Applied for nurse residendy, how do I get them to pick me?

LDRNMOMMY, BSN, RN · Jan 18, 2010

I have no words of wisdom since I applied for one at my local hospital when I was graduating from nursing school, but I didn't get it. I did end up getting a job in L&D, which is what I wanted so it all worked out well.

Best of luck to you. I hope you are selected.

KungFuFtr · Jan 18, 2010

I've been out of nursing school for 2 1/2 years. I've worked in telemetry and ER. My passion is L&D or even mother baby. I love educating new moms and families. Encouraging them, etc. I just applied for a nurse residency at a hospital that would be a few months of education in the class room setting and on the floor, then would start an 18 month contract to work on that floor. It didn't have me specify what area I want to train in, but am hoping that I would get into L&D/mother baby.
How do I stand out from the crowd? I was thinking of calling HR to talk to someone, but not sure what to say. "Hi, um, I applied for the residency and really want it." lame Any other tips or ideas to get my foot in the door?
I've looked into getting some extra licensing (I have ACLS already). But, can't really afford the classes right now.

You've been a nurse for 2 1/2 years and you're applying to a residency? I would think you're overqualified. I thought those were for new grads?

mykidzmom · Jan 18, 2010

specialty residencies are not just for new grads: i actually took one in L&D --6 months long--after i was a nurse for over 2 years.

you might not like this suggestion...but i have done it and it is a very common tactic in the entertainment industry (my husband's field): if you really want it: WORK FOR FREE

you might consider sending a note to the manager of L&D and requesting a meeting. At the meeting you can tell her (or him) you would be willing to come in --say--4 hours once a week--volunteer--and do anything they need. you will being ice to patients, clean up poopy sheets, hold a hand, run errands--it will likely not be RN work. you have to be willing to do the least-fun stuff. she might say "why do you want to do this" and you will not say "to get into the residency program" but you will say that you want to get your foot in the door, see how it is so that when when the time comes for you to make that change into L&D, first of all, you will know what it is really like and be able to make an informed committment--because you know no job is ever how you think it is going to be--and number 2, once she and the other staff see how awesome you are and how hard a worker you are, the next time they need to make a decision over who to hire, they will choose YOU. never in my nursing career has HR been helpful in any way whatsoever. in fact, the 2 coolest jobs i ever had, i bypassed HR and went straight to the manager of the unit--because there was no way HR was going to see how *badly* i wanted those jobs. you are always taking a chance when you go around the system, because if you're not careful it could be interpreted not the way you mean it to. good luck. i know how it feels to want a job so so bad and know that on paper it just doesn't quite show.

RookieRN · Jan 19, 2010

Definitely don't expect just your application or resume to get you in. Calling HR sounds like a good idea. When I was looking for jobs, I only got interviews and job offers after calling HR. I would suggest researching the hospital some and coming up with a few questions you could ask HR. They may even be able to connect you with the manager or someone in charge of the residency program. When you call, they look up your application and that at least gets your name out there. If you never call or ask to meet with the manager, you risk them possibly not even looking at your application.