is being aggressive the only way to find a RN job now?!

Lovely_RN, MSN · Dec 17, 2009

Some of the tips are good and some are silly.

I didn't find the suggestion of going to a facility or calling the unit managers to be helpful in my search. You can't even find a direct number to most of these managers and the ward clerks know what the deal is. Good luck trying to get through because I was sent straight to VM and never had any calls returned. Same thing with most nurse recruiters. They are being bombarded with so many applications that they are carefully screening calls.

I've found that many don't pick up the phone they rely on VM. Same for direct emails to specific NM and recruiters. They probably have thousands of emails and dozens upon dozens of VM there simply aren't enough hours in the day to get back to all of the interested qualified candidates.

I'm not saying don't try that method but don't expect much from it because other new grads are using the same techniques!

I got my new job through a supervisor at my current job. I mentioned to her off hand that I was looking and she told me about a position at her other job. Next I keep in contact with 99% of my classmates every few days I would call and talk...got two back burner possibilities if this job offer happens to be rescinded for some reason.

Next I advise being very flexible about where you are willing to work. Was I trained to work in an acute care setting? Yes I was but if I can't find a job in that area than I am not going to sit around waiting forever. Apply to clinics, mental health positions, LTC anywhere and everywhere that uses nurses should be a possibility.

I graduated last spring but due to advanced pregnancy and maternity leave I didn't start looking aggressively until Oct and guess what? I got a position (non-hospital) in less than 8 weeks. My classmates who have been looking since licensure and are waiting on acute care spots....average 4-7 months looking and still waiting.

Blackheartednurse · Dec 17, 2009

I dont believe this at all..maybe for some it will work but for MOST it could only hurt their chances in getting an offer. The truth is there are many reasons why people land jobs. Some simply get LUCKY--you know being at the right place at a the right time....some have stellar resume (you know awsome gpas,bachelor,interships,extra certificates,assets such as being able to speak other languages etc),some people have connections,some arleady have been working as CNAs. I mean there are milion of reason why person got hired and every manager has their own personal taste for what kind of person they would like to hire. I even had a manager call me personally because she was impressed with some aspects of my resume,so like I said you never know what will click for the manager. Anyway, not everyone has in their blood to be agressive,if that is not your style dont change and be yourself not someone else bad copy. If the managers want you they will hire you,no need to sound desperate.

nursing cowgirl · Dec 17, 2009

job #1... i applied, got called in, interviewed, got called back.

**wasnt what i wanted...

ok, so im the aggressive type. i admit, i walked up to the unit director at the job i did want and we had an impromptu meeting. i figured i got nothing, i got nothing to lose. she said call back when i got my state license, did so 2 months later.

so landed job #2.

(also may 09 grad)

good luck!

bubblymom373 · Dec 17, 2009

Apply, Apply, Apply for any type of job. It may not be your "dream job" but it will get experience under your belt which will help you. After a week or two call leave a vm if you must just to show that you are still interested in being hired and to see if your application was looked at. I don't consider this being aggressive just keeping yourself visible tothose who hire. Good luck!!!

prinsessa · Dec 17, 2009

I know how you feel. I'm not aggressive by nature either. I don't like bothering people who are probably being bothered by dozens of other new grads. Any time I do call the nurse recruiter I never get a response. (((HUGS))) I hope we both find our dream jobs soon! This has been the most frustrating 7 months of my life!

itsmejuli · Dec 17, 2009

I'm an LPN starting the LPN-RN transition in May. I've already started networking for a job as an RN when I graduate. I am building contacts and establishing relationships through the job I currently have.

I already know what hospital and what unit I want to do my final clinical hours in. I will be handing the DON of that unit my resume before completing clinical hours there.

You've got to be aggressive to find a good job, no matter what field its in.

caliotter3 · Dec 17, 2009

I would keep in touch with your classmates and help each other out when it comes to job openings. My daughter networked with people in her class who were already employed and a few people got jobs through others that they met in school.

Katie5 · Dec 17, 2009

Internalize and network. "I know a person that knows a person that"...kind of thing. This should become, "Operation infiltrate hospitals". Lol

I'm not trying to poke fun, believe me I know how things are out there.But sometimes, that is the only way to keep one's sanity.Humor!

USMC Ret., RN · Dec 17, 2009

You make some excellent points. Yes, I agree; new RNs need to Creatively Aggressive.

My advice: Be bold yet polite... then the worse thing that can happen, is you can be told "no."

"You can catch more flies with Sugar than you can with Vinegar."

- Luis

belgarion · Dec 17, 2009

In the business world it's called being "proactive". It can seperate an applicant from the multitude who shotgun out a few hundred generic resumes and then sit back to wait for the phone to ring.

When I got my job I hand delivered my application to the CNO of the facility. I followed up by sending a note (not an e-mail) that day thanking her for her time and restating my wish to go to work there. I also had an old associate who was in a position to give me a strong recommendation. If that is being aggressive, then I was aggressive.

nurse441 · Dec 17, 2009

thank you all for the replies. I agree that being BOLD is the key here, and sometimes being polite, yet aggressive wins. The "sit and wait" attitude probably won't go anywhere. Although i'm pretttyyyy shy and pretttyyy timid when it comes to talking to managers. My tips for you new grads is, if you are going to be bold to turn in your resume in person, be prepared to back yourself up if an interview surfaces. I also agree with blackheartednurse, LUCK has to do with so many things. getting a job is like winning a super lotto ticket!