Sorry Nurse Recruiters/Nurse Managers! - Page 3

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  1. Apr 17, '12 by
    I am a RN, BSN with nearly 25 years of experience and I am in the midst of interviewing for other jobs. I have been at my current job for more than 15 years. When I interviewed with a recruiter over the telephone yesterday she asked me if I had this certificate or that certificate. I told her, "No, but I have 25 years worth of employee evaluations that are above average and/or exceptional, and I have countless patients that will tell you that I strive every day to provide excellent customer care." She said, "Wow, I've never heard that before." I don't know if it will land me the job, (I already have another tentative job lined up). I guess what I'm saying is that when you talk to Nurse Managers or Recruiters, let them know your strong points. You may not have nursing experience, but you have maintained a great GPA while attending nursing school and raising a family, and throw yourself out there and let them know where you feel you can excel. This sometimes will be enough to get your foot in the door. Good Luck to you!
    acerbia, dudette10, tewdles, and 3 others like this.
  2. Apr 17, '12 by
    To the OP, I do wish you well in your search, and I believe in time you'll find something. But there's something you really do have to realize, and it's been said here a variety of ways, although I'll throw my hat in and try another way

    For every RN job opening, there's going to be quite alot of interested applicants. Those with the most experience, best attitude in interviews, most impressive resumes and credentials are most likely to land that job. This, we all know.

    So when you present with good character references, a degree and a license, you are interesting enough to the recruiter to want to look further, but that's about it. After that, all things being equal (meaning, the other applicants also have good character references, a degree and a license), the ones who have better resumes, more experience are going to get that job before you do.

    It's frustrating, because you made some very valid choices when going through nursing school, ones that you felt were the best fit for yourself and your family, no doubt. But you do have to understand the the Nurse Manager/Recruiter is looking at a STACK of people, all of whom made choices, and some of those choices are more attractive to the recruiter.

    It's not that they can't see your 3.0 GPA, it's that it really doesn't matter. Truly. It's not that they can't see how hard you studied for your NCLEX, it honestly truly does not matter--75 questions or 265 questions, they don't care. How long it took? They don't care. How well-liked you were in school? Again, as long as you have the requisite number of character references---they don't care.

    In time, there will be a job opening that will allow you to get in and GET that all-important experience. But please don't think that those who do the hiring "can't see" how great you are, it's that the reality is there's ALOT of great nurses who are bringing just a bit more to the table than you.

    Best of luck.
    ~*Stargazer*~, TiddlDwink, Altra, and 10 others like this.
  3. Apr 17, '12 by
    Quote from Isitpossible
    thanks all: purplescrubs of course I realize that. i dont think there is anything wrong with my life choices. I am an adult changing careers...Not particularly unheard of is it? ...just feel a little frustrated with the consistent rejections based on not being a CNA..... and yes i did hope to get a JOB after completing school, not really a far-fetched idea in my opinion...
    Not far-fetched, but in this economy where experienced nurses can't get jobs, you can't expect it to be quick or easy. Your life didn't allow you to take a low paying job that would get you in the door? That's not the fault of those that DID take a low paying job to get their foot in the door, and it's perfectly fair that they get chosen over you. Changing careers out of nursing, and I'll be competing with kids living with their parents that can afford to take an unpaid internship somewhere. So I either find a way to do the same, or I have to find something else to make myself stand out.
    TiddlDwink, WeepingAngel, anotherone, and 8 others like this.
  4. Apr 17, '12 by
    I think I hear that buzzing of flies you hear around those who seem to to have given up and wear their abusive work past on their chest like a badge of honor. You should be ashamed of taking crap for that long, actually.

    OP, it might be that you don't look/act like a total loser. I am serious when I say that. If you appear intelligent, and with self-esteem intact, you probably aren't looking that great in their eyes. You've been successful. That is bad news for you.

    I've been told that I'd be bored (after my resume was reviewed) YES, this was as a new grad. I have a friend that was told, "You're never gonna stay here" by a DON during an interview.

