Help with wording-asking boss for GN position?

[SquatsNScrubs, BSN, RN]

Hello all-

After what feels like an eternity, I will (finally) be graduating with my ADN this May!

I currently work part-time as a nursing assistant on a M/S floor at my community hospital. My bosses have been very accommodating with my work schedule, 90% of my coworkers are nothing short of awesome and I am very much hoping to work on said floor as an RN (or GN) soon.

The problem is my boss (as well as my boss's boss) will both be retiring in the next few months before I am even able to take my boards.

Basically, I would like to ask if they would be willing to hire me as a GN before they retire. I have worked on this floor for nearly a year and a half, occasionally work doubles/pick up shifts, and received a very positive yearly evaluation from my boss. Does anyone have any suggestions as how to go about this (ex. email, in person, note in their inbox?) and without sounding pretentious?

Any input is appreciated! :)

[LessValuableNinja]

In person. It may be worth just bringing up the subject with them. Tell them you're very much interested in working there, and ask their advice on the best way to achieve that goal. It lets them know you're definitely interested, but causes thought about your timeline in light of their timeline. You may find that it's nothing to worry about, since the applications will open before they leave. Or maybe they'll open one just for you. Or maybe they'll say super nice things to the new management. In any case, it make your desires known and start the process before they're out the door. It sounds like they like you, so while you seem nervous about having the conversation, it probably will be much less stressful once you get the conversation started.

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

First, recognize that offering you a GN position prior to your graduation may not be something that your manager is permitted to do. Even if they wanted to, most HR departments do not allow unit managers to make unilateral hiring decisions without going through the formal channels. In a small community hospital, though, you may have better luck.

By far the most professional way to address this is in person. Sit down with your manager, congratulate them on their retirement, and tell them how much you have enjoyed working with them over the past X years. Then express how much you enjoy the unit and that you would love to stay on as an RN when you graduate, but you're concerned that the new manager won't have had the opportunity to get to know you and learn how your transition from NA to RN could benefit the unit. Ask for advice on how to best secure employment as an RN on the unit after you graduate/are licensed. Don't outright ask to be given a job now. If it's within the manager's ability to offer, and he thinks you're deserving, he will offer it. If not, for whatever reason, and your working relationship is as good as you say, I'm sure he will offer whatever assistance he is able.

[LessValuableNinja]

Hah. I think we were simultaneously typing very similar advice.

[SquatsNScrubs, BSN, RN]

Thank you both for your valuable insight! Fortunately, my community hospital is small enough that it does offer a few graduate nurse positions in the spring. Will be sitting down with each of my bosses soon to let them know my intentions

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

Hah. I think we were simultaneously typing very similar advice.

Great minds....