Calling nurse managers?

RN403, BSN, RN · Sep 21, 2015

I would try reaching out to recruiters and human resources first. I have had positive experiences by reaching out to actual humans in regards to the application process. I also had a few negative experiences, so it just seems to vary from facility to facility on how they take you calling in about jobs.

If you can locate an e-mail address for the nurse manager then it couldn't hurt to send your resume and mention that you applied for job xyz and this is why you should consider me. Short, sweet, to the point, and won't take up too much of their time.

In today's job market and especially in CA I say go for it. Doesn't hurt to try.

Best wishes! You will land a job soon. Even if it is not your primary choice, know that any nursing experience is better than none and can eventually lead to your desired position. Again, good luck.

Fancypants09 · Sep 22, 2015

Thanks for your input!

Silverdragon102, BSN · Sep 23, 2015

Moved to the Canadian forum

I think generally you are in a difficult place due to the shortage of jobs and the amount of experienced nurses looking for work. Are you willing to relocate? That may be an answer

loriangel14, RN · Sep 24, 2015

It will depend on the manager. Mine gets extremely annoyed by anyone who tries to go around HR and contact her directly. She will just reiterate the online instructions to apply through HR.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Sep 25, 2015

If you contact me directly, I will refer you to the online application. Everyone must apply online. Also, for each posting HR receives at least 10 decent internal applicants (these days it could be 50-100 internals).

Out of the many internals, there is someone qualified for hire. External applicants are reviewed when there are no suitable internal applicants. Unions dictate the hiring process. I can't hire an external candidate when there are suitable internal applicants or grievances will be filed.

Unfortunately, that is why you are sending dozens of resumes. Just keep trying.

vintage_RN, BSN, RN · Sep 25, 2015

I got my new grad position by emailing the manager directly. Otherwise my application would have just been another in the pile. You have to stand out somehow.

dishes, BSN, RN · Sep 26, 2015

Networking is usually a better way to get a manager's attention, if you know any nurses (or non-nurses) who are already in the workplace can you ask them to speak to their manager and put in a good word for you?

Fancypants09 · Sep 28, 2015

Moved to the Canadian forum
I think generally you are in a difficult place due to the shortage of jobs and the amount of experienced nurses looking for work. Are you willing to relocate? That may be an answer

Yes, in fact I have already spoken to a US recruitment agency that helps Canadian nurses relocate to the States. Thanks for your input!

dishes, BSN, RN · Sep 28, 2015

@fancypants Were you told that there are US hospitals willing to hire Canadian grads? I find that surprising since the US has grads who are struggling to find jobs.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Sep 29, 2015

Some US facilities will still hire Canadian new grads. However, be very cautious because there are thousands of American grads searching for work.

Either the facility has a poor reputation, low pay or the location is remote. There must be a reason why they can't recruit locally. Ask questions and do your research.

Fancypants09 · Sep 30, 2015

Some US facilities will still hire Canadian new grads. However, be very cautious because there are thousands of American grads searching for work.
Either the facility has a poor reputation, low pay or the location is remote. There must be a reason why they can't recruit locally. Ask questions and do your research.

Thank you for the advice, and yes the recruiter did mention that I could end up in a small-town hospital. Do you know which states in particular are hiring Canadian new grads? I've heard of Virginia, New Mexico, and North Carolina.