Swedish Medical Center RN Residency Jan 2012

For me, it helped at bit that I had a clinical rotation at Swedish - which coming from an out of state nursing program was difficult to arrange, but clearly well worth it in the end! Having the ability to speak about the teamwork at swedish during my interview and having a wonderful preceptor pulling for me certainly helped. As far as getting a call back from HR in the first place, here is what I did:

-Posted on the Swedish Career page on Facebook - they actually replied to me, told me about the New Grad Residency Social they were having, and when I met with HR at the event, they remembered my name.

-I attended the RN Residency Social, where I met with HR and signed my name on a list - apparently they score potential candidates at HR, and some points are allotted for attending this event.

-I brought a full, nicely put together career portfolio to the Social and gave it to HR the next day. I made it a point to stay in contact with the HR person who took my portfolio.

- When filling out the online job app on Swedish's website, I uploaded not only a cover letter and resume, but also a nice outline of my volunteer efforts, and some letters of reference.

-I prayed! I prayed to receive the initial call from HR offering me the opportunity to interview me, and by a wonderful miracle, they did call. I then prepared for the interview with them and tried to think of what I would say for various behavioral and standard interview questions.

When I was interviewed by HR I gave it my all, and I think they could hear the emotion in my voice - the passion and genuine excitement for this opportunity.
When I was interviewed by the managers and peers for the floor I was on as a student, again I prepared (I was very nervous!) and made it a point to show my sincere passion, and interest for their floor. I also created a career portfolio for them and they were happy to receive it.

Now I am hoping & praying I pass the NCLEX with only a few weeks to prepare - Swedish requires I be licensed by Jan 21st and I graduated in December. Like you, I was an hospital care aide (albeit at an out of state hospital) and I did well in school. However, its getting HR's attention the best way you can that I feel makes the difference, because there are tons of great candidates out there. The good news is they are having another Residency program starting in March of this year (or May - can't recall), so you have a chance again. Good luck to you and I hope I pass my NCLEX so we can both be working at Swedish in the near future!

If you don't mind, could I ask your advice on passing the NCLEX? This position will be all for not if I don't pass, so I'm looking for advice from anyone who has gone before haha. Thank you so much in advance!