Calling Nurse Managers for jobs

Nurses General Nursing

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I'm always torn whether or not to be aggressive when trying to find a new job. A lot of times just applying online doesn't get you anywhere, but at the same time, I feel that tracking down and calling/writing the NM directly can seem pushy. What are people's thoughts on this?

Specializes in Cardiac care/Ortho/LTC/Education/Psych.

I can tell you that one of my coworkers just thanked me because I made her be "pushy" . She wanted one specialty so bad and she was talking about it a few nights in row we worked together. So I said lets find the name of manager and send her an email and call her. She responded same way as you think and I reassured her that being proactive is not being pushy because if you do not get out of the group how they can notice you? She got the job in 2 weeks. So , my suggestion to you is YES , go for it, send email, call,send note , ask for appointment. Every job I got that was the way . I am not from this area , nobody knows me , do not have any links so what is left - link myself to what I want!

Good luck to you .

I have applied online so many times and got turned down so many times within hrs. I decided to call the manager and she set a date for us to meet. It's not pushy at all, this action shows that you care and you want the job more than anything. Good luck.

The meek may inherit the Earth, but they won't get the job.

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

I definitely think a person needs to be more assertive in this job market. Just submitting an online resume is likely not going to be enough 90% of the time. Especially with smaller companies that may not have a separate HR department. WHen they post an ad on Monster or Craigslist, they get literally HUNDREDS of responses.

Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I think being a bit more assertive when job hunting can be beneficial. However, be aware that the line between assertive/pushy and aggressive/harassing is a thin one, and while you may think you're being assertive, some NMs may see it differently. Use some judgment and discretion when contacting NMs for interviews--if they don't show interest during your first attempt, let it go and try elsewhere.

Specializes in Telemetry.

I have gotten 2 jobs that way. My very first job was gotten through a phone call to the nurse manager of the unit I was interested in and the job I have now came from a phone call to the hospital DON. In this economy you HAVE to find creative ways to find jobs.

Specializes in ER/ICU/STICU.

It's not being pushy, it's called taking the initiative. I think by doing this you also stand out in the Managers eyes. I'm not a manager, but if I were I would be more likely to remember someone who showed this initiative because it says something about your character.

Specializes in L&D/Maternity nursing.

I have heard mixed answers on this. Initially I would think that yes, being assertive and going above and beyond to get noticed is the way to go. I mean, what do you have to lose? The worst they are going to say is no, right?

However, I do know for most of the hospitals websites where I am at, you can't find the name of nurse managers/directors anywhere. The only way you are going to find that out is if you know someone who works at that specific company and they do some digging around for you.

And again, I have also seen on the online job postings where it says to only apply online. So thats what I did. I had no problem getting interviews, and thus eventually hired.

Specializes in Clinical Informatics Specialist.

You should always do a followup call when you place an application.

Just be sure not to be pestering. Once is fine. Don't call repeatedly.

How is the best way to find out the name of the nurse manager? Will the receptionist on the hospital's main line know the name? Will I need to speak to someone in the department to find it out? I am unable to find it via websites...I hate to appear unprofessional by calling several different phone numbers and having to ask receptionists, and even nurses to find out...

Specializes in Trauma Surgery, Nursing Management.

This post is almost a year old. OP, did you find a suitable job that you like?

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