How to not appear desperate when I am...

Nurses Job Hunt

Published

This question might sound like a joke, but it's really not. I left my job to finish my last semester of nursing school and money is running out quickly. I'm about one month away from graduation and getting ready to start applying for jobs. My ideal job out of school would be a night shift position on a med-surg floor. That's where I'm doing my preceptorship. However, in reality I will work anywhere. I will work any shift and any day. If I can't find a job in med-surg I'd happily work anywhere else just for the experience.

That being said, I do have goals and preferences, but I need a job ASAP. Some of the local hospital listings have jobs in Med-Surg, Rehab, Postpartum, Gero. They all sound fine with me. I'm ready to start anywhere and see how I like it. Does anyone have any advice in regards to this problem. How do I send in a resume for multiple positions without getting labeled as unfocused and desperate?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CVICU.

I applied for basically every open position at the hospital I'm currently employed. I did my preceptorship in a CVICU so I definitely wanted that unit or another ICU or tele floor. On my initial phone interview it came up that I applied for every open position and I just said I loved my time working in the CVICU and I ideally see myself working in critical care but I was not opposed to starting in med surg or tele and developing / honing my nursing skills first. While it was a true statement, it was me also saying I'm desperate I will work anywhere!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I got a similar question during a phone screening interview about what specialty and I gave specifics such as ICU and ER. I didnt hear back from her. A better response to her question would have been "I dont necessarily have a specialty I would prefer and know that I will excell in any specialty if given a chance. With that being said I want to be able to increase my skills and begin my nursing career in a learning environment." I applied to every position also but only got interviews for Med-Surg and Psych.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Submit applications for all those areas. Since most organizations are using online systems now, you may be able to do this very easily. You can explain your position in a cover letter... "as a new graduate, I am interested in exploring any of the many different clinical specialties which I experienced as a student." Be sure to include your graduation date & date that you will be taking NCLEX. This is very important. You can express your eagerness by including your work availability.. "I will graduate on _____ and will be available for work immediately afterward"

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment