How to increase my chances!

Nurses Job Hunt

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Specializes in Emergency, LTC.

So here is a condensed version of my story.

Last spring, I found my passion in the ED. LOVED it, yearned for it. I landed my senior practicum in the ED but not at my first, second or third choice hospital. Still had a great time none-the-less. The problem was that the ED I precepted in don't hire new grads into the ED at all. Never. So I networked with the nurses that had recently come from a hospital that does.

So I got some managers names and emailed them personally and was able to land a personal interview directly through them, bypassing HR. (I did apply to the two available positions still online) I mainly spoke with one of the co-managers and set up the interview with her, but the day I came in she was out sick and interviewed with the other manager who wasn't as familiar with my situation as the other co-manager was.

The actual interview went great, the co-manager and I hit it off well and he appeared impressed with my answers and where my intentions were. Well, I informed him that I graduate in 9 days, and will test shortly there after. I gave him my portfolio with all of the goodies in it including my ATI predictor that stated I had a 99% chance of passing on my first attempt.

What he said was that since I haven't passed YET, they cant officially offer me a position. However, they did just go through a similar experience with a gal who started orienting this week. They were in contact with her before graduation and she kept in close contact with them for when her testing date was and when she ultimately passed. The same day she notified them of her active licence they offered her a position and she accepted. So that was exciting to hear.

I followed up the next morning with separate emails to each manager, one saying how I was sorry I wasn't able to meet with her etc, and the second to the manager I was able to meet with saying thank you for meeting with my and reiterating how I think I would make a great fit. They both replied saying good things and how to keep them closely informed on my testing date and when I pass.

OKAY!

Is there anything else I can do to show them how awesome I am (haha) - a way to stick out etc?

From how things went and how the co-manager closely described hiring a gal by doing the same thing I am, is that a good sign?

I'm not trying to put all my eggs in one basket but no other places will really even consider talking to me till I have my license, So by default i kinda have to till then...

Thanks for reading my novel!!

-emerjensee

Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

Oooo! Sounds so hopeful for you! I think you did everything you could do for now. Unfortunately waiting is the hardest part. I am going through the waiting game now myself. Maybe a handwritten thank you note would help? Deep breath... :)

Just focus on passing your NCLEX asap. Then report back to him that you passed it and if there is still a position availiable.

Specializes in Emergency, LTC.

Thank you so much! I definitely have been nose deep in my books.. I think a combination of the ATI setup, Saunders Review and Kaplan strategies I should be set :-)

-emerjensee

Specializes in Emergency, LTC.

Update -

I scheduled my test last week for April 11th and immediately followed up with sending the two managers I've spoke with the information. I hadn't gotten an email response back yet so I followed up with a phone call to one of them today.

Good news! She said that once I pass to let them know because they're going to bring me in for a second interview! I'm really excited as for my first one only one of the two managers were available. All questions before were personality and behavior centered so I'm interested to see if they will have any critical thinking thinking based questions..

So exciting!!

-emerjensee

Specializes in PACU.

That is pretty darn awesome! Congratulations first! If you can do ACLS, PALS, and an EKG class prior to starting that would look great. Then again, once you get hired hospitals often offer those classes at no cost. If money isn't an issue I'd do it.

Specializes in Emergency, LTC.

Thank you for your reply!

UPDATE: I passed my NCLEX last week with 75 questions (YAHOO!!!) and emailed the managers this morning and have a second interview scheduled for this Wednesday! Since once of the managers was out for my first interview, I'm interested to see if this is more of a meet and greet kinda thing. A gal who works at this particular ED (and has for about 10 years) also works at the hospital that I precepted at and has pulled the manager aside a few times putting in a good word for me (yay!)

I REALLY hope I land this job, I feel SO good about it!

-emerjensee

Congratulations

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