Finding nurse recruiter info

smn2010, BSN, RN · Dec 20, 2009

i'm glad you are starting your job search early because most facilities have all their new grad positions filled by march/april each year.

i would suggest you first determine which facilities in your area have a nurse residency program/new grad nurse residency program. i know inova has a nurse residency program so you should check into it. there is information on their website. sentara did not have a new grad progam for 2009. i have not heard from friends as to whether sentara will have a new grad program in 2010 so check into that also. while some facilities hire new grads into their residency programs, others hire new grads directly onto the units. so best to be sure, who is doing what in your area. all the information you need is usually located on the facility website/online. then, follow the instructions to apply for an opening to these programs. if the facility does not have a new grad/nurse residency program apply online (if online is the facility requirement), to the nursing positions that interest you first. some hospitals provide a point-of-contact some where within the job posting when you apply online. they will also indicate the department where the position is available. from this alone, you will possibly have a point-of-contact (usually someone in hr/nurse recruiter) name as well as be aware of the department/unit that is in need of new grad nurses. look carefully at the minimum requirements for the job. often facilities just want an individual that has completed a nursing program, rn-applicant status, etc. if no minimum number of years of experience is indicated...so apply, apply, apply....the facility is probably interested in new grads; but does not actually state this.

if you do not find the information you need located on the online website for the positions that interest you, contact the hr department to determine who is responsible for nurse recruitment. keep in mind, some facilities have a nurse recruiter just for new grads, while others have nurse recruiters assigned by unit/specialty (i.e. med/surg, l&d, icu, oncology...). depending on your areas of interest, you may have more than one point-of-contact when communicating with nurse recruiters.

some facilities also allow interested applicants to take a tour of their floor/unit. if so, you should definitely take the opportunity to request a tour. the hr department should be able to give you more information about this. going on a tour, will give you an opportunity to meet the unit manager, get a visual of the unit/floor, ask appropriate questions and provide you with the opportunity to leave a copy of your resume with the unit manager/individual providing the unit tour :nuke: before leaving the facility.

when you attach your cover letter to your online application, be sure to indicate when you will graduate. also highlight your clinical experience and any other skills/abilities you may have gained while in school or while working in the medical field while attending school.

good luck!!! :up: