Help/suggestions for student unable to find a job

[number41]

Hi all, I'm a student pursuing my RN (estimated grad. of Dec 2012 or Spring '13 depending upon course availability) coming from a previous career in marketing. I have been having a difficult time finding a part-time job to help me gain related experience (6 years of advertising/marketing is of no help at all of course lol) while in school. I have 135 hours of clinical, at this point, and to try and help the cause I became certified in Phlebotomy/EKG. I am beginning to think that these hospitals get inundated with so many applications, that it will be difficult to stand out. I've applied to Patient Care Associate/Technician positions, Assistant's, etc. and have not had any luck. I've also applied for Admitting Officer/Patient Reg. just to get my foot in the door. Luckily, I'm in an area in CT where many hospitals are within a 35 mile range, so I'm literally applying almost everywhere regardless of the commute. None of this has helped out, yet. I'm running out of saved funds & patience :) Does anyone have any thoughts on anything else I could do to help? Are there other jobs I'm not thinking of? Anyone in the CT area experiencing this? Any thoughts or suggestions are very appreciated!

[ashleyisawesome, BSN, RN]

have you tried calling specific unit managers? i know its scary but it actually worked for me. also try actually going to the unit you are interested in and handing the manager your resume.

[on eagles wings, ASN, RN]

I second ashley. Try contacting someone and put your resume and cover letter in their hands. They'll be impressed at your boldness... even if they have nothing available at the moment, they'll probably remember you later!

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

Home Health Aide. I have been working as a home health aide for 2 years now and when I am in school, i work about 12 hours a week and when school is out, I can get almost 40 hours. Most places are flexible, they are good experience. The pay is not great because most are Medicare/Medicaid, but if you can find a smaller company, you might be able to find a private pay client. I have made up to 20/hr. Right now i make 11, its not great, but it buys the groceries.

You might be able to work overnights, it is really wide open.

[number41]

Thank you all so much. I'll take that route, I was debating whether or not I should just stalk the hiring manager/director and email them. I know in my previous career it would have been fine, but I didn't know how it would be perceived in a hospital. I will definitely try that, thank you for the suggestion.

@ashleyisawesome, So you just walked into that floor and handed your resume to the managing nurse? That's awesome!

@mmc, That's also helpful to know because I will need flexibility and I'm hoping I can find that. Thanks.

[mpihl]

Where I live its really hard to find jobs as a nursing student in the medical field just because at the hospitals the jobs are usually already given to someone before they even announce they are hiring. So for those people who don't have friends at the hospital to help get them a job they are doing Long Term Care or Home Health.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

This might not sound glamorous or appealing to you, but I'm assured that you could pick up some part time work in a nursing home as a CNA. Nursing homes are, unfortunately, known for their high employee turnover rates, so this may translate into job opportunities for you.

[number41]

Thanks Commuter, I'd probably need to get my CNA as well then for that right? I wonder if I could challenge the exam or if I have to take the entire class?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Thanks Commuter, I'd probably need to get my CNA as well then for that right? I wonder if I could challenge the exam or if I have to take the entire class?

Some states will let you challenge the CNA exam if you have completed the first semester of a nursing program. Even if you are not able to challenge the exam, there are many nursing homes out there that will train people off the street to become CNAs.

[Pneumothorax, BSN, RN]

It took me 1.5 years to get the job I have now. Sometimes u just have to apply constantly & be persistent . Another thing u could try is if there was a particular unit u liked during clinical go talk to the mgr of that unit & she if there is an opportunity. Heck u might even get a position created for you :)

[sandyfeet]

I think if there are many hospitals within a 35 mile range of where you live, other people in your area are applying to all of them too. So they are flooded with applications and you need to make yourself stand out! I agree with walking into a facility because not many people will actually put on a suit, print out a resume, and do the footwork to find the right person to give it to. This shows major initiative! Another way to get in touch with charge nurses/hiring managers would be to volunteer at these facilities and network like crazy while you are volunteering. I know someone who did a volunteer program AFTER passing the NCLEX in order to network, and she was hired--it works! Another area to earn experience is assisted living homes. I'm not sure what regulations are in CT but in CA you can become a "Med Tech" and give medication reminders, chart on a MAR, assist with ADL's, etc without any certifications. Be persistent and it will happen!

[number41]

Thank you so much for all of your advice, you were all spot on.. I reached out to the most recent positions I applied to and heard back for an interview. Before the actual interview I need to do a data entry assessment.. I'm not very worried but I don't know what to expect? I'm hoping 6 years of working in a cubicle on a computer will be sufficient to help with this? :-o Either way, THANK YOU FOR THE SUGGESTIONSx100. I sincerely appreciate it!