Unit Manager Offered Me a Job Before Graduation. How to proceed?

Nurses Job Hunt

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I completed my preceptorship on a busy med-surg floor. It was a great experience and I worked well with the staff there. Evidently so well, they gave me recommendations to the unit manager, who told me "not to worry about a job and just pass NCLEX". I finished up the last few months of nursing school, literally, not worried.

I passed NCLEX and received my license. I had applied for the job before NCLEX, just to get my application in the door and got no replies. Now, I have resubmitted the application with my license number, as of Friday. I am wondering if I should go see the unit manager who assured me of a job and hand deliver her a resume.

This is all complicated by the fact that I left my abusive husband after graduating nursing school. My funds are beginning to dwindle and I need to get working ASAP to ensure a roof over the heads of my daughter and me. Honestly, I feel more anxiety about this than I ever felt in nursing school or taking NCLEX.

To long, didn't read: I was assured there was a position for me on the unit where I spent 5 weeks in a clinical preceptorship. I applied and haven't heard back. Should I be persistent and try to face-to-face the unit manager who assured me I would have a position upon licensure?

Thank you!

I'd take resume, license, CPR card, etc up there & talk face to face. It could be that even though they'be verbally offered you a job they have to go through HR type of stuff. Talk about stressful though! Good luck to you!

Does sound stressful. Not to be cynical or anything, but are you sure she really offered you a job? Or was it advice? As in "at this point in your nursing career your primary focus should be on passing NCLEX and then worry about the job hunt"?

I would definitely go directly to the UM, let her know you put in your application and what-not. In the meantime....apply for other jobs! Nothing is a sure thing until you actually start!

Good luck and crossing my fingers for you!

Specializes in Nasty sammiches and Dilaudid.
...the unit manager, who told me "not to worry about a job and just pass NCLEX". I finished up the last few months of nursing school, literally, not worried.

Perhaps I'm reading this differently than the first repondent, but I interpreted that quote as her telling you not to focus on job hunting (at that facility or anywhere else) before you pass the NCLEX and not as her hinting at a job offer once you're licensed.

Perhaps I'm reading this differently than the first repondent, but I interpreted that quote as her telling you not to focus on job hunting (at that facility or anywhere else) before you pass the NCLEX and not as her hinting at a job offer once you're licensed.

Considering she asked me to submit an application and what shifts I would be able to work, I considered it a job offer.

Specializes in Cardiology and ER Nursing.

HR is probably bogged down. I'd find out the unit manager's email address and send off a nice email about how you enjoyed your clinical experiences on that nursing unit and wanted to work there. Include in there that you have already applied for the position. Email is generally better received than phone calls or showing up in person.

Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
Considering she asked me to submit an application and what shifts I would be able to work, I considered it a job offer.

She can say anything she likes about shifts and promise you the stars...however you do NOT have a job until you get an official offer from HR. That's the plain truth.

Definitely follow up with the NM/HR to see if anything has opened up. However, I would not stop looking for a job just based on what you've told us. Never stop the job hunt until you receive an official offer.

Best of luck.

Specializes in PACU.

ITA with ScottE,RN. As someone who just job hunted, in today's culture the last thing an employer wants to see is your face unless they have requested an interview. Also consider that even though she asked about your schedule, etc., that does not mean anything is available right now or that she held a spot for you. I get your need to find something but don't count on this job. Keep applying. As others have stated, the manager tells HR to make you an offer but it may take HR weeks to make that offer to you. During my search I got 2 calls for interviews for jobs that I had applied for more than a month prior. I actually received an offer from a job that I had interviewed for 3 weeks prior. Keep your options open and apply for everything. Good luck!!!!

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