Going to hospitals in person-- yes or no?

ceann · Dec 30, 2009

Checking out a hopsital in person is actually a good idea. You can see if the hospital would be a good fit for you as well. Good luck!

montinurse, BSN · Dec 30, 2009

I also like the idea...Gives you a great idea of what you're looking for too, without the pressure of an interview.

Good luck!

CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN · Dec 30, 2009

Yes, be kind and cheerful baring resume in hand! Love it! I hate this idea of everything being done over the internet, very retro IMHO, no guts no glory!

mjjlRN · Dec 30, 2009

I was in the same situation nearly 10 years ago, and that is exactly what I did. I called up 6 different hospitals in the city I was moving to, and left messages with HR that I would be in town between such and such dates, and would love to set up an interview. Only 1 called me back for an interview. When I got there, I went to all the hospitals, resume in hand, and got 4 interviews, the other 2 wouldn't give me the time of day, which said something about those organizations to me, that I probably didn't want to work there anyway. And I did get offers at each interview, so I say go for it!

AznMattRN · Dec 30, 2009

Whats the worst that can happen? You don't get the job? You already don't have the job, so its nothing different. Whats the best that can happen? You get the job...

I say go for it, and go to the units you're interested in and talk to the nurse manager if you can.

Not_A_Hat_Person, RN · Dec 30, 2009

I applied in person to 1 hospital. The HR rep took my resume and said "We prefer online applications." That was the last hospital where I applied in person. I submitted a lot of hospital applications online, resulting in 6 interviews and 0 job offers.

Katie5 · Dec 30, 2009

YEs. I am all for going to the hospital in person. Don't be a number, be a name with the number.Plus every time ( at least for me), you step into that environment, it rejuvenates you all over again on wanting to be a nurse and work in that environment. So yes, if you have the resources and time, pls do go.

Katie5 · Dec 30, 2009

I applied in person to 1 hospital. The HR rep took my resume and said "We prefer online applications." That was the last hospital where I applied in person. I submitted a lot of hospital applications online, resulting in 6 interviews and 0 job offers.

It's a tough world out there, but be tougher still.Don't let one person discourage you.

RNMLIS · Dec 30, 2009

I don't think a hard copy resume is what recruiters want any more.

Everything is set up to 'read' online versions on resumes with search engines that search for keywords in the document, discarding those that do not meet the criteria without having been read.

Even if you have a 'contact' at a hospital submit your resume by e-mail so it can be forwarded in online format.

diane227, LPN, RN · Dec 30, 2009

I strongly recommend that you go to HR in person and fill out an application. There just may be someone available that day to see you and you should ask. This is especially true in smaller hospitals.

cookienay · Dec 30, 2009

HR recruiters look for something that sets a candidate apart from the others. Going in person can give you that factor. However, that being said- it also depends on who the person is you speak with in HR. Depending on the culture of the organization, the person at the desk may or may not really give a hoot if your resume gets noticed or not. He/she may not even tell the recruiter that you showed up in person. I know the secretary at the office where a recruiter friend works often feels it is her duty to "screen" the applicants. So, I would recommend a follow-up call or email to these visits where you do not get to speak to a recruiter. There is a way to appear persistent without being a pest. Best wishes to you in this endeavor.