Associate Medical

Applicants

Keeping Professional Records

Maintaining your professional records is essential to advancing your career. These records are helpful when applying to a local agency such as Associate Medical Professionals, a travel agency or a full time job.

Records come from several sources:

• employment records
• medical records
• educational records
• personal records

Start now to gather information and keep your records up to date.

• Resume

  The resume provides a clear picture of your work history, ability and experience. Be sure that it presents a clear and concise professional appearance.

• Nursing License

  You must be able to present your current professional license at any interview.

• Federal I-9 Identification Requirements

  The I-9 form is a federal requirement for all employers. You must present two acceptable forms of identification. The state Drivers License and Social Security card are the most common forms of ID, however there are a number of acceptable documents. Check the back of the I-9 form for a complete list.

• Vaccination Records

  Patient care positions require proof of vaccination or positive titer for rubella, rubeola, hepatitis and varicella. You can obtain a copy of these records from several sources:

• Previous hospital employers.
• Educational records (you had to have these to get into nursing school).
• OB records always have a rubella titer.
• Military records.
• Baby records.
• TB Screen

  All patient care positions require TB clearance either through an annual PPD or through chest x-ray. Most facilities will require double testing on hire then annually thereafter. You can speed this process by always having these records available and current. Be aware that if you are submitting a chest x-ray as proof of TB clearance, that you may still need to submit a doctor's clearance annually that certifies that you are free of symptoms of TB.

• Physical Exam

  Large organizations may send you to their own occupational health department for a physical. Agencies often will ask you to obtain a physical. The most pertinent information is a physician or nurse practitioner's certification that you are physically fit for the duties of your position. During any regular visit to your physician, you can request a statement of health and save yourself the cost and time of an extra visit. Keep this up annually so you always have a current physical statement from your doctor available.

• Job References

  Employers will routinely ask for employment references from you. Minimally, you will need to provide the full name of your supervisor, the address (including zip code) and the phone number of each of your current and/or former employers.

  Keep a file of any letters, memos, or acknowledgements of your professional performance. Always keep a copy of any professional performance evaluations from your employers. Start now by requesting copies from your current employer or from a recent employer.

• Peer References

  Organizations are increasingly apt to verify only your dates of employment but will not give out job performance information

  Peer references, especially if accumulated over a period of time or with several employers or assignments, can give a potential employer a good picture of your professional performance. Download our Peer References Form.

  • Peer References Form
• Certifications

  Current health care providers CPR is required. If the card is not available, a statement of date & course from the instructor, or a copy of the sign in log may be acceptable. Any certification you may have will make you stand out as a professional and may qualify you for special assignments. Some of the more common certifications are:

• ACLS
• PALS
• NALS
• TNCC
• CAPE
• Mandt
• Continuing Education Records

  Examples include age-related competency, fire safety, conscious sedation and blood-borne pathogens. Most employers will require that you complete their own education requirements when employed and annually. However, there are many other educational items such as telemetry or training on a particular piece of equipment that can be very helpful. Always keep certificates or records of any training, educational seminar or in-service you attend.

• TB Fit Test

  This test is provided by the employer. It determines the size of the specialized filter mask that you need if you must care for a patient who has a diagnosis of TB. It is helpful to keep a copy of this information.

• Auto Insurance Card / Driving Record

  These will be required if you must drive your car or an employer's vehicle during your course of duty.

• Other Expectations

  There may be other pre-employment requirements depending on the assignment and/or facility that you apply to. These will include:

• Drug Screening
• Criminal Background Check