Convincing the manager to take a chance on a new grad

chiandre · Sep 1, 2014

Should we meet, I was thinking about offering to work for a couple of weeks at bottom rung pay (even minimum wage) to show her what I can do, or to sign a contract (2-3 years) so that she can feel assured she will see the return on her investment. Has anyone had any success offering something like this? Any other suggestions?

I know that you really want that position, but do not sell yourself too short. If you offer to take a lesser pay, you will come across as too desperate. If they do not hire you, do not worry. Sometimes things happen for a reason. Trust me , another position will become available. Remember, as a registered nurse, you are worth a lot. Do not let anybody take advantage of you.

scaredsilly, BSN, RN · Sep 1, 2014

I was in the same situation. I actually offered to work for free as if I were in a clinical for a month to prove myself. The NM laughed at me and said that wouldn't be legal. BUT-I got the job!!

Do not worry about sounding desperate. ALL new grads are desperate! It is to be expected.

RunBabyRN · Sep 2, 2014

I worried about sounding desperate, but I agree, scaredsilly, I think most NMs know we're desperate! Plus, I think it's clear that this area of nursing is my end goal. I just hope that I can stand out to her enough that she's willing to take a chance on me.

Chiandre, the lower pay is only for a short time to "audition," if you will. I wouldn't take less than the going rate around here beyond a short period of time. I know this is something I've seen work in other fields.

SubSippi · Sep 2, 2014

Make sure the manager knows that she will receive a return on her investment (in you). Find ways to emphasize the fact that, if hired, you plan on staying in that unit for a long time. Ask her what she looks for when hiring a new nurse, then in your response find ways to let her know that person is YOU. Think of examples that show you are a dependable employee, and are a team player.

If the position goes to someone else, email her and ask her to keep you in mind in the future, and tell her that her unit is where you want to work, and ask if there are and steps you could take that would improve your chances in the future.

I think it speaks very highly of you that one of your patients is impressed enough by your nursing abilities, and likes you enough personally, to want to have you as a coworker.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Sep 2, 2014

Hospital salaries are very stringently managed by HR in order to avoid exposure to liability (re: claims of discrimination). Therefore, hiring managers do not have much flexibility in this regard. The organization may also have rules about training and orientation that would impact new grad hiring. Just wanted to give you a 'peek behind the curtain' to help you understand the background issues.

scaredsilly, BSN, RN · Sep 2, 2014

RunBaby, let us know how you do. I got lucky and I am so hoping you will as well!! Again, I would make the offer, even if the NM can't hire you under those circumstances, it will let her know how badly you want to work there. It worked for me! Same kind of unit and I don't have the other experience that you have.

MrChicagoRN, RN · Sep 3, 2014

"Aside from my lack of acute care RN experience (of course), I am 100% qualified for the job, based on the posting."

I did a courtesy new grad interview awhile back, and in the thank you letter she stated she was "perfect" for the position, when in fact she was merely Okay.

be prepared to tell the NM why you feel you are 100% qualified! and why he/she should take a chance on you.

RunBabyRN · Sep 3, 2014

Make sure the manager knows that she will receive a return on her investment (in you). Find ways to emphasize the fact that, if hired, you plan on staying in that unit for a long time. Ask her what she looks for when hiring a new nurse, then in your response find ways to let her know that person is YOU. Think of examples that show you are a dependable employee, and are a team player.
If the position goes to someone else, email her and ask her to keep you in mind in the future, and tell her that her unit is where you want to work, and ask if there are and steps you could take that would improve your chances in the future.
I think it speaks very highly of you that one of your patients is impressed enough by your nursing abilities, and likes you enough personally, to want to have you as a coworker.

I do want to make it clear that I would plan to be there awhile (plus, I wouldn't want to make my pt look bad!). If I do interview and don't get a job, I always thank them for their time and ask that they consider me should something else open up. I'll definitely ask about the ways to improve my chances (aside from experience- Gah).

I was very flattered that my pt took it upon herself to do this! I mentioned this in my e-mail to the manager, that it meant a lot to me that she did this on her own accord.

RunBabyRN · Sep 3, 2014

Hospital salaries are very stringently managed by HR in order to avoid exposure to liability (re: claims of discrimination). Therefore, hiring managers do not have much flexibility in this regard. The organization may also have rules about training and orientation that would impact new grad hiring. Just wanted to give you a 'peek behind the curtain' to help you understand the background issues.

I figured that there might be some weird stuff with companies and new grads. It just sucks that even other healthcare experience that's pertinent doesn't seem to count for a single thing.

I've heard about salaries based on matrices, accounting for experience and role and such.

I know there's no guarantee that I'll be eligible for a position, due to the fact that I have no acute care RN experience. I just figured it's worth a go. :) I really hope that there's some way around this.

RunBabyRN · Sep 3, 2014

RunBaby, let us know how you do. I got lucky and I am so hoping you will as well!! Again, I would make the offer, even if the NM can't hire you under those circumstances, it will let her know how badly you want to work there. It worked for me! Same kind of unit and I don't have the other experience that you have.

Will do! CA is a tough nut to crack, as far as acute care jobs for new grads. I am very frustrated that my other experience isn't enough to get into acute care. I know it's helped some with my other positions.

RunBabyRN · Sep 3, 2014

"Aside from my lack of acute care RN experience (of course), I am 100% qualified for the job, based on the posting."

I did a courtesy new grad interview awhile back, and in the thank you letter she stated she was "perfect" for the position, when in fact she was merely Okay.
be prepared to tell the NM why you feel you are 100% qualified! and why he/she should take a chance on you.

I went into a lot of this (though never said I was 100% qualified in my e-mail), but plan to back it up for sure. I am also aware of my shortcomings, and stated as much (ie no c-section experience, never had to manage an epidural, etc), but based on the requirements in the posting, I'm good, aside from the experience (BLS, NRP-certified, BSN, IV competency). I'm aware that I'm not 100% floor-ready, and that this is part of why I am a "risky hire". I'm just trying to figure out how to show her, should I be offered an opportunity to interview, that I am worth the investment.