NURSES CAN HAVE A SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN PHARMA

Are you a nurse? This article may be useful if you are interested in pursuing a career in the pharmaceutical industry.

 

An RN with a BSN degree and clinical experience who is interested in career options outside the direct nursing profession may want to explore the field of pharmaceuticals. 

One major benefit of having nursing experience is the numerous and diverse jobs that are available. Although most nurses will practice in some type of patient care setting, there are a number of well-paid jobs that do not involve direct patient care.

The pharmaceutical industry (pharma) presents several options for nurses who are comfortable in a business environment and can apply their knowledge of healthcare and healthcare systems to support the objectives of a pharmaceutical company.

The pharmaceutical industry develops, tests, produces, markets drugs licensed for use as medications, and spends a large amount of money for advertising, marketing, and lobbying.  The sales people they employ, pharmaceutical representatives, market personally and directly to physicians and other healthcare providers.  A career in pharmaceutical research gives an RN an opportunity to combine pharmaceutical-related work with a more traditional nursing career, working with patients in clinical drug trials.

Find out main areas:

Pharmaceutical Sales – Collaborating with healthcare society:

A career in pharmaceutical sales allows an RN to combine his/her knowledge of pharmacology with an understanding of the healthcare system.  Representatives meet with pharmacists and physicians to make them aware of new drugs on the market and of new uses for existing drugs.  The representative will usually have a list of physicians, attempting to contact each one in person every few weeks.

Requirements for employment as a pharmaceutical representative include a bachelor’s degree (strongly recommended); the ability to travel to clients’ workplaces; strong communication skills; an in-depth understanding of complex health sciences such as biotechnology, pharmacology, and epidemiology; and strong negotiating and social skills.  A background in sales and marketing would also be helpful, but each company has a rigorous training program that will emphasize these important topics.  The majority of employers pay commission for any sale a representative closes, and many employers also pay a base salary.  The representative may also be compensated for additional expenses created on the job, depending on the employer.

Pharmaceutical Research:

                                                                        

A career in pharmaceutical research offers an RN the opportunity to maintain contact with patients through clinical trials.  When human subjects are used in the testing of drugs, they must be monitored when the drugs are administered and at specified intervals.  RNs are generally responsible for the ongoing monitoring process which consists of duties such as interviewing patients, recording vital signs, reviewing lab values, and documentation of the trial process.  They may also have the opportunity to become involved in other aspects of the clinical trial such as data analysis, selection and recruitment of research subjects, and possibly coordinating and overseeing the administration of trials under supervision of the principal investigator.  For the interested, experienced RN there is a certification examination available. Once passed, the RN will have a title of “Certified Clinical Research Professional”.

An RN interested in a career change to the pharmaceutical industry brings a unique set of skills and knowledge to a setting where they are respected as a professional; have opportunity for advancement; and have the chance to work autonomously, setting their own hours and schedule.

◄Research Nurse

Research nurses are the eyes, ears and hands that conduct much of today's clinical research. Working with the principal investigator and research coordinators, staff research nurses participate in clinical trials that evaluate new drugs and medical devices. They evaluate potential studies, screen and schedule patients, conduct patient visits according to protocols, review patient progress and help report study results.

These nurses typically work in academic medical centers, educational institutions, pharmaceutical companies and private research foundations, but private-practice physicians are now also hiring research nurses.

 

Qualifications do Nurses Need to Work in Pharmaceutical Companies

Most pharmaceutical industry positions for nurses require at least a bachelors of science degree in nursing (BSN) and several years of experience. Nurse educators, professors, and researchers are a good fit for pharmaceutical companies. Nurses that specialize in a therapeutic area that the pharmaceutical or medical device company manufactures products for have a better chance of getting their foot in the door.

For example, a company that manufactures drugs for acute care will seek nurses that have worked in critical care or the emergency room. While a company that manufacturers surgical products may welcome nurses that have worked in surgery. Another important reason why these companies want nurses as part of their team is the relationships that they have with key thought leaders in their area of expertise.

After all, one major objective for pharmaceutical companies is building relationships with top influencers. Nurses that have the desired connections can find very comfortable and enjoyable roles in the pharmaceutical industry.

Common Types of Jobs suitable  for Nurses at Pharmaceutical Companies:

Here are examples of pharmaceutical industry jobs for nurses. 

◄Medical Science Liaison (MSL)

MSLs positions have proliferated in the last several years. This role involves building relationships with key decision makers and educating healthcare providers about the latest research and treatment guidelines that impact use of the company's products. MSLs work closely with the sales and marketing teams to support the company's educational and product promotion efforts. This role involves giving one-one and group presentations. MSLs work from home and travel to meet with customers.

◄Clinical Research Associates (CRA)

Clinical research associates either work in the main research facility or work remotely in the field. Their main responsibility is to facilitate enrollment, data collection and provide site support for clinical trials. They give presentations, answer questions about the clinical trial, and help investigators solve problems that may impede enrollment or data collection. This role may involve travel. Nurses that have experience in research are a good fit for the CRA role.

HOW TO BECOME CRA:

READ HERE

GCP TRAINING:

READ HERE;

◄Medical Information& Medical education

● Medical Information is a great entry point into the pharmaceutical industry. Most companies tend to prefer PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) professionals for this department but nurses can thrive in this role. These professionals develop responses and answer questions from healthcare providers and patients about the company's products. This job requires good writing, verbal communication skills, and a passion for finding answers to questions.

●Patients Educators’ role is crucial for patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis who often need help learning how to take and manage their many medications and life style.  For that reason, drug companies, including Berlex, Pfizer and Serono, are recruiting RNs to serve as patient educators, pioneering a new avenue for nurses who choose to practice in patients’ homes. Nurses  educators assist avoiding errors and dangerous interactions through patients’ education.
 At the same time, pharmaceutical makers maintain informed and save ways to keep patients on those medications to both ensure the drugs’ efficacy and maintain sales.

● Pharmaceutical, Medical Equipment and Supply Educators: These nurses educate the hospital staff members who will be using the endless stream of new medical equipment, supplies and pharmaceuticals

● Telemedicine Nurses: Interacting with patients via phone or Internet, these nurses advise managed-care subscribers based on physician-developed protocols. Academic medical centers often employ nurses as research assistants to perform telephone consultations with patients participating in clinical trials.

◄Drug Safety (Pharmacovigilance)

This a popular department for nurses. Drug safety collects, evaluates, and looks for signals in adverse event reports about the company's products. They are involved in clinical trials safety reporting, post marketing safety reporting, and they work closely with regulatory personnel. This is also a great entry point into the Pharmaceutical industry.

◄Regulatory

This department ensures that all the company's promotional materials are within FDA guidelines. They work closely with the sales, marketing, medical and clinical research teams to ensure compliance with FDA rules and regulations that govern many aspects of the pharmaceutical industry. Additional courses and on-the-job training will be required for this role.

◄Sales

Many nurses start their career in the pharmaceutical industry via sales because they already have the customer relationships, understand the therapeutic area, and if they can learn the business aspects they will succeed in this role. There is a lot of travel involved in sales and you have to be comfortable with making cold calls.

What are Nursing Salaries in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Level of income is one of the key factor attracting nurses to search job opportunities in pharma industry.

The pharmaceutical industry typically pays more than clinical practice. Pay will vary depending your role, experience and responsibilities. After adding bonuses, stock options or grants, a car (MSL or sales positions), and other perks, nurses receive better compensation in the pharmaceutical industry.

 

Are you a GOOD NURSE?

These days, nursing is one of the most in-demand careers. A nurse is an integral part of the health care profession. There are a number of institutes all over the world, which offer different courses in nursing. Nursing profession is just not a great way of making money. It is considered as a holy profession, serving the human being. This profession demands skill, hard work and devotion. To become a good nurse, a person should have the qualities such as passion, interpersonal skill, presence of mind and commitment. Let’s know more about the qualities of a good nurse.

Qualities of a Good Nurse

It’s not that easy to make a career in nursing profession. For that, you should be prepared for extreme hard work and dedication. Here are some qualities that a good nurse should have:

