Susan Kwiatek

Using successful graduates of the program as guest speakers

I do like the use of guest speakers. I use past graduates of my program as guest speakers as they can show how the courses in the program are necessary to achieving excellence. They can give real world examples, show the "walk in my footsteps" scenarios. My only concern with guest speakers in the field is when and if the question of salary comes up. I prep my speakers that if this does come up to reply something like this... "each site is different" "getting experience under your belt is most important" "you need to prove yourself" You are training for a career not a job"... I do not want to set an expectation or give the illusion of a guaranteed salary, as the truth is just what I ask my speakers to say if this does come up. Depends on where you land... the smaller the hospital the smaller the pay. The less responsibilities you have the less pay you will get. That is the only thing that I fear when using a guest speaker. Otherwise it is a great idea.