    I know experienced nurses that dumb down their resumes to be considered (take off your certifications and acknowledgements of work well done by employers). After doing this, they were hired. Being a mope during the interview might help. Look down at your hands and only speak if asked a question kind of thing...
    anotherone, Ruthfarmer, tokidoki7, and 4 others like this.
  5. Apr 17, '12 by
    Sadly a lot of places are interviewing, but still not filling positions. If you have a stong education with a string of degrees behind your name, recruiters want more experience. If you are experienced, they want more education. If you have both you are over-qualified. If you have neither you are disposable. Truth is - it's an employer's market. They have plenty of applicants to pick and choose from, yet somehow still find a reason to not fill vacancies.
    LaurieEllen1973, TiddlDwink, Ruthfarmer, and 8 others like this.
  6. Apr 17, '12 by
    Quote from Isitpossible
    You have got to be kidding me? no on second thought your right, my friend recently obtained her RN degree after being an LPN for years and was told the same exact thing!! this is crazy... i need CNA experience and your LPN NURSE experience means nothing... unreal
    I understand your need to vent. I'm sorrier that others do not.
    pamelaiam, Sun0408, wetzoo, and 11 others like this.
  7. Apr 17, '12 by
    Quote from RNsRWe
    To the OP, I do wish you well in your search, and I believe in time you'll find something. But there's something you really do have to realize, and it's been said here a variety of ways, although I'll throw my hat in and try another way

    For every RN job opening, there's going to be quite alot of interested applicants. Those with the most experience, best attitude in interviews, most impressive resumes and credentials are most likely to land that job. This, we all know.

    So when you present with good character references, a degree and a license, you are interesting enough to the recruiter to want to look further, but that's about it. After that, all things being equal (meaning, the other applicants also have good character references, a degree and a license), the ones who have better resumes, more experience are going to get that job before you do.

    It's frustrating, because you made some very valid choices when going through nursing school, ones that you felt were the best fit for yourself and your family, no doubt. But you do have to understand the the Nurse Manager/Recruiter is looking at a STACK of people, all of whom made choices, and some of those choices are more attractive to the recruiter.

    It's not that they can't see your 3.0 GPA, it's that it really doesn't matter. Truly. It's not that they can't see how hard you studied for your NCLEX, it honestly truly does not matter--75 questions or 265 questions, they don't care. How long it took? They don't care. How well-liked you were in school? Again, as long as you have the requisite number of character references---they don't care.

    In time, there will be a job opening that will allow you to get in and GET that all-important experience. But please don't think that those who do the hiring "can't see" how great you are, it's that the reality is there's ALOT of great nurses who are bringing just a bit more to the table than you.

    Best of luck.
    I do agree with this, however some of the previous responses were a little harsh. Reading this made me think the OP might benefit from having someone do a professional resume for her, so her good qualities make her stand out and make her memorable for someone looking to hire.
    jelly221,RN, GrnTea, tokidoki7, and 5 others like this.
  8. Apr 17, '12 by
    OCN: good point.

    NO doubt, today's job market is tough.
    Nurse2bKimberly likes this.
  9. Apr 17, '12 by
    Have you obtained ACLS and PALS? That is a way to set yourself apart. Especially if the job doesnt require it.
    TiddlDwink likes this.
  10. Apr 17, '12 by
    I'm sorry you are not employed yet. Instead of being sorry and feeling sorry for yourself you need to put yourself out there. There are many new grads without experience that find jobs. What ever you are doing now is not working. Something needs to change. I would advise changing your resume and job search techniques. Sending the good ole resume doesn't do it anymore. Nothing from your posts makes you stand out. Almost everyone I know has a BSN, 3.0, kids, spouse, and full time job while in school.
    At this point I would suggest volunterring somewhere in the health care field just to get experience and to network. When you go on interviews talk about how you nursed your kids, parents, God parents, or whoever. Focus on your clinical experience. Wish you much luck.