56 Posts
Thank you for the advice! I just passed the NCLEX and have not started applying yet as I am waiting for my BON to issue license info, but these are good things to keep in mind.
I have heard many people say, you cannot be picky about shifts as a new nurse. Although evenings, nights and weekends may not be optimal depending on your situation, you gotta do what you gotta do I guess.
2,144 Posts
As a manager, I'd like to add that if the job market is slim, please don't say that you are only willing to commute 10 miles, can only work 8-4, and don't want to work any weekends. I know this is not your first choice for a job as a new grad (home health) but I will give you a much better reference for your dream job if you pay your dues a little bit while you are here.
As a manager, I would like to add that if you are not willing to do the commute, work the hours or any weekend then by all means say so up front! Be honest with yourself and with us, so we can pick the right candidate for the job.
734 Posts
have your resume and example cover letter written with experienced rn help...you must sell yourself long before interview. tell the hospital "why they would want you" expand on something in your past that could get you to stand out..mention your preferred units, up to three, but always say you would welcome any opportunity available. be as flexible about shirts as possible..
specialize cover letter to the actual hiring person if you can get the name.
what exactly is wrong with a paid internship to learn the ropes? you should jump on those opportunities!
then start to think outside the box..home health, nsrsing homes, clinics...........also consider med-surg as that area hires the most new grads (at least in east part ot the country. also if you get interview and manger seems interested but hesitant...ask permission to job shadow for one shift or even just 6-8 hrs...no pay but it you jump in, ask questions and prove your competency, the mentor will give good report to manager and you might get an offer quickly.[color=yellow] market yourself!
270 Posts
I have a question about applying for out of state jobs, I would be willing to travel for interviews but only if I actually have a fighting chance at the job. Its too expensive to travel for interviews if its just a long shot. So how do I go about it? Is there any way to get an indication of my chances before hand? Or how do distance interviews work? (other than phone interviews)
66 Posts
734 Posts
Needing license for 6 mos might apply to that place but certainly is not the norm. I recommend phone interviews as then you can assess there interest. I have in the past set up several interviews in an area I wanted to move too.
California for instance is one of several walk thru license states, you go with all correct paperwork, spend majority of the day, an walk out with license at the end. Some states are fast, some very slow. There are compact states such as TN where my license if for TN but states multi-state and I can work in any of the other compact states. YOU MUST live in a compact state legally to get such a thing!
Again give Teaching hospitals as try, most newer nurses do not think of trying as they feel they'd never get hired!
144 Posts
Write your own reference letter and have your instructor sign it??!!
Wow! That would be a horrendous practice.... how about actually earning the respect and compliments from your instructors. Already there are new grads who benefit from nepotism,.. the real hard workers, the ones who actually know their stuff don't need this added to their struggle.
What if it was your job? What if it was you who was passed over because some idiot in a slack school was buddy buddy enough with the professors to get a ridiculously inflated and false reference letter.
Lets all have some respect for ourselves and actually work for our goals. And no, just passing the NCLEX is not enough. It is how you carry yourself, its your obvious dedication to learning, and its how you treat people every day. If your worth anything at all you wouldn't have to put words in your professors mouth.
The only thing that I would suggest is to request a copy of it before it is sent out. Any good professor who dislikes a student shouldn't be afraid of saying no to the request of a reference. And if he had at least something decent to say then it shouldn't be a problem for you to view it. I've had professors make spelling and grammar mistakes in my reference letters, and their knowledge is a reflection on you so you should always view it if possible.
20 Posts
rninil
7 Posts
As a manager, I'd like to add that if the job market is slim, please don't say that you are only willing to commute 10 miles, can only work 8-4, and don't want to work any weekends. I know this is not your first choice for a job as a new grad (home health) but I will give you a much better reference for your dream job if you pay your dues a little bit while you are here.