Meet nursing managers or wait for HR?

Nurses Job Hunt

Published

Hello everyone, just wanted to ask something: is it ok to show up unannounced to nursing units and try to meet with nurse managers or is that borderline weird? Lol I've been applying to this hospital for what seems like forever & I've never gotten a call back. I've dropped my application off and follow up with HR accordingly but I never get anywhere. I see openings on their website & follow up with HR all the time. They said I don't need to reapply & I'm getting sick of it. I want to go into the units & maybe talk to the nursing managers. Is this a good idea or not? Thanks for all your help.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Based upon what you describe it doesn't sound like a good idea and may not be well received especially if they use an online application screening process. If HR told you no need to reapply, it would seem trying to go around HR and to the floor would likely not be well received.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The floors are extremely busy, the managers are extremely busy, and I think you might get sent away or not have a chance to meet with a manager. A better avenue might be to work through your connections. Do any of your friends or fellow students from school have a way to set you up to meet their manager or have them take time to introduce you? Just showing up unannounced is not a good plan.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

They use paper applications & they're very laborious to do, wish they did online apps! Lol! I know of a nurse that works in the hospital but not at the units there are openings for. I wish there was some other way for me to meet & follow up.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Call and make an appointment to meet with the manager of whatever floor you want to work on. Bring a resume when you go, and ask about potential openings, what you may need to do to be considered, a general meet and greet. Sometimes it is a matter of internal candidates getting positions over outside applicants. Can't hurt to ask, and ask if per diem is available.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would call the direct unit and ask to speak with the NM. This has worked for me!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I don't know how it would be received to just show up on a unit and try to meet the manager; I would assume most hospitals would not let you do that. Call the hospital switchboard or operator, ask for the unit you're interested in, then ask one of the staff nurses if you can speak with the manager "if they are not too busy." If you get a hold of them, enthusiastically explain your situation to them, why you think you're qualified, why you want to work on their unit, etc, and be genuine. This has gotten me multiple interviews that I would have not gotten otherwise. HR is useless for your purposes. They are intended to be a shield preventing you from talking to anybody who matters.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in public health.

If you call the hospital main line, they can transfer you to the unit manager. Then you can either talk to him/her, or leave a voice mail (just make sure to write down what you want to ask ahead of time).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Behavioral health.

I suggest seeing if a former professor or classmate can arrange an introduction.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

It is the ultimate 'Catch 22' - everyone encourages new grads to put a lot of energy into their job hunt . . . but at the same time, you have to absolutely avoid any behavior that could be described as "entitled". That is the most negative adjective to have associated with anyone these days, particular if you are a new graduate. Entitled behavior includes things like trying to make an end-run around the standard/normal hiring procedure; dropping names of 'influential' people in hopes of impressing hiring managers; being unwilling to start at the bottom; etc. . .

Hiring managers must comply with the employment procedures that have been established by HR - otherwise, they can be terminated for exposing the organization to increased liability for non-compliance with the bazillion Federal requirements that apply to this area. If you manage to breach the barriers & meet with a hiring manager, they are probably going to direct you back to HR & categorize you as someone who feels as though the normal rules do not apply to you . . . AKA "entitled"

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Long term care... Go in person. As I've read before... In person in the hospital... Need to be lucky. I suppose it's how well you sell yourself blocking your way to the unit manager

Up Vote Up Vote ×
It is the ultimate 'Catch 22' - everyone encourages new grads to put a lot of energy into their job hunt . . . but at the same time, you have to absolutely avoid any behavior that could be described as "entitled". That is the most negative adjective to have associated with anyone these days, particular if you are a new graduate. Entitled behavior includes things like trying to make an end-run around the standard/normal hiring procedure; dropping names of 'influential' people in hopes of impressing hiring managers; being unwilling to start at the bottom; etc. . .

Hiring managers must comply with the employment procedures that have been established by HR - otherwise, they can be terminated for exposing the organization to increased liability for non-compliance with the bazillion Federal requirements that apply to this area. If you manage to breach the barriers & meet with a hiring manager, they are probably going to direct you back to HR & categorize you as someone who feels as though the normal rules do not apply to you . . . AKA "entitled"

I'd hate to make me seem "entitled" but I don't know what else to do. I don't really know when to follow up, HR keeps telling me my application is still valid & that I don't need to resubmit. It's very frustrating. I just want to know if I have a shot, at least deny me like some others do lol

I really want to quit my current job, but I'm scared that if I do, the gap in my experience will be frowned upon. Any takes on that? It's messing with my health, relationships & my sanity :(

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment