contact nurse manager directly?

[cat1235]

I've read a million posts advising how wonderful and great it is to contact the nurse manager of a unit you're interested in .... I've read it shows initiative and interest and helps you to stand out and many people got interviews and jobs this way .... yet I'm still nervous about it!

I applied to a new Grad program and got past the first cut, and then was selected for a prerecorded video interview last Friday, it's been 4 business days and to my understanding ... HR may be connecting unit managers with potential applicants now. I was thinking that since I did the video interview and made it this far in the process, now would be a good time to contact the nurse manager of the nicu (and maybe some other units I'm interested in second) by email. I personally think that's better than calling when she may be busy.

Especially since I'm out of state, I want to make my interest clear. Since I submitted my application materials, some new things have happened and I want a chance to mention them - I have since taken and passed the nclex, my home state license is up, I've initiated the license by endorsement application for the state I applied in, I'm in the process of getting NRP certified, AND have a job offer for the residency program in my home state (I feel like that makes me more "wanted" because I've been chosen for a position here yet I'd choose a position in the out of state hospital in a heartbeat!) Also, my bf who knows a girl who works in the hospital apparently knows the nicu manager and said she would put in a word for me to her and some other important people in the hospital but idk if she ever got a chance or not, but the thought alone was nice.

I think I'm going to email her though! Basically stating that I've applied, done the video interview, express my interest, mention how I am licensed here and initiated the license process for there, and mention I'm in the process of getting NRP certified... should I also mention I have an offer here but would prefer to work there so that I show my serious desire to work for their hospital and unit?

I'm just scared of turning her off if my email is annoying but I've read so many good stories about contacting the nurse manager so I just need reassurance! Haha. And it's hard to just sit at home and not make myself stand out.

Thanks for any advice !

[RN0323]

I'm pretty sure all new grads AND seasoned nurses feel this way! I know I feel nervous about it, but, no greater feeling than getting answers and getting through to people!! Contact the nurse manager, you'll be glad you did!

[scaredsilly, BSN, RN]

It is a good idea to contact the NM in person when you are a new grad trying to get a job in a hospital because the online application process weeds out applications of people without experience and no human ever gets to see it. Thus going to see an NM is the only chance you have of obtaining an interview.

This is a different situation. You made it through the first cut of a nurse residency application process. That means that that the humans have seen it, you are in the system and you are actively being considered. The reasons to go to a nurse manager are moot and doing so could be considered circumventing a tried and true process that the facility doesn't want to have circumvented. So in your case, don't do it! it could end up costing you this opportunity.

If for some reason you don't get the residency and end up applying to hospital jobs that are not part of a residency program, then by all means go see the NM.

Best of luck to you!!

[cat1235]

I don't know if you've read this post but I've read thru several comments and the writer says she applied through residency programs and contacted the NM of different floors and recommended it. Not discounting what you're saying .... I definitely understand what you mean and agree to an extent.

https://allnurses.com/nursing-job-search/i-got-a-532817.html

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

It depends on the area. If you were being considered in hospitals in my region and attempted to circumvent the HR process your application would be dropped from consideration. The process is handled by HR to verify eligibility and suitability to reduce potential bias. Unless the program suggests to contact managers directly, not recommended.

And stating you have another offer as an out of state new grad may be interpreted as you no longer need consideration for a job that you must relocate for and don't yet have an active license in that state. New grads are not highly sought after when there are hundreds to thousands applying for a job/position. It seems you are actively being considered therefore Id seriously rethink doing anything that could jeopardize your chances.

[cat1235]

Thank youtfor your advice. The plan is to start working for the new grad program here until I hear back or get a job offer in VT. There is a 2 yr contract but it doesn't go into effect until July, and to be honest, I have no problem breaking the contract and paying the fee if it means I get hired in VT where I'm ultimately moving. I would start the program here in march. So, the reason I'm so apt to hear back from the out of state program is because it'd work out best in my favor AND the residency program I got hired into if I could save everybody time and money by letting them know in February that I actually will not be starting in March because I got an offer in the state I wish To move to.

Praying everyday and trusting in God's timing !

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

In your case, what you could do is send an e-mail "thank you for the interview". This keeps you forefront in the manager's mind, and makes you stand out.

Keep it brief, I would not mention all the licensing updates- the HR has access to all that. NRP cert is not a deal-breaker. Your best ally is the bf who knows soemone who knows someone. Follow up with that reference.

Good luck! Nurse Beth

[Cruz.Cookie, BSN, RN]

I think that you should email or call the NM. Just so you can stand out from the crowd. I actually contacted a manager and she talked to another manager. Needless to say I got a phone call from the Manager that same day I met up with her. It's possible. Just don't be too "stalkerish/annoying". But, I honestly do feel a little aggressiveness in the job Hunt and thinking outside of the box won't hurt you at all. Gone, are the days of submitting a resume and thinking you are going to get a call like that.

[cat1235]

@cruz.cookie .... do you think it is still a good idea if within a new grad residency program since they are accepting many applications as opposed to one? I definitely would contact the NM if it was under normal circumstances where there's only one position open for one person. A residency program is a little different .... but idk still considering it. Especially since I'm from out of state. I may be visiting there soon (bf lives there) and will at least stop by HR to find out what happens next if I don't hear back by then.

[chare]

At my facility any attempt to contact a nurse manager directly is going to result in your being referrer to nurse employment, as none of the managers will setup their own interviews.

This would likely result in your application being rejected as well.

[cat1235]

I'm not going to contact any nurse managers but I may find out from HR what the next step is since I have no idea what happens after the video interview I did. By asking about the process of hiring, I think that'd be okay. That's not pushing anybody.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

I'm not going to contact any nurse managers but I may find out from HR what the next step is since I have no idea what happens after the video interview I did. By asking about the process of hiring, I think that'd be okay. That's not pushing anybody.

Sounds like a wise choice as you are neutrally asking about the process to the correct department not self promoting Good luck