• A good nurse should be highly qualified and trained. She/he should have a sound knowledge of the nursing profession, obtained from a reputed institute. He/she should always be ready to learn more. Good professional skills are a must for the nurse.
• As a nurse is more frequently in contact with the patients, he/she should have excellent communication skills. These include speaking as well as listening skills. The nurse should be able to openly talk with the patients and their family members in order to understand their needs and expectations. He/she should be able to explain the treatment given to the patient.
• Watchfulness is an important quality of a good nurse. He/she should be alert every moment about the condition of a patient. He/she should be able to notice a minor change in the patient’s health status.
• A good nurse should have an emotional stability. Nursing is a very stressful job. Everyday the nurses witness severe traumatic situations, surgeries and deaths. The nurse should be mentally strong and should not get disturbed by such incidences.
• Good presence of mind is crucial in the nursing profession. In any critical condition or medical emergency, if the doctor is not there, then the nurse should not get confused. He/she should be confident enough to take the correct decisions.
• Kindness and empathy are the qualities that every nurse should possess. The nurse should be calm and kind to the patients, even if they are aggressive. The nurse should understand the pains and suffering of patients. He/she should provide comfort and sympathy to the patients, instead of getting angry with them.
• A good nurse should be flexible about his/her working hours and responsibilities. Nursing is a time demanding profession. It’s not like that to work for specific hours. Medical emergencies can occur at any time. Nurses often have to extend their duty hours, work in overnight shifts, or work on weekends too. They should not complain about that.
• A good nurse should have a strong physical endurance. He/she should be able to perform a number of taxing maneuvers, stand up for a long period of time or lift heavy objects/people on a daily basis.
• A nurse should have a respect for people and rules. He/she should be devoted to the profession. He/she should be aware of different cultures and traditions and confidentiality requirements of the patients. He/she should respect the wishes of the patients.
• A nurse should be active and cheerful. Her/his presence should make the patient relaxed and comfortable. The nurse’s pleasant appearance can reduce the patient’s stress and pains. His/her voice should be soft and gentle.

A nurse having these qualities is like an angel for the patients. They can rely on such committed, prompt and skilled nurse for their well-being.

75 TOP INTERVIEW QUESTIONS FOR NURSES

FACE-TO-FACE  INTERVIEW TIPS FOR NURSES

● Google your employer-to-be

Look them up on the internet. Find out how big the hospital is; how many beds it has; the number of staff; what does it specialise in; is it private, semi-private or state-run; is there public opinion about their quality of service; their code of excellence; employee rules and regulations and employee benefits.

● Prior interview

It is always a good idea (and a courteous one which shows manners and initiative) to confirm with your prospective interviewer (or his or her secretary) the interview arrangements by email or phone once you have been invited to attend the interview. Then it is necessary to plan your route and time of travel to the interview. The best way to do this is to actually go to A place of interview around the same time you would when the big day comes. Being late is unprofessional and actually putsS you under  unwanted stress. The night before the interview set aside all the clothing you will wear, any mandatory documentation you may need to take along, a packed meal with juice or water. If you are having an interview in the morning try to have breakfast (there is nothing more unsettling than a tummy that keeps growling from hunger). Get a good night sleep.

● Arrival

If you are organized you will have arrived at your interview in good time and will have some time to compose yourself. Use the rest room to check your appearance. You might want to apply fresh makeup, use the lavatory, comb your hair, straighten your tie. This will give you the opportunity to make sure you are ship shape and looking a million dollars.

●  Start

Greet the person ushering you into the room, smile and greet the other interviewers, ask if you may take a seat and place your bag alongside you. Place all your documentation and stationery on your desk before the start of the interview.

● Be calm

If you are still nervous, then do not accept their offer for a drink. Awkward questions will come up, but you will be prepared for them. If you have shaky hands then just place one hand on top of the other and keep them on your lap. As you gain confidence throughout the interview and your mind drifts away from the issue you will find that the shaking will naturally ease and it should no longer prove a problem. Sit upright and maintain eye-contact by scanning your interviewers.

● Don’t

Cross your arms; sit on the edge of your seat; play with your face, hair or jewellery; rock on your seat; interrupt when being asked a question or answer in monosyllables (unless the answer dictates it).

● Do.. !

Maintain a good posture; keep your hands on your lap; be articulate and listen to each question very carefully; smile and maintain eye contact.

TYPICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:

1.    Tell me about yourself.

2.    Are you registered with NMC? What is your PIN number?

3.    Tell us about the biggest challenge you have ever faced in your career.

4.    Why did you choose your area of specialty?

5.    What qualities do you think you can bring to this job position?

6.    How long do you expect to work for us?

7.    What is your greatest strength?

8.    What is your biggest weakness?

9.    Where do you see yourself in five years time?

10.  What do your colleagues say about you?

11.  What interests do you have outside of work?

12.  What type of books or publications do you read?

13.  What courses have you attended to continue your professional development?

14.  Have you published any research recently?

15.  What sort of decisions do you find most difficult to make?

16.  What do you expect to earn in the position?

17.  How well do you work in a stressful environment?

18.  One of your colleagues suffers from stress. What do you do?

19.  If you were appointed to this position, how long would it be before you would expect a promotion?

20.  What sort of people do you find it difficult to work with?

21.  Have you attended other interviews as well as this one?

22.  Are you a good leader?

23.  One of your nursing staff calls in sick even though you suspect they are being dishonest. As a nurse manager how would you respond to this and what would you do to resolve this situation?

