Approach to finding first job - GN w/ ADN

[bella14k]

I am reading posts throughout the website. One person says, be aggressive and do a little research on the unit manager-see what research she is into, any projects she is doing,etc-That way, you have something to talk about. Not sure if I like that advice. Am I supposed to bring that up in the interview randomly? Or casually be like, "So that nursing workshop on insulin pumps is something I'd like to see.."...like, I just don't know-I don't even have an interview yet and I'm worried (but I may be going to an open house, that is if i'm willing to miss my pinning ceremony next friday ).

To all the GN or RN's (who were once GN's) or to any hiring unit managers-What questions are asked during an interview to a GN** ??

I have an ADN, so our program didn't emphasize leadership/management, so I'm worried the manager will give me a scenario where I need to be the leader, and although I know how to handle situations very well in real life, I feel like I'll miss something (when I go on Kaplan to review for the nCLEX, there's all this literature on proper management and delegation and all that-So i'm worried they're going to want answers based off theories learned in the classroom).

I already know that I should look up the hospital's "mission" and their "goals" (I have done this for hospital for an upcoming open house)...but when the time calls for me to show them I've been doing my homework, and that i really am interested in working there, how will it happen? Now that I think about it...is the manager going to ask me why I want to work there? I get the feeling that when the manager asks that, she gets the same crap about "Well, I just love the goals you have set for this facility, and I feel like I am qualified to get you there.." blah blah blah. i don't know , i'm over thinking.

..Any advice please??

And how would I even look up the hiring manager on a unit that I want to work on..I know another person on all-nurses said that was a good idea-but that seems kinda annoying, and more importantly, most applications are sent online for a reason-so the managers don't have to deal with us. At the same time, I don't want my application to get "lost in cyberspace"...should I call HR and see if I can arrange to get a tour of the unit i'm interested in? Or just look for open jobs for which I qualify for, and THEN make that phone call?

I'm sorry this is so long and all over the place.

Thanks!!! I really appreciate it.

[Camwill, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, LPN, APRN, NP]

I am a soon to be graduate nurse, adn, and got a job offer at the beginning of the semester. I did research the hospitals I was interviewing at. I gave information about them being a leading hospital and how they ranked with US news report and they like it. I also asked questions about their floor and how retention was for the department. I guess they liked it because I received several offers. None of the nurse managers asked NCLEX style questions, it was more like what I would do if someone did something wrong or would I follow procedures all the time or if there were times that you shouldn't.

My instructors said open house was an opportunity to meet mangers and see the floor and to take the opportunity. I did and that also got me another offer from a floor I did not apply too. I am incredibly blessed to have so many opportunities where I live. I guess I am saying I would miss pinning ceremony over the possibility of a job. But I also wouldn't want to miss my pinning ceremony I have been working them for the last two years at my school because I am apart of student government and an ambassador for my college. I am so excited for our pinning ceremony next week, it is the first time I will not be working in it :)

Best advice I can give is to give it your all I am sure you will land a job!!!! Good luck to you!!!!!

[bella14k]

Thanks! and Congrats! wow, so many offers. You must live in a different area. I don't know what it is about NY but their expectations are too high i guess? Idk. I really don't. I know I'm still starting out with my job hunt, but applied to a university medical center and was not offered a job-tons of applicants (tons of BSN nursing schools surrounding that hospital, that's why), but I am hoping that I will get more offers once I start applying after the NCLEX.

I will double check with HR if they will consider me at an open house even though I don't have a license. I would think so. But I called a month ago, they said to apply once I passed my boards. I guess I can always triple check.

I guess I'm worried because I don't want any opportunities to be missed. I suppose I should relax and enjoy this summer, because by next summer I know I'll be working more.

Ahhh. time to go to bed . lol

[Camwill, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, LPN, APRN, NP]

Yes you will find a job! It is nerve wrecking the pressure will put on our self and they add even more stress. I hope you figure out a way to do both!