Graduating in 6 months - any job search advice?

Nurses Career Support

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Hey there. My name is Cory, and I will be graduating with my ASN in December. I expect these next 6 months to fly by very quickly, so I figured it's time to start my Job Search.

My current goal is to work on a Med-Surg unit to start getting that experience, and though that may be a long shot right out of school I still plan on applying.

Basically what I'm looking for right now is some advice on where I should begin. The only contact information I have been able to gather is e-mail addresses for HR Reps. I figured this may be a good place to start.. but what next? What things should I say in this initial e-mail, and what should I be asking at this time?

I do know a few people who work in the hospital, one of which is a supervisor, just not in Med-Surg. I know the name of the nurse manager on the Med-Surg floor - should I get her e-mail address and try to contact her directly, or is it okay for me to start with the HR reps?

I do intend on getting my BSN, starting immediately after graduation. I've already met with an advisor to ensure I'm on the right track and have my plan worked out to get started on it. I will be sure to make this known in any communication I may end up making.

I really would like to get this ball rolling, especially since there are 2-3 other ASN programs in the area graduating all at the same time. I'm just not sure what to say, and I'm afraid to say the wrong things.

Any advice is much appreciated. :)

Any help?

Specializes in MICU, SICU, CICU.

Cory,

Work weekends and holidays as a tech/nurse extern/CNA. Foster good relationships with everyone and be a good coworker. Learn as many skills as possible such as order entry, EKGs lab draws etc.

Hospitals are very political. When coworkers ask what your plans are, say I would like to stay on here. Find out what opportunities there are few new grads, ask coworkers if you can list them as a reference.

Then you have to reach out to a manager via email and set up a brief meeting. Ask to be kept in mind if a position opens up. It's cheaper to orient a current employee so that is a big plus in your favor. Get your resume polished. Apply online and apply to take the boards asap.You might have to tech until you pass your boards. If you make a concerted effort people will take note and you will be hired.

best wishes,

Maggie

Thanks, Maggie. I emailed one of the HR reps that have their email listed in the hospital's website - one that a friend/current employee directed me to. I requested information on tech positions as well as new grad positions. I'm not sure if either are available at the hospital. They do, obviously, have CNAs but I am not one. I currently work as an attendant in a state hospital, but we're not certified. I work there full time so that is going to be an issue trying to do work part time elsewhere, but I work midnights so I would be able to pull some evening shifts if they are available. I sent the email over the weekend, so from Monday to now I've yet to hear back. If I don't hear back do you suggest contacting her again after a week has passed, or should I do some digging for contact information of the supervisor on the Med-surg floor?

Specializes in MICU, SICU, CICU.

Yes, the HR person may have been on vacation or waiting on budget approval.

Make sure you have an online application in the system that the manager can have HR pull up. Ask you friend to email the manager recommending you for employment.

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