24.  How do you feel about taking directions from your superiors?

25.  How do you feel about carrying out mundane or repetitive work?

26.  How well do you handle criticism?

27.  How well do you work within a team environment?

28.  What motivates you?

29.  How do you deal with interpersonal problems within a team?

30.  What part of your job do you dislike the most?

31.  How do you feel about being a mentor to students?

32.  How do you feel about rotational/shift work?

33.  Why have you decided to become a nurse>

34.  Tell me about yourself.

35.  Why have you decided to move to the UK / Ireland?

36.  Tell us about the biggest challenge you have ever faced in your career.

37.  Why did you choose your area of specialty?

38.  What qualities do you think you can bring to this job position?

39.  How long do you expect to work for us?

40.  What is your greatest strength?

41.  What is your biggest weakness?

42.  Where do you see yourself in five years time?

43.  What do your colleagues say about you?

44.  What interests do you have outside of work?

45.  What type of books or publications do you read?

46.  What courses have you attended to continue your professional development?

47.  Have you published any research recently?

48.  What sort of decisions do you find most difficult to make?

49.  What do you expect to earn in the position?

50.  How well do you work in a stressful environment?

51.  One of your colleagues suffers from stress. What do you do?

52.  If you were appointed to this position, how long would it be before you would expect a promotion?

53.  What sort of people do you find it difficult to work with?

54.  Have you attended other interviews as well as this one?

55.  Are you a good leader?

56.  One of your nursing staff calls in sick even though you suspect they are being dishonest. As a nurse manager how would you respond to this and what would you do to resolve this situation?

57.  How do you feel about taking directions from your superiors?

58.  How do you feel about carrying out mundane or repetitive work?

59.  How well do you handle criticism?

60.  How well do you work within a team environment?

61.  What motivates you?

62.  How do you deal with interpersonal problems within a team?

63.  What part of your job do you dislike the most?

64.  How do you feel about being a mentor to students?

65.  How do you feel about rotational/shift work?

THE MOST COMMON  QUESTIONS ABOUT PROCEDURES:

66.  How do you prevent bed-sores of  an immobile patient? 
67.  Do you know 6 rights of medications administration?

68.  How would you activate a patient with Dementia ?

69.  What would you do if you found one of your patients lying on the floor.

70.  What would you do if one of your patients fell from his bed?

71.  Describe stage 4 pressure ulcer.

72.  How do you understand fall risk assessment procedure.

73.  What would you do if you found a bruise on your patient’s body.

74.  What would you do if you noticed that one of care assistants abused a patient.

75.  How do you understand “ patient-centered-care”.

MOST COMMON QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS

Question 1: Tell us something about yourself.

It is the most common question, which gives you an open-ended opportunity to point out your strengths and skills. Instead of wasting time in explaining your educational history; let the interviewer know that you are the perfect person for the respective job. You can also illustrate by giving examples.

Question 2: Why do you want to work in the healthcare sector?

A person, who decides to become a nurse, has some different reasons other than earning money, to enter this field. This question gives you a chance to express your desire to help out individuals and how important human life is for you.

Sample Answer: I believe that with this profession, I can make a difference, and make people feel better. Seeing so many people in pain and misery motivated me to practice nursing.

Question 3: Why are you leaving your current job?

Instead of criticizing your previous job, pinpoint the positive aspects. Never give a negative reason for leaving, stay away from bad mouthing your employer or colleagues. Focus on the opportunities that will come with the new job.

Sample Answer: My previous job taught me so many things and developed necessary qualities required to be a proficient nurse. But now, there is no room for growth, and I am looking forward for new challenges to thrive in nursing.

Question 4: Where do you see yourself in five years?

The main objective of the interrogator is to know whether you are a career-oriented, ambitious, determined worker and have a positive outlook in nursing. So, avoid discussing your dreams and share an answer, which exhibits your real commitment and interest.

