How to get a job OTHER than reading Classifieds

[Curious1alwys, BSN, RN]

I am a first semester nursing student with no hands on clinical experience other than my nurse assisting classes...after which I never got certified.

I am looking for an entry level hospital position. I did not really want homecare since I consider myself very inexperienced and don't think I would feel too comfortable. Plus, I want the experience of seeing different patients and conditions.

I have applied online thru the hospitals websites and perused the classifieds. Other than that, what else can I do? Many people told me that I may have an advantage over the non-nursing student as far as getting an entry level job in a hospital goes, but apparantly that is not so!! I wonder if I just don't have enough experience yet for them to take a chance on me or am I going about this wrong? I can't figure out if it is my resume, cover letter, or the fact that I am not "pounding the pavement".

Is it appropriate to dress up and show up at the HR office of the hospitals/assisted living centers inquiring about jobs? I feel like it may be silly because all the jobs are on their websites...or ARE THEY? I am looking for something as simple as an on-call transporter position, just to get my foot in the door!

I have yet to start clinicals this semester. I thought about volunteering, but at this time I really need at least a PT job. Can someone in a hiring/authority position tell me what else I can do to try to "get out there" and get a job?? I submit the apps online but hear no reply! For an entry level position I thought I would have a slight advantage because I was going to nursing school but I guess I was WRONG. Some of the hospitals have career fairs, but it is for the prospective RN's, not the other entry level positions as far as I can tell.??

Thanks so much! I appreciate any advice!

[GingerSue]

I'm not in a hiring position, just can speak from past experience about getting hired - it's okay to go in person to their office - that is how I was hired for several jobs

[KatieBell]

When I was looking for my first RN job, I visited all the hospitals personally, to "ask for an application" actually, I was just checking out how everyone was there. It isn't wrong to show up at an HR office, just like you said.

Another idea is for you to take the Nurse Assistant Certification test- since you have already had all the classes. The certification will open up a lot of doors for you.

Good Luck

[RNKitty]

I always dressed up professionally and went to visit the nurse manager I wanted to work for on the unit. It always netted me a job! Anytime you go to HR, dress professionally, of course, but have a clear goal in mind and talk with the managers. They will always say to put in an application, but they have at least seen your face. Sometimes I would just walk up to check out the unit and ask if I could schedule time with the NM. Othertimes I would call and request 5 minutes of her time and set up my own interview. Remember, you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. I would always come with a current resume and letters of reference/ reference list in case they asked. I also had all my credentials to show them in case they asked. Then, even if it was only a 5 minute chat, I would sent a thank-you note for the courtesy of her time.

[Thunderwolf, MSN, RN]

And believe it or not...a lot of jobs are NOT posted or posted YET. Getting your foot in the door often requires just that...putting your foot into the door first...showing up. You may even ask to schedule an interview...even if informed that a job is not available. That interviewer has you in front of them, face to face, for that period of time. If the interviewer doesn't have a position, he/she may know of someone inhouse who does have a position and may drop your name in their direction. Showing up and asking to schedule an interview also demonstrates that you are motivated and not just dropping applications all around the place (even if you are). Good suggestions everyone.

Wolfie