Calling the Nurse Manager...what are your opinions?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi there,

So, here is my story. I am new to town and have a connection to a local hospital; like many places, in this town competition is still pretty fierce. My husband's co-worker's wife works there. His wife put in a word for me...she said she knows the nurse manager well. She spoke to the NM, and the NM said she received many applications but that she would take a look at mine. That was a little over two weeks ago. His wife told me the nurse manager's name, but did not supply her direct extension. I obviously know the unit, so I was considering calling to speak with her just once to say, "hello, my name is blah blah blah, and I applied a few weeks ago. Blah blah blah." I realize I'll probably get voicemail anyway. This position is still listed as "active application" online. I don't want to burn any bridges, either with this connection or the NM. The HR website does specifically state they will not supply nurse manager information; I obviously know the information, but I don't want to be breaking any rules even before I am hired. I'm wondering if she looked at my resume and it wasn't what she was looking for, so she moved on. Should I call? I meet the qualifications listed online and I do have experience. I don't have my bachelors, but I have applied to a B.S.N. program in the meantime hoping this will help.

Thanks for any feedback. :)

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Did you submit a cover letter with your resume?

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Did you submit a cover letter with your resume?

Yes I did, but at the time I submitted it I didn't know her name. I can update the cover letter and resume at any time, but chances are she has already looked at it.

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Did you submit a cover letter with your resume?

But I could go in and update if that's what you're suggesting.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Academics.

Call the unit, ask to be transferred to the NM's office, and leave a short, sweet, to the point voicemail reiterating your interest. Just be prepared for her to answer the phone! What do you have to lose?

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I was in a similar situation one time and I did call and just said I was following up to make sure she received my application. She said she did but hadn't scheduled interviews yet but she'd call me when she did and sure enough I got a call about a week later. So go for it but don't expect this process to move quickly.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

I am a hiring manager (no longer in healthcare, though). I never mind hearing from an applicant, but I hate being interrupted and called to the phone when I am busy elsewhere. I would suggest e-mailing so that the manager gets your message at his/her convenience. That also avoids a possibly awkward conversation if you are not really prepared for her to answer the phone.

Good luck!

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Thanks so much!

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Specializes in cardiac-telemetry, hospice, ICU.

Personally, I would take a copy of the letter and resume and go to the hospital, ask around and find her office, knock on the door and...."Hello, I am whitey fisk. I don't want to take up much of your time, but I wanted to put a face with the resume I sent in a couple weeks ago. I would be my pleasure to have an opportunity to work here. I believe I could bring a lot to the job. Thank you for your time." Hand her the papers and start to leave and hope you get an interview. What have you got to lose, what do you gain?

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Specializes in Cardiac, ER.

Call her!

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As a nurse manager i can tell you i have no idea who applies unless i contact HR. So if someone gives me a name to look out for or calls me, it helps when i talk to HR and the applications are sent to me for review. If it anything like our organization and application is online, they are all screened before ever going to the manager. Call her.

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Specializes in Emergency.
Personally, I would take a copy of the letter and resume and go to the hospital, ask around and find her office, knock on the door and...."Hello, I am whitey fisk. I don't want to take up much of your time, but I wanted to put a face with the resume I sent in a couple weeks ago. I would be my pleasure to have an opportunity to work here. I believe I could bring a lot to the job. Thank you for your time." Hand her the papers and start to leave and hope you get an interview. What have you got to lose, what do you gain?

I would NOT do this. it is too unpredictable. You show up, unannounced, knock on the door, and you have no idea what's going on it this persons day. People do not like surprises and I can tell you a lot depends on their mood at the moment. When you show up and knock on a door, you run the risk of 1. interrupting another interview, 2. interrupting a disciplinary meeting, or employee eval, Interrupting a meeting, etc.

I'd call the NM, or I'd call HR and just ask for an update on the position. Hiring seems to go so slow when you are on the waiting end! Good Luck!

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