Sample Answer: In 5 years, I would like to have profound knowledge of nursing by way of earning a doctoral degree, so that I can serve people with more advanced techniques.

Question 5: Why should WE hire you?

It’s the job of an interviewer to hire the best person for the position. This question gives you a golden chance to impress the recruiter by highlighting your skills and qualities.

QUALITIES OF A GOOD NURSE TO ASSIT YOU:

Sample Answer: You should hire me because I have 4 years of experience in nursing that equips me with the ability to handle critical cases with utmost patience. I can be an asset for your health care centre and strength in times of weakness. I will do my best to bring innovation in nursing that can improve health care outcomes.

Question 6: How would you handle a patient, who complains about everything?

The main motto of asking this question is to determine whether you are capable of handling difficult situations or not. While answering this question, you can share any difficult situation that you have managed in your previous workplace.

Sample Answer:  The major reason of complaints is their diseases, which makes them unhappy. As a nurse, I would understand their situation, listen and reassure them that the best possible services are given to them.

Question 7: What is the most difficult part of being a nurse?

Nursing is not an easy job. You keep on learning throughout your career. By asking this question, the interviewer wants to know your views about the hardships of this profession.

Sample Answer: According to me, the most intricate part of being a nurse is having a patient, who suffers from an incapacitating disease, which is incurable.

Question 8: Discuss your biggest strengths and weaknesses.

The interviewer wants to check your strengths in order to match them with the job requirements. Prepare a list of three or more strengths, such as your leadership qualities, optimistic approach, interpersonal skills, that can be a treasure for the organization. Be very honest about your weakness, discuss them and mention the measures for improving them.

Sample Answer: I have outstanding leadership qualities and interpersonal skills, which help me to coordinate well with my colleagues.

I do not quit easily, until the work is done in a proper manner; it’s my major weakness.

Question 9: What measures have you taken to upgrade your knowledge?

If you have attended any seminar or pursued a degree for the sake of enhancing your knowledge and competency in working, mention them.

Sample Answer: I enrolled myself in an advanced course for improving my managerial skills and also attended various seminars for enhancing interpersonal skills.

Question 10: Describe your former supervisor.

Don’t commit the mistake of criticizing your former supervisor, stay positive and state what you have learned from him.

Sample Answer: Kevin was a competent supervisor with exceptional leadership qualities, who always maintained healthy interpersonal relationship. I have learned a lot from her.

Question 11:  What motivates you to work in the nursing field?

This question is really a huge opportunity; grasp it by highlighting your positive features rather than giving vague answers. You can also illustrate your real life experiences.

Sample Answer: Critical situations and tough patients motivate me. In my last job, I was confronted with a patient, who was not handled by a number of nurses, later I took charge of him and solved his problem by understanding his situation. I really love to overcome challenges.

Question 12:  What is your greatest failure?

It would be better for you to avoid the real truth. Don’t mention your major failure. The interviewer wants to bring out your flaws and measures you have taken to overcome them. You can explain one of your bad experiences with tangible examples and reveal what you have learnt from them.

Sample Answer:  In my first job, I made a mistake in the patient’s chart. Fortunately, my supervisor noticed it. Since then, I always double- check my charts.

Question 13:  When you feel most satisfied in your job?

Share your interests, likes and dislikes, and showcase your determination for nursing that explains why you are right for the job.

Sample Answer:   I really enjoy caring people and helping them in coping up with their illness. I love to work with children.

Question 14:  Describe your salary requirements?

This is a tricky question; it will reveal whether you prefer money more than nursing or vice-versa. Avoid giving exact number and re-iterate your dedication for the job.

Sample Answer:  I am expecting an appropriate salary for this role, based on my work knowledge and nursing experiences.

Question 15:  Do you have any questions for us?

Ask the interviewers a few questions, as they will feel happy to answer your questions. This will also show your interest in them. Frame a good question, like on work environment, educational opportunities  

 SAMPLES:

1.    What is the procedure for transferring from one unit or shift to another?

2.    Do you often promote from within?

3.    Do you cover costs of professional development courses? What in-service programs are available?

4.    Is there a nursing library?

5.    What is the schedule for a normal week?

6.    How often is rotation required?

7.    How often is overtime necessary?

8.    Are there child care facilities?

9.    Is malpractice coverage provided?

10. Do you provide accommodation for nurses?

 EXERCISE WITH YOU TUBE:watch video