How long after you applied did you get a call back for an interview?

[doglvr]

Hey Graduate Nurses!

I have a question.. although I'm not graduating until May, I just started applying for jobs three days ago. I applied at eight different hospitals for about 15 different positions, and I haven't heard back from one hospital. I hear so many stories of people saying that right when they sent their resume in that they got a phone call requesting an interview! I'm so worried the market is oversaturated w/nurses, esp in Philly where I live!!! I hope I get a job. I did an externship at a hospital this past summer and applied for two jobs at the hospital. Also I'm not being picky about what unit I work on (although I really don't want to do med/surg, I realize it's a good learning experience.) All of the positions I applied for were either med/surg or tele, w/the exception of one being L&D (my externship was in L&D.) As far as scheduling, the only thing is I don't want to do nights. I worked nights at a hospital this summer and it's sooo depressing for me!!! I mean I don't mind doing a rotating shift, but if I did all nights I think I would go crazy!

So my question is how long did you have to wait after you applied before you heard back from your employer? Do you work nights? If so, was it by choice?

Thanks!

[texas2007, BSN, RN]

It all depends on the hospital. I applied at one hospital, kept calling and calling and never heard anything. I applied at another hospital and got a call back the next day. Got lost in the shuffle for 2 months, called them again, and got an interview 1-2 weeks later. I applied at my current job but didn't expect to hear back from them since I was having trouble getting ahold of them in HR. The packet I sent in said that they would set up interviews by a certain day. That day passed so I just figured they weren't interested. Well a week later, I got a call for an interview for the next week. Got an offer 2 days later. It was the easiest job I've ever gotten- even target and places in the mall took more effort- so I figured it was meant to be and took it.

Also, I made the mistake of applying too early to some of the hospitals. I graduated in Dec and applied in Aug. The ball didn't really start to roll until Oct/Nov. Maybe you've applied too early as well.

[NICURN04]

I would wait at least a week, then called HR to "check-up" on the status of your application. When I applied at the hospital that I'm currently at now, I waited for a week (I applied towards the end of the week) to call and check up on my application. When I called, I talked with the recruiter and she got to know me a little better. From that phone call, I was asked to come in for an interview the next day. I went to the interview, came home, emailed the recruiter right away to thank her for her time and 4 days later...i was offered a position. This all happedn within 2 weeks. A little kindness goes a longggg way! =) Good luck with everything!