How did you get your hospital job???

Nursing Students Technicians

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I have been applying like crazy and so far NOTHING!!!! It doesn't help that each hospital has an online only application system... no one to check with or call. The one time I tried to call HR anyways, the lady was irritated and said if they want to interview me I will get a call.

I have been working extremely part time (8 hours a week) at a group home for 5 months, and that is my only experience as a CNA. Is this enough to get my foot in the door somewhere? Right now I have a full time office job and I make a really nice salary. If I take a huge pay cut, I feel like I would want it to be for something I really wanted... like to be a PCT at a hospital and get me more prepared for a nursing program.

Any suggestions or is this just something I will have to be patient for?

I got my hospital job.....just by keep applying and contacts do help. Sure ive been rejected alot, by several hospitals. But that just made me want to apply more. And I handed in a resume and cover letter when I had my interview. I just got hired the other day as a PCA. :yelclap:

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\ said:
I got my first (and current) healthcare job at a hospital that I had volunteered at for a few years. Not only did I work in different departments but I also helped run the volunteer program as well. I was able to get to know the staff members pretty well, especially in the ER because I had many rotations there. I completed my nursing school pre-reqs during this time and then decided to pursue my phlebotomy certification. I had applied to positions at other hospitals and ambulance companies throughout the years and only got offered two interviews (one which I foolishly declined because I was in school but then I realized I could have requested to start later had I been offered the job) and another I did well in but was not offered the job. As soon as I received my phlebotomy certification in the mail, a per-diem position opened up in the ER. I asked some of the staff members to put in a good word for me,I polished my resume and cover letter and then went to my manager's office directly and handed them to her. She asked when I was available to interview and I met with her the next day and was hired on the spot. After years of looking for any job in the health care field, I found one that I wanted to most. I consider myself very lucky but I also put in a lot of hard work to even get to the point where I could be given the opportunity to interview. I believe one of the nurse practitioners that I got to know very well put in a good word to my manager so that by the time I interviewed, my manager had mostly made up her mind.

Tips:

1. Don't give up

2. Try to network as best you can, for me I volunteered in the hospital and got to know a lot of people.

3. Have someone look over your resume: I would see if there is a career center nearby or there are any upcoming job fairs. Luckily for me, my Aunt has worked in HR for many companies so I gave her my resume and she changed things around to highlight my strengths.

4. If you see a position open in a certain department, try going to the manager's office and handing your resume in person. This will show that you are serious about the position and are assertive. Many people with similar qualifications apply to jobs online so putting a face to a name will help you stand out.

5. Go over your interview skills. Have someone ask you interview questions and research information about the hospital such as mission, core values or even your specific department etc. and be confident.

Best of luck to you!

That's very helpful. I'll be using this when I'm applying for nursing jobs in the future

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I understand your situation girl, I have certificate as a phlebotomy tech, EKG and a pct and nothing so far. I just dont know what to do anymore I have been sending out application like crazy> the only reply I get back from them is that they have received my applications.

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Specializes in NICU Nurse.

I do not have a hospital job yet but I am in the middle of the interview process so cross your fingers for me :)

I have been volunteering at this hospital since August and I have been networking with different nurse managers in different floors/units which I think helps alot too. I have been religiously applying to all of their PCA positions for the past year and 1/2 and I have FINALLY received a call to come in and interview and I am beyond excited. I do not have any hospital experience (other than volunteering) so I know that is a big reason why I haven't been called in before now. Persistence is key though!

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Briterz said:
I do not have a hospital job yet but I am in the middle of the interview process so cross your fingers for me ?

I have been volunteering at this hospital since August and I have been networking with different nurse managers in different floors/units which I think helps alot too. I have been religiously applying to all of their PCA positions for the past year and 1/2 and I have FINALLY received a call to come in and interview and I am beyond excited. I do not have any hospital experience (other than volunteering) so I know that is a big reason why I haven't been called in before now. Persistence is key though!

Hope you get it, the waiting is that hard part

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Specializes in Nursing Assistant.
\ said:
I do not have a hospital job yet but I am in the middle of the interview process so cross your fingers for me ?

I have been volunteering at this hospital since August and I have been networking with different nurse managers in different floors/units which I think helps alot too. I have been religiously applying to all of their PCA positions for the past year and 1/2 and I have FINALLY received a call to come in and interview and I am beyond excited. I do not have any hospital experience (other than volunteering) so I know that is a big reason why I haven't been called in before now. Persistence is key though!

Have you heard back yet?

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When I got hired to work in a hospital I didn't have any experience other than being in a nursing program. They hire nursing students or CNA with 6 months experience. I know I don't qualify for the CNA since I didn't have the license before. Given the opportunity, they were the ones who trained me all the skills I needed to know. I hope you find a workplace who will help you develop your skills and guide you as you move up =) Be patient, you will get in.

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i knew someone who knew a hiring manager.. its is really about who you know!

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Specializes in NICU Nurse.
Jenniferasch said:
Have you heard back yet?

Nope not yet! They are doing the background check right now and they told me that it takes 3 weeks for them to get it back from the agency!!

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Specializes in Nursing Assistant.
\ said:

Nope not yet! They are doing the background check right now and they told me that it takes 3 weeks for them to get it back from the agency!!

Ugh...the wait!!

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Dear Lilliben1,

I understand that this thread was posted back in March...but I read your post stating that you left your office job to work as a PCA. I am in a similar position where I currently work in an office and will be in my 2nd semester come Sept. I have a phone interview coming up for nursing assistant positions at a local hospital in NJ. I was wondering if you had a phone interview initially for your position and if so do you recall what was asked? Thank you.

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lyfhckr said:
When I got hired to work in a hospital I didn't have any experience other than being in a nursing program. They hire nursing students or CNA with 6 months experience. I know I don't qualify for the CNA since I didn't have the license before. Given the opportunity, they were the ones who trained me all the skills I needed to know. I hope you find a workplace who will help you develop your skills and guide you as you move up ? Be patient, you will get in.

Hello lyfhckr,

I have a phone interview coming up for nursing asst. positions at a local hospital in NJ, did you have an initial phone interview and if so do you recall what was asked? Many thanks.

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