[lucy1976]

I recently saw an ad for an RN telephone job with a company called Health Dialog, i was wondering if anyone has heard or worked for them..If so, what is your opinion of this company??

[DallasRN]

Lucy, I just recently interviewed with them and I'm waiting to hear back. They did a huge advertising campaign here in the Dallas area.

I did quite a bit of research before I interviewed and was really impressed with all I read. Additionally, in the interview process, I learned a lot about the company. More importantly, I really liked the way they handled the interviewing process. For nursing, I would call it "ultra-professional" and the way they *said* they handle the work environment seems to be very professional, too. Somehow, I believe them.

I will say this, tho'...it was one of the toughest interviews I've ever been through. Not at all the typical nursing type of interview. I can't really describe what I'm talking about, but the HR Manager that interviewed me asked really probing questions - things that were related to nursing but not in terms of what we're typically asked in an interview. All in all, it was about a 2 hour interview and when it was over, I was flat exhausted. Came home and slept for about 4 hours! LOL

All in all, I think it would be a tough job in that they would expect a lot from you. However, I also think they are willing to give a lot in return. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, hoping they were as impressed with me as I was with them.

[lucy1976]

Thanks for your response!, unfortunately for me though they called me back and said that they need a minimum of 3 years. I only have 1.5 years in nursing. Good luck with your application process.!

[DallasRN]

Well, the good news is that the next 1.5 years will fly by and you can reapply. I honestly think they are going to grow and grow, resulting in the need for more nurses. If you get the experience and reapply, that will certainly impress them. They'll know you are serious about wanting to work for them.

I can understand why they would need a minimum number of years because you aren't working in a specialty area (oncology/ortho, etc.), but need a very broad base of experience and knowledge.

My recommendation to you for the next year or two would be to try to get every bit of experience you possibly can, within the environment you work in. For example, if you currently work med-surg, see about cross training to the GI Lab, ER, telemetry, etc. If the opportunity to *float* presents, go for it. And yeah, we all hate floating, but you can actually get some excellent experience that way. I made the mistake of locking myself into ICU nursing the first 10 years I worked. Later, when I wanted to change, I had a difficult time because even tho' I had lots of ICU experience, I definitely did not have the skills and expertise required of a med-surg nurse. It was a huge and stressful transition for me.

Best of luck to you!

[lucy1976]

Thanks so much for your advice, i'll definately keep all that in mind!

[Ruthiegal]

Originally Posted by lucy1976

I recently saw an ad for an RN telephone job with a company called Health Dialog, i was wondering if anyone has heard or worked for them..If so, what is your opinion of this company??

I don't work for them, but I work in a call center that uses their philosophy and triage program. They promote taking an active part in your own health care, and promote informed decision making. They came to our call center when we began using their triage program and taught classes for a week to help us become familiar with it all. They appear to be a good company to work for. They don't have a call center near where we live. I do work for a major insurance carrier.

Good Luck!
Ruthie