When you start a new job in the healthcare field – or any field, really – it can be a very exciting and rewarding time, and the majority of people will ensure that they’re giving 110% right from the get-go. However, the first 90 days at a new job are a lot more important than you might be aware of, as many employers – vast majority, in fact – view this period of time as a probationary period, and they can generally let you go during this time for any reason that they see fit. In this blog, we’re going to explore the reasons why it’s important that you start your new job off on the right foot, and carry that momentum forward for the first three months and beyond. And don’t forget to contact our team today to discuss job opportunities that we currently have available for those who want to take the next step in their career.
First impressions matter
Let’s face it – if you walk into a new job with disheveled clothes, poor grooming, and a general lackadaisical attitude, the chances of you making a good first impression are slim to none. When an employer sees a new employee come into work, they expect that employee to be dressed for success, properly groomed, and above all else, enthusiastic about the work that they’re about to do. This is true for the majority of jobs, but especially true in healthcare – whether you’re a pharmacist, pharmacy technician, pharmacy assistant, registered nurse (RN), registered practical nurse (RPN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), nurse practitioner (NP), or personal support worker (PSW), you always want to ensure that you’re putting your best foot forward from the start.
Avoid excessive breaks and absences
The vast majority of RPI Consulting Group’s candidates are hard-working and receive nothing buy positive feedback from out clients, but every so often we’ll hear back from a client who isn’t happy with a particular candidate’s performance. Over the years, we’ve had clients have issues with:
- Candidates taking excessive cigarette breaks (for example, every 1-2 hours)
- Candidates taking excessive washroom breaks
- Candidates calling in sick only one or two days after beginning to work, and then continuing this trend in the following weeks
We understand that some things are simply beyond a candidate’s control – if you’re sick, you’re sick, especially during an ongoing pandemic. But during your first 90 days at a job, you should strive to have a strong attendance and do your best to not take excessive breaks of any kind.
Have a pleasant attitude
It’s always a wise course of action to start any new job in as positive a manner as possible, as this can help endear you to your new colleagues and, most important, management. Be friendly, have an overall positive attitude, and do you best to get along with everyone that you interact with in your new work setting – it can only lead to bigger and better things!
Think about the future of your career
At the end of the day, the average person’s goal is to find a job that they can ultimately turn into a lifelong career – while there are people out there who might enjoy ‘job-hopping’ or prefer to do the bare minimum in order to live their lives, it’s much more fulfilling to settle into a role that you can excel at for the rest of your life. If you enter a new job and truly strive to work to the best of your ability for that first 90 days, you’ve just taken an important step in what could be a steady career path. Don’t forget: after the 90-day probationary period is when many workplaces begin to provide perks to their employees, such as vacation time, benefits, and more.
In closing
The main takeaway of this blog is one that we’ve mentioned many times throughout – when you start a new job, view the first 90 days as a very important probationary period that can ultimately set you on the course for the rest of your career. 99% of the population has to work to pay the bills, not because they want to, but if you give 110% and are passionate about the work you do, it can lead to a great career – and all of the success that comes with it – in the future.
