finding a job as an undergraduate nurse (UNE)

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Hello all!

I have been lurking around these forums for a little over a year, and finally signed up!!

I am in my fourth year of my BScN degree and I'm applying like mad for undergraduate nursing positions (UNE). I'm employed as an aide right now through AHS, but I really want the oppertunity to work further within my scope (and not be bullied by the aides who see me as a "thing" (I've been refered to as that before) and refuse to speak to me in english). In other words, I am more than desperate to find a job!!! 23 applications so far, but no calls :(

I need ANY tips anyone has to offer AT ALL, be it with applying, my resume, cover letter, interview tips....anything at all is MUCHLY appreciated!!!

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Specializes in MPH Student Fall/14, Emergency, Research.

Which city are you in?

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

What kind of work are you looking for?

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Specializes in Cardiology.

I assume then that you're finishing school in April and writing the CRNE in June? Are you in your final focus now? Many students are hired on where they completed their final practicum. If that's the case, I would kibosh the UNE idea (it's too late) and start looking for a GRAD nurse job.

Print off some resumes and speak directly with the managers on units that interest you. Speak with your unit manager and see if they would be interested in hiring you.

Managers may (and probably will) direct you to apply online, or they may hire you on the spot (that was my case) . Just make sure you always ask first if it's a good time to talk. :)

As you already work for AHS, have you checked the internal postings in epeople?

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Uhm, the non-speaking in English thing, my hospital has sent out memos from staffing office reminding staff that English is the language of the workplace and is to be used while AHS is paying you.

Contact your shop steward. It's harrassment.

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I just realized that I deleted the part that said I'm from Alberta :facepalm:.

I'm in a funny intake spot; I'm in the first term of my 4th year right now, and I won't be doing my preceptorship term until September, so I will be graduating in December. This means I'll be writing the CRNE next Feb...this is why I'm looking for an undergrad job for now. I hunted through the job-tip boards on this site and took a few tips away, but I didn't find anything specifically for this type of job.

The specific area doesn't matter all that much, anything that gets me more experience at the moment is what I need. My last acute care clinical rotation was less than stellar (my instructor "trusted me" so she figured she'd throw me to the wolves with a few patients for 5 weeks and left it at that). I want to get more confident and competent in my ability to handle a full patient load, work on skills building, and gain some real world experience.

Fiona, my hospital has sent out the same emails....many times actually. We have complained to the unit manager, there have been signs posted up on the units (I'm a medicine float, it's happening on all the units), and we have verbally stated to them that they need to speak english. Not sure what else to do at the moment (I also haven't been working a lot lately as I'm in classes full time and expecting a baby in 3 weeks).

Thanks for the replies so far :)

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

I would say to managers if they have been warned both verbally and written then now is the time to go official and properly write them up.

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If you are working as a NA you belong to AUPE. Contact a shop steward STAT.

By refusing to speak English after being spoken to by managment they are in violation of their employment conditions.

You can call AUPE or email them.

By neglecting to take action you are permitting them to get away with it.

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I never said I was "neglecting to take action" I just didn't know what else to do?

Thank you for the advice though, at least I know there's something more that can be done.

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It can take awhile to get calls back for UNE positions. The positions don't start until late April/early May, so it seems like they take their time. I'm not-so-patiently waiting for UNE postings in maternal health :dummy:

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Specializes in geriatrics.

It's fine to desire a particular specialty. However, as we speak, AHS is cutting budgets and leaving positions unfilled everywhere, so if you do not receive calls for your desired area after a period of time, then be willing to take whatever comes available. Your best bet would be to approach managers of the floors you're interested in working.

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