Having trouble finding first RN job...How do you apply in person to a hospital?

[puremoonreflection]

I am in Toronto, ON and have spent the past 6 months since passing the CRNE applying to various positions online. I was really trying for an HFO New Grad Guarantee job, before I become ineligible as of Oct 28th, 2014, but it seems as though I'm running out of time.

I did my pre-grad consolidation at a level 3 ICU in Toronto that was not offering NGG positions at the end of my semester. I've been on a few NGG interviews elsewhere, which I was notified I did not get the job, but that was during the summer. I have been on a bit of a dry spell with no call backs or interest from employers for at least a month and a half. I'm disappointed in myself and feel that I should have a RN job already like so many of my class mates.

I'm seeking advice about few things:

1)How do I approach HR or hospital career recruiters? I just don't know what to say, and am nervous of being shutdown. Is it worth it to apply in person???

2)I have no IV initiation skill (basic understanding but no practice) and just basic ECG interpretation as they don't teach advanced in my BN program. Should I be focusing on finding a minimum wage job to cover the costs of taking some side courses like Coronary 1 & 2, plus an IV/phlebotomy course? Or should I still really be focusing on getting that RN job. Kind of in a Catch 22.

3) How do I acquire a Vulnerable Sector Police Check to show potential employers? Since some are asking for it (current within 6 months) as a prerequisite to apply? I was thinking of applying to volunteer somewhere just for the vulnerable sector check.

Sorry for the list of what seem like silly whiney complaints. I am just hoping I don't get left behind.

Any and all advice appreciated!

Take Care

[theRPN2b]

I am still a student myself, so I'm not sure how to actually approach hospital staff. But you did say you are in Toronto. I do know that Toronto is one of the toughest places to find jobs in Ontario. Have you considered applying to places further away from Toronto (such as Hamilton area, Niagara area)? It may not be as tough to get a job there as it is in Toronto.

Have you ever considered working at a LTC facility or home care? It may not be your ideal job but you could work there for some time just to get experience and then apply to hospital positions after you work for a while.

Good Luck :)

[loriangel14, RN]

Most jobs request that you apply online. Showing up and trying to speak to HR generally doesn't work as they are very busy.

I would focus on getting the job. Most employers will IV certify you on the job.Three witnessed starts and you're good to go.

You don't need a job/reason to get a police check. They don't care. Just apply for one.

Good luck with your job hunt.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Start looking in small towns. Many small towns need nurses desperately. Even if you can't find full time, the hours often add up to full time.

You can try applying in person but managers are busy and often won't see you. I have spoken briefly with candidates who come to my office but quite honestly, I don't like the unannounced visits. I have no authority to hire someone who hasn't already applied online, and I'm honest about it. There's a process that most health authorities follow because of the union.

Good luck!

[Netree]

Did you study a BSN in Toronto?

[PockyUpNose]

I graduated and passed CRNE this year, my new grad ends just today. I searched for three months before I found a job. I got interview for 4/6 managers I went in person to see. I was able to land a full time NGG at a hospital and a casual at another hospital. Don't be shy when going in person. Some manager will shut you down, but you simply move on and go to the next floor manager. I started off with seeing the managers for the floors I've been in rotation with back when I had clinical rotations. Also try rncareer.ca kijiji and monster.ca. I've gotten so many interviews and employers that were literally fighting for me by offering full time + benefits to me if I quit the other job. So just don't be shy, thicken your skin and go for it.

[theRPN2b]

Indeed.ca also has a lot of postings :)