Getting Nurse Managers for an Interview

Jolie, BSN · Aug 27, 2008

As a former nurse manager, I would suggest that it would be poor form to present yourself on a clinical unit to see a nurse manager for the purpose of introducing yourself and requesting an interview.

I understand the (justifiable) frustration many candidates (and managers) have with HR. But that said, they are a necessary evil in the hiring process, and attempting to bypass them is ill-advised, IMO.

May I ask why you are considering this action? Is it because you are frustrated with the lack of response from applications you have submitted or are you hoping to "get ahead" of other applicants? Do you have any connection to these managers such as a prior referral from an instructor, or is this a completely "blind" attempt to make contact?

If you are dissatisfied with the response from applications you have submitted, I suggest that you be persistent (once a week) in contacting HR and/or the nurse manager by 1.) e-mail, 2.) phone and 3.) letter, in that order. If you submitted a hospital application, but don't know the name or e-mail address of the nurse manager, ask HR for that information. Be polite and inquire as to whether your application was received, is being considered, is lacking any necessary information, and when an appointment can be scheduled for an interview. If there is no interest on the part of the hospital, then ask if there are any alternate positions that you may be qualified for. It's OK to stop in to HR to do this, but never OK to show up unannounced and unexpected on a clinical unit. That will leave the staff and manager with the impression that you are pushy and unconcerned about the time constraints of those working on the unit. It is also likely to be a security issue.

If you have a former instructor or other contact who can set up a meeting with a nurse manager, that's great, and something to take advantage of. Even an "informational" meeting will help you to get your foot in the door and express your sincere interest to the manager who may keep you in mind for future openings. Always follow up with a thank you note.

Good luck!

RJMJ87 · Aug 27, 2008

I was considering going straight to NMs because from reading around the forums, that's what a lot are suggesting and doing, and others I know have done exactly that. Yes, there has been lack of response from my applications. When I do get to speak to a nursing recruiter, they tell me they're not hiring new nurses, but then I hear from someone who works around the place I applied to that they hired new nurses weeks after I inquire about the position. I understand what you are stating as well, and that's what I am concerned about, visiting unexpected. I don't even know what to do anymore :cry:

Jolie, BSN · Aug 28, 2008

There is nothing wrong with contacting a nurse manager directly, as long as it is not done unexpectedly on the unit.

A phone call, e-mail or letter sent directly to the nurse manager(s) of the unit(s) which interest you is perfectly OK to establish contact, express your interest, and inquire about openings. But at that point, the nurse manager will, of necessity turn the process over to HR.

There is often a dis-connect between managers (who are begging for help and have open positions to fill) and HR (the gatekeepers who tell applicants that the hospital does not need staff at this time). You can get around this disconnect by learning the name, phone number and e-mail address of the unit managers and contacting them directly to let them know of your interest and that you have submitted an application. Then they can hound HR to process your paperwork, which is much more effective than you hounding HR. Sometimes you can find out names and contact information from the hospital's website or HR. Sometimes you have to dig a bit, and ask for help from contacts such as instructors or fellow students who have interviewed on these units.

As a nurse manager, I never minded a direct inquiry from a candidate. Even if I didn't have an immediate position, I would talk with the person and keep them in mind for future openings. But if anyone had showed up unannounced on the unit, I would have ruled them out immediately.

Best of luck to you!