Nursing Student Calling a NURSE RECRUITER?

[kv07]

Hello Everyone,

Well...I am currently a year away from graduating with my RN-BSN and have been filling out a few applications on line for EXTERNSHIP positions. As we all probably know...there are very little externship positions open for all of us nursing students. So, the chances of getting one is very tough and competitive as it seems like everyone would want one.

I've applied to a few and wanted to ask opinions from you guys (nurse managers, nurse recruiters, other nurses) what you guys would think about me calling to follow up on an extern position? I'm a little bit nervous to call because I've never really called about something like this before.

If you guys suggest I call, what would I say and ask? And what is appropriate to ask the nurse recruiter?

Hoping you guys can all help me out.

Thanks!

[BackpackingRN]

That is the only way anyone in my graduating class from December got Residencies or Jobs.... I got a Residency in the ER in part because I was willing to call and not harass but make my presence know to a few people... They are people too so be polite but let them know you are worth listening to and hopefully they will notice...

[Turd Ferguson]

Don't just call with no agenda, have your questions and thoughts planned out before you dial their number (I write down a list to help guide my statements and inquiries, it's ok to have a cheat sheet). Make sure you're somewhere quiet where you can speak and hear clearly, don't call them when you're on the bus, in the club, etc.

A good opening generic question to ask is "I am calling to inquire the status of my application for the nurse externship position".

Be personal and professional- you don't have to be a robot, but you also shouldn't speak to them like they're your best friend.

[Jenni811, RN]

I was a nurse intern 2 years ago. it was crazy competitive, 200 applicants and 7 positions. Somehow i beat the odds and landed an internship on a cardiac floor, which i got hired on as an RN after graduation.

All i can say is you need to take the initiative to call in. It does not harm anything. I remember it took them 4 weeks after my interview to get back to me. After 3 weeks i was convinced i did not have the position because i kept telling myself "they would have called me by now." but they didn't. There is no harm in calling the nurse recruiter and asking the status of your application. Don't make it sound pushy, or accusing them...they are very busy and it is a very very busy time of year for them!

No harm in shooting him/her a email as well. Apparently people on this board think e-mails are "tacky" but this way she is able to get back to you at his/her own time rather than you catching them at a bad time, or leaving a voice mail and them completely forgetting about it. i would still go with the phone call though.