I applied for a job in August. The HR contacted me the next day to ask me if I would be interested in a PICU night position. I told her yes and she said she would send my resume to the nurse recruiter. For about 5 weeks after, I called the HR person that originally contacted me once a week. If she didn't respond to my phone calls, I would email her and basically asked what my application status was. She answered most of the time, and would say that my application was still under review. At about 5 weeks, she asked if I would be interested in peds oncology. I said yes. In about 1 week I was contacted by another person from HR who scheduled an interview with a nurse recruiter and a nurse manager in the same day. 2 weeks later, I've gotten the job.
It seems that it helped that I was so persistent in calling to inquire about my application status. I did feel like I was a bother but now that I got the job, I'm glad I was a bit of a bother.
I have a BSN and 2 years of acute care experience, and one of private duty nursing. During my time working as a private duty nurse, I took all the continuing education courses that I could, and got every certification possible, even if it wasn't required, for example BLS and PALS (which are required), but also ACLS, a heme-onc certification, NRP. Some CEUs I even took at NYP, and other large hospitals. I've joined various nursing associations, get journals, and try to really keep up to date on nursing. I've taken IV and phlebotomy classes because I'm not keeping up with that experience in private duty nursing.
During my interview I brought a packet of every form that I thought may be required for the job and more, which included my cover letter, resume, copies and originals of every certification, proof of all continuing education, even immunizations, identifications, nursing association proof- everything you could think of! I really wanted to be ready.
The point is, I was very persistent. This whole process took about 2 months of hassling and haggling the HR department. If someone contacts you, ask for their name, number, and email, and store it! Keep calling. Eventually, you may hear something.
Also, I'm pretty sure the hospital only accepts new hires with BSN degrees. I know it seems unfair, but a lot of hospitals are trying to set "higher standards" for themselves in order to be accredited. Hiring someone is always a risk, you never know what their personality will be like, or if their passion to be a nurse is truly what they say it is in an interview. They could be maniacs wether they have a BSN or associate degree.
I've applied to about 50 hospitals within New York city. I got responses from a lot saying that due to the economic turndown, they wouldn't be hiring anytime in the near future. I think if you have a ADN, it would be a great help during this time to obtain your BSN. Hospitals are getting picky, and a BSN degree is something they just happen to require to set higher standards.
Good luck to you all!