[nurturingkneads]

First semester nursing student here. Have been working as a medical assistant for over a year in a doc office. I am certified as a PCA. I really want to get a job in a hospital in Hartford as a PCA, Tech. I have applied to St. Francis (where I have clinical) and Hartford Hospital. I am mostly tired of the 25 minute commute each way and just would like more hospital experience. But, no one ever calls back. Ugh, why is it so hard? Do you have to know somebody? I have alot of work experience and life experience, I am no spring chicken. All of these jobs require online aps and I always submit a cover letter. Just cannot understand how to get an interview. Advice or help please?

[Chaoticdreams33]

Hmm, HR is probably real busy right now hiring new grads and SN interns, so maybe they are unintentionally overlooking your app. If they aren't calling you- Call them. or E-mail them. Sometims persistence pays off. Maybe you could bring your resume and cover letter to HR in person? Try to get their attention. Check out the forum "Nursing Career Advice" too.

I PM'd you too with some ?'s

[nurturingkneads]

Chaotic dreams - Thanks for replying to my post. I have two interviews set up next week. One at Hartford Hospital and one at St. Francis. I have a few questions for you. I think you told me you work as an aide or Tech. Is your hospital flexible? Do the schedules change from week to week? How is the pay? I ended up having to choose a SAturday clinical next semester and I'm afraid that is going to mess up my chances? Any more advice? Thanks

[Chaoticdreams33]

I work as an aide per diem, so I pretty much call the shots. My floor is very flexible with us SNAP's (that's what they call us student nurse aides) Of course I need my requests in 6 weeks in advance, but I tell them when I can work and they fit me into the schedule. Right now while I'm in school my schedule is pretty much the same every week, but over the summer it was all over the place- cause I was working full time and was only taking one class. usually they will want you to work some weekends, you'll have to ask them about that. Perhaps you could work Sundays? or every other Sunday? If your interview is with HR then you won't get into scheduling too much, that will be done with the nurse manager on the floor. My advice for your interviews is to be prepared for their questions, and to have your own questions too. Oh, I make 12-17/hr depending on shift and weekend differentials. Is that specific enough or do you have any other questions?
Good Luck!

[nurturingkneads]

Chaotic dreams - thanks for all of your help! I only have one more question. Since you work per diem, do you get hours every week? I might go per diem I am just afraid I will go for weeks without any work. I plan on asking aobut this in the interviews. Thanks again - you have been a big help. Maybe we can grab a bite when you start your job at St. Francis.

[Chaoticdreams33]

I have never had a problem getting hours at my job. They are often calling me to pick up extra hours too! Just make sure that they know what kinds of hours you are looking for. Yeah, maybe we can grab a bite, we'll have to keep in touch! I'll probably be able to answer some of your questions about being a new RN when you get close to graduation. Do you graduate next year?
Any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Caitlin

[kukukajoo]

Good luck and remember you can say no when called in! Don't get stuck in the routine of doing it when it can affect your studies and you know you should be home studying for that darned test.

Best to you!