How Hard Should You Push to Get That Nursing Job?

[EmpoweRN, RN]

What is appropriate vs. inappropriate behavior when you are trying to get the nursing job you want. This is a highly debatable subject and seriously does depend on many factors, however, I will tell you from my experience... it pays to be a little persistent.

Let me give you my top 5 tips on getting your dream job!

1. At clinical, or ANY hospital contact make sure EVERYONE knows you are there! Greet the director of the unit with a big smile and tell him or her that you are available to help with anything... even if it means cleaning the room or taking out the trash. I know it sounds strange, but directors need to hire people who are proactive, eager, energetic and hard working. This is harder to find than you think. If they see how amazing you are, trust me; they will remember you.

2. Do not get your feeling hurt with the peps from Human Resources. I remember when I had about 2 years of experiences and I moved from North Carolina to Maryland. My first job never felt like a real interview because it was at a small local hospital and the director called me and I went from there. However, my first day in Maryland I wanted to be proactive. So I dressed in my best and went to the closest hospital to me and skipped to the Human Resources department with a big smile and ready to wow everyone. I was greeted with a flat face - and well... a threat. The "less than nice" person behind the person said I needed to leave immediately and they only take applications online. Even though I was hurt, I just went home and applied to about 10 places that day. I have always known that the best revenge is to be happy & successful.

3. Connect, Connect, Connect - Talk to nurses, make connections. Build real relationships with people who are in the medical field. Then, ask them if there are any opportunities at their work. If so, ask them to put in a good word for you and apply for that job.

4. Perfect your resume. Believe it or not, ,many unit directors may not even look at your application. I have seen some just download the resume and choose people from there. One time I applied for a job and forgot to update my resume and when the person called me they said that by my resume I have not been working in 2 years. I didn't spend time updating my resume because I figured that I answered all of that in the application. The applications essentially ask all of the same questions. But, it doesn't help if they don't even look at it. So make sure your resume is polished!

5. Work in a hospital as a Nursing Assistant (PCA or whatever it is called in your area). I say nursing assistant because that would be the most helpful for your future job. However, if you could work as a phlebotomist, telemetry monitor tech, transporter or anything. These jobs are essentially face time. You are "in the doors." And, even if you decide that you do not want to work as a nurse there the experience still looks good! You could even volunteer or get an internship, just make sure you are eager to work especially hard and learn as much as you can! It will be fascinating if you do!

I hope these tips helped you out a ton!

- Caroline Porter Thomas

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Great advice Caroline. But - PLEASE - avoid disclosing your real identity on social media. It is important for everyone, but for nurses it is essential. One tiny slip could endanger your entire career.

One more tip.. the vast majority of employers have switched to online application processes because it is a far more effective way to keep up with all the regulatory compliance records & paperwork. The process may also include a preliminary screening questionnaire or survey that will automatically 'screen out' some candidates.

This can be very frustrating, but the automated process was put in place for a reason. Do not attempt to avoid the standard process in order to make yourself stand out from the crowd. The end result? You WILL stand out, but not for the right reasons. You will give the impression that you feel you are entitled to special treatment..... and this is the absolute worst impression you could make.