Can strong connections to hospitals really help?

Nurses Job Hunt

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My great uncle is on the board of directors at a hospital I'm interested in. I noticed that the only jobs available (1 posted on 8/12), are an RN on a Medsurge floor , but the status says: PD (which i think means per diem). PD status is not ideal, as I want a lot of experience, and therefore I don't think the NM or HR/NR would consider me. Also, there aren't many other jobs for RN's that are open (and I don't think I would ever qualify for a specialty RN role, unless it was for a RN residency/new grad internship kind of thing). I love the idea of having a strong connection, because I feel like it may help me, but would it if they're not even hiring? I'll find out soon enough, I keep revising my resume and CV so I haven't really sent it yet.

I was told by my uncle's assistant that he wrote a letter of recommendation to the president and CEO of the hospital (which as of right now, hasn't been sent out yet), but I haven't even applied yet! I just sent an email to nurse recruitment (there's only 1 person), and I will not send anything to her until I hear from her (although I already emailed my resume and CV to my uncle already...I have to make sure he doesn't send it).

I HAVE AN AAS IN NURSING AND AM A REGISTERED NURSE (LICENSED) as of 2 weeks ago, and applied to 4 or 5 major university hospitals and have not received a call back. I am definitely applying to 2 more hospitals in the area, then hospitals in other areas and then nursing homes in the area/other areas. I just haven't gotten to it because CVs must be customized and sometimes resumes too (for skills and qualifications), so I haven't been using my time too wisely. But I think the end product justifies that.

Any advice, answers, anything? Anyone with an experience where they got a job from having strong connections? This isn't the nursing manager, it's the president/ceo my uncle is contacting..i think my uncle said something about giving more money if i'm hired (OBVIOUSLY WORDED DIFFERENTLY THAN THAT, SO IT'S MEANING IS SUBTLE AND PROFESSIONAL).

Wish me luck, that feeling of not knowing when and where i'll work has left butterflies in my stomach all the time. I've spent 8 hours each day for the last 3 days doing research on perfect CV's and resumes and have finally created mine. Thanks in advance!

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I've known that sort of thing to work. But be careful, it can also work against you in the long run if a unit is forced to hire you against their will. It could hurt your relationships with the managers, educators, and fellow staff members -- particularly the ones who have relatives and friends who were more qualified than you, but who were not offered jobs.

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I've known that sort of thing to work. But be careful, it can also work against you in the long run if a unit is forced to hire you against their will. It could hurt your relationships with the managers, educators, and fellow staff members -- particularly the ones who have relatives and friends who were more qualified than you, but who were not offered jobs.

Oooh yes, I've taken that into consideration. In that case, I'd still take the job, and CONTINUE applying to other hospitals. If no one else will hire me, I'll have to suck it up. I've had crappy experiences with nurses before, but they can't be that mean, can they? after all, who do you think is hiring the NM in the first place...:)

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It seems that connections are the only way to get jobs for new grads in some areas. I would use what you have without any remorse! If there are no openings now, they will have you on file when there is.

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Yeah honestly I would too! People get jobs with connections over others without all the time. At the end of the day you're still going to probably interview anyway and show them your personality so it's not like u just got the job without any effort.

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I agree with Sugar. The connections get you an interview, which is something new grads have trouble getting!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

It is absolutely unethical for a member of the Board of Directors to attempt to exert any influence on hiring decisions or interfere in any operational decisions. Their role is strategic oversight only. They only work directly with top echelon, strategic-level executives. This is normally spelled out in detail when new people become BOD members. I can't imagine any circumstance in which using this "connection" will end well.

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It is absolutely unethical for a member of the Board of Directors to attempt to exert any influence on hiring decisions or interfere in any operational decisions. Their role is strategic oversight only. They only work directly with top echelon, strategic-level executives. This is normally spelled out in detail when new people become BOD members. I can't imagine any circumstance in which using this "connection" will end well.

That is the reason why I am not counting on it. However, even though it is unethical, it has landed people many jobs...it's not what you know, but who you know...that's life, get over it.

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Specializes in hospice.

Good to know you want to start your nursing career with your ethical integrity intact. :confused:

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Honestly, I didn't want to go through someone to get a job. But these are facts. The market is over saturated with new grads, many of whom are choosing nursing as second careers (for god knows what their intentions are).

I think when you want something bad enough, you'll ask someone for help. I know someone - hate to say this, but dumb as a rock- who was hired at a MAGNET designated hospital in an area with BSN nursing programs (good programs, great reputations). My school provides 500 hours of clinical experience (not including preceptorship, which is 16 hours) and is nothing compared to these other nursing programs. Yet, he managed to get her foot in the door, from what I believe is a connection (I think his mom is a nurse...). It depends on WHO has the connection, and honestly he didn't entirely deserve it because he told me he went into nursing because he didn't know what else to do and he also told me he dreaded going to clinical everyday. With the right intentions, anyone deserves a chance, regardless of what connections she or he has. It may be unethical, but at least it gave someone deserving of an opportunity a chance to work at their first pick hospital. These days, it's luck of the draw when someone gets called back anyway.

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Specializes in Hematology/Oncology.

Sometimes more is expected out of you. People have connections for everything. Knowing a background of a person can help make assumptions of what kind of character they are or people will vouch for them.

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

I will take a look at a resume, and do a courtesy interview, if asked, but have never been asked to hire someone, and would not do so. What you describe would be an unethical use of influence and power by your uncle.

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