CALLING---Those who have Jobs- WE need you!

Mike A. Fungin RN · Jul 2, 2009

I just read through some of the other responses again, and I want to second what some people said about the interview process itself.

Start your resume way early. I started working on it in January (interviewed in May) and that gave me time to run it by several people and make changes. Get a few different viewpoints. I had mine proofed separately by my brother, a classmate, a professor, and a staff nurse. I was able to take a little something from each one of them.

Spend some time rehearsing the "standard" nursing interview questions (can be found in any number of books, web sites, and on this forum). Don't memorize it, you don't want to sound like a robot. If it sounds a little different each time, but you're hitting the high points, you're money.

Take a day off before the interview to decompress. Most importantly, accept that you are going to be asked a question that you didn't prepare for. That way you won't freeze up when it happens. Remember these words, "the truth will set you free". Don't try to B.S. an interviewer, just relax and be genuine. If they ask a situational question (i.e. describe a time you questioned orders) and it's never happened to you, explain what you would do if it did.

Again, good luck!

swirlything · Jul 2, 2009

1.what kind of floor are you working on? nicu

2.where are you from? fl

3.how did you get that job?--

i attended a reception for new grads where they told us that they had no positions at the time... the entire hospital system! i talked with the nicu manager while there, making it clear that nicu is the only place i wanted to work, and why. i expressed my disappointment that they were not hiring. gave her a resume and discussed it with her. i got a call back a couple months later when they had positions open up.

a lot of my friends who have gotten jobs have said one thing: show passion for the position. don't make it sound like you'd take any job just to be working. don't let them know that you would use the position as a stepping stone to something else.

kadell · Jul 2, 2009

1.what kind of floor are you working on? ed

2.where are you from? ohio

3.how did you get that job?-- i went to a hospital wide open house. i had no intention of working that far away (70 min drive) but fell in love with the hospital. and i just clicked with the nurse manager. she called me for an interview/job shadow a few weeks later.

i am prior military and i think that made a difference.

i agree with the prior poster who saidshow a passion--- i wanted ed very much andi made it clear how hard i was willing to work (and drive!) to be a part of that particular ed.

NewmanFamily6 · Jul 2, 2009

I started applying to New Graduate positions in January 2009. I interviewed on several floors and had different offers. I am working on a med/surg fllor that specializes in Acute Care for the Elderly. So far I love it! The patients are wonderful and everyone has been very helpful. I am in Southwest VA and while I did not have an issue finding a job several people that graduated with me have.

ittybabyRN, RN · Jul 2, 2009

1.What kind of floor are you working on? Level III NICU
2.Where are you from? Massechusettes but my job is in Washington, DC
3.HOW DID YOU GET THAT JOB: I was determined to go into pediatrics and applied to RN/New Grad programs everywhere from here to Alaska deciding early on that I would relocate to get what I wanted (graduated in May, started applying in December). Got a call back from CNMC the next day for an interview and was offered the job on spot after flying there for the interview. I start August 24th
Good Luck!

On a side note as far as experience and whatnot, I spent last summer working as a PCA on a cardiac step down unit with a few weeks in the Cardiac Surgery ICU. I also did my preceptorship on the Pedi unit, had my pedi instructor write my letter of recommendation, and virtually every job I have had in the past except my PCA job dealt with children...babysitting/camp counselor/swimming teacher/lifeguard. I also wrote my resume/cover letter very early, October or so and had my advisor read it and another professor. I was also on a varsity sports team for my four years and worked with an athletic counselor to integrate skills from sports into skills that can be used in nursing, this person helped me with my final edits. I began applying for jobs as soon as first semester was completed, end of December. I got a call back from this NICU nurse manager immediately and set up an interview with her right away. I did what other people have mentioned, practicing answers to common questions as well as knowing that I would get a question I hadn't practiced. I also did extensive research on the hospital, unit and specialty. I created a list of questions for her covering everything from what the new grad orientation was like, what kind of opportunities were available after the first year of nursing, what their retention rate was, how their schedule worked etc. I think I might have asked more questions than she did! And of course I just tried to relax, be myself and not appear as stressed and as nervous as I felt!

mochabean · Jul 2, 2009

This thread is a great idea! I remember Daytonite posted months back that you should treat your clinical like a job interview because everyone is watching you. Based on what everyone's shared so far, she's right.

