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Discussion

Do internal applicants usually get preference? What is your experience?

Hey guys! I am currently a nursing student and can't wait to be finished. For the past several months I have been searching for jobs for financial reasons and finally got some good news after so long. I will be starting soon (after I get cleared) in an entry level type position in a hospital. I am really excited because I know how rough it can be getting any position in a hospital, especially a place in NYC. Here is my question, do internal applicants usually get preference when applying for a job with their own employer? I was going to start a phlebotomy/EKG/PCT course over the summer so I can gain that patient experience. Now that I think about it, should I just build my reputation and make connections when I start my job? I won't be done with nursing school for another 18 months and maybe even 2 years if you count till the time I take my NCLEX and pass God willingly. I was thinking once I get my license maybe I will have an easier chance getting an RN job with my hospital instead of killing myself over the summer with the PCT course which might be awhile till I get hired because everyone wants experience these days. Just looking for some guidance. Should I do the PCT course and get those certificates and have them as backup or just work? Thanks guys!

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    In what position would you be working? IMO taking a pct course without actually working as a pct would be a waste of time and money

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    • Author

    Sorry! I should've mentioned my position. It would be dietary/food services. If I do go through with the PCT course, of course I would actively search for a PCT position. I'm just afraid of wasting so much time doing a million things instead of sticking to one thing.

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    Internal Applicants DO get preference, no matter what you work at the hospital...whether you are CNA, dietary, unit clerk, or janitor (environmental services) it is a plus and you have more changed to get hired (If you did your job well that is) than an outside new grad RN.

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    Where I work, all positions are posted internally first, and only opened to all applicants after a certain length of time if no one in the organization applies.

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    • Author

    Thanks guys! You put a huge smile on my face.

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    I was hired as a PCA (but didn't take the position due to orientation interfering with nursing school finals and there was no lee-way with that). I'm not sure if PCT is different, but I was hired strictly because I was a nursing student that completed fundamentals (amongst other courses). No special training course needed, would have been taught on the job. You may want to look into that, you may already be able to work as a PCT. This was for the North Shore-LIJ health system on Long Island.

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    • Author

    kjm84- that would be awesome and ideal.. How long ago was this? Did they need a certain gpa or number of clinical hours? Also, where and how did you apply? Thank you! If you can send me a private message that would be great.

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    Cannot be sure but think at some hospitals with union representation (even if it is non-nursing staff) have agreements written into their contracts calling for internal applicants to be given first shot at open nursing slots.

    Again IIRC 1199 has a tution plan for members to attend nursing school and remember reading something several years ago when that union was in contact negotiations that they wanted their members to have first choice at new nurse postings.

    One has to remember RN positions are considered "top jobs" in many hospitals and there are those that want to ensure certain populations aren't shut out from them.

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    • Experts
    Cannot be sure but think at some hospitals with union representation (even if it is non-nursing staff) have agreements written into their contracts calling for internal applicants to be given first shot at open nursing slots.

    Again IIRC 1199 has a tution plan for members to attend nursing school and remember reading something several years ago when that union was in contact negotiations that they wanted their members to have first choice at new nurse postings.

    One has to remember RN positions are considered "top jobs" in many hospitals and there are those that want to ensure certain populations aren't shut out from them.

    Yes this.

    I am ina facility with a union and everything is posted internally first.Then if it's not filled they go external.

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    • Author

    Thanks guys! This is great news! I will hold on to my position with my dear life and try to stick it out while completing nursing school.

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