists each summer, hotels desperately need a steady influx of candidates for hotel desk clerks. Perfect for customer servi ce professionals, hotel desk clerks earn on average $28,000 in Myrtle Beach.As you start making your travel plans for next summer, keep in mind the fun jobs that you can get in those locations to help fund your trip. Have you had an interesting summer job in an exotic location? Comment below and tell us about it.