MrsRNn2009 · Jul 2, 2009

I got 3 job offers because i started applying in March while my classmates weren't. i got an offer on a cardiac step down unit and in the ED at CHildrens LA, Ca. i had been working there for over 5 years as a CNA before i even starting taking nursing classes. i pass up the great ER position and went for a CVICU peds at Childrens in Oreange cOUNTY, ca.

k.morris · Jul 2, 2009

thank you to everyone who posted on my thread. i am so happy for all of you and very greatful and excitied to hear all of your advice, i will def use all of it and keep you posted on how everything works out. i hope that everyone continues sharing their successes and ideas.

and i hope as posts continue those who are still jobless, like myself, will have some new success and be able to use all of this information and make a post of our own with our new job.

thanks so much everyone.....keep them coming!

Keri8680, BSN, RN · Jul 2, 2009

1.what kind of floor are you working on? cardiac/telemetry

2.where are you from? ct, but just moved to pitt to be with my fiance

3.how did you get that job?-- once i decided to move out to pitt this past winter i started sending my resume around. had my interview set up for my spring break in march, and got offered the job a few days after my interview. i started earlier than all of my other classmates and i thinks thats why i had the advantage of being one of the few with jobs waiting for them! i'm working at a big hospital in pittsburgh and i'm so excited, my orientation starts on monday!

gifted87 · Jul 3, 2009

ED

Baltimore, MD

I got this job as a result of alot of research, diligence, and prayer! I have always wanted to be an ER nurse and I was determined not to settle for anything other than that. The only problem was that here in the Baltimore metro area, many RN managers want new grads with experience (tech, EMT, EMS,etc.) and I didn't have that. The hospital that I was very interested in was the same hospital that I did my last 2 clinical rotations at. In addition to contacting the nurse recruiter there, I contacted nurse recruiters from every hospital in the area just to get a feel for what they were looking for in a new grad. Also, to see what type of benefits the hospitals were offering including base salaries (don't be afraid to ask!!!). I was able to narrow my selection down to 2 hospitals that were really attractive: Union Memorial Hospital and Northwest Hospital Center (NWHC was the hospital that I did my rotations at and absolutely loved and was my first choice.) I think the determining factor for me was that the RN recruiter at NWHC was very interested in me as a candidate because of my passion for the ER and that I was very professional and intelligent. The RN recuiter at UMH was more resistant and insistent on ED experience. The NW recruiter was able to set me up an interview with the ED manager and she was very impressed with me because I have worked in the food industry and am very skilled in customer service which is huge element of nursing these days. The day after our interview I was offered the job. I could not have been more satisfied and excited!!!! I have a very competitive salary ($26.21/hr +$4.25 diff for nights), great health insurance, tuition assistance, etc. I think its very important for you to be able to sell yourself and really emphasize how good you are at customer service. Do your homework and get in contact with the recruiters. Call as many times as you need to, tailor your resume to the facility that you are applying to (ex. you may can include a quote from the mission statement that reflects some aspect of your motivation and ambition to join their facility). Do what ever you need to do, because employment is definitely scarce these days and you are competing against many other NGs as well! Good Luck:typing:yeah:

E.R. Rookie · Jul 3, 2009

1. E.R. (internship)

2. Vegas but I moved to Texas for my job

3. I applied and they called me. I was willing to move where ever offered me a job. My internship lasts 4 months. I get paid to go to class and I feel very blessed.

nicolegrow · Jul 4, 2009

I graduated just this May and I have been applying since March. I was very discouraged, but just kept applying. I finally got a job offer for CV-ICU at the Cleveland Clinic. I am from Cleveland and I did my clinical work at their main campus. You must be persistant and confident. I do think it is harder to find a job right now. If you are confident and and persistant I am sure you will find an opportunity that will allow you to grow as a new RN.