How to write email convincing them they need me more than I need them.

SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN · Dec 1, 2013

I'm not sure what basis you have to infer that a hospital needs you more than you need them.

That is not, in fact, the case, as both you and the hospital know. To write a letter indicating as much, especially as a new grad with no experience or special skills to speak of, is ridiculous, and the hospital management will be able to spot that immediately. Given the fact that you're a new grad and new grads are a dime a dozen, I'd suggest being persistent, professional, and continuing to interview.

amoLucia · Dec 2, 2013

To continue/add to SoldierNurse22's post, the rehab hospital may see you as just another job hopper too. You ARE working at a SNF now (probably only just recently for a short time) and you want to bolt. They've been burnt by job hoppers (as you've already been told). Don't you think this might be hurting your chances? Don't you think they might just be expecting you to do the same to them? They already told you that you sounded too desperate back then at your earlier interviews.

Unless your husband has ACTUAL healthcare industry experience, he's pushing you unrealistically.

If they wanted you, they would have called since they're still are advertising. And they haven't.

Just my opinion ...

heartsgal, ADN, RN · Dec 2, 2013

I'm not sure what basis you have to infer that a hospital needs you more than you need them. That is not in fact, the case, as both you and the hospital know. To write a letter indicating as much, especially as a new grad with no experience or special skills to speak of, is ridiculous, and the hospital management will be able to spot that immediately. Given the fact that you're a new grad and new grads are a dime a dozen, I'd suggest being persistent, professional, and continuing to interview.[/quote']
I'm talking about a cover letter except in the form of an email. It's not meant to be literal. I've read articles and web sites on how to write you cover letter that speaks to the fact of wording it so you are convincing them what you have to offer and how you works be an asset to them, not the reverse. Now that I've been managing a heavy patient load and 2 CNA's and a medication aide on my unit as well as nursing care with all forms of medication administration, tracks foleys, stomas etc, I was hoping for some advice on how to word my email. I want to convey that I am not only still interested in a position there, but feel as though I have had some time to hone my skills so I would be an asset to them.

heartsgal, ADN, RN · Dec 2, 2013

To continue/add to SoldierNurse22's post the rehab hospital may see you as just another job hopper too. You ARE working at a SNF now (probably only just recently for a short time) and you want to bolt. They've been burnt by job hoppers (as you've already been told). Don't you think this might be hurting your chances? Don't you think they might just be expecting you to do the same to them? They already told you that you sounded too desperate back then at your earlier interviews. Unless your husband has ACTUAL healthcare industry experience, he's pushing you unrealistically. If they wanted you, they would have called since they're still are advertising. And they haven't. Just my opinion ...[/quote']
The main reason I want to find another position (and should have mentioned it) is that I'm working 2-12 5 days a week which is the opposite schedule than my husband and were empty nesters so I really want to a day shift and other LTC's and rehabs etc. in my area have day positions open. I guess your right if they wanted me they could have called, but they also have no way of knowing that I've been working either. I came here to ask for some positive feedback and a little help, but I'm certainly not getting it today :\

amoLucia · Dec 2, 2013

I'm not trying to discourage you but how will you be able to 'sell yourself' with newly acquired skills WITHOUT tipping your hand that you are working somewhere? You will have to explain all those developed skills somehow.

Your previous interviews - were they a series of three progressive sequential interviews or just three single interviews for different positions? Applying for multiple positions within one facility often does convey a sense of desperation to personnel staff. Those applicants freq earn the name 'frequent flyers' which is NOT positive. HR sees the name and they 'round file' the application.

Maybe if you gave them some time before you apply again you may fare better. Send them a 'thank you' and express your continued interest, but I really do think you're pushing too hard in a market where the employers have the all the cards in their favor.

Sorry that I'm not more reassuring and helpful as you want. But that rehab hosp doesn't sound like the place for you at this time. And you can't force them. I understand wanting time schedules to have a life with your hubby but you may need to look at other LTC/rehab facilities. Good luck.

caddywompus · Dec 2, 2013

I would not recommend writing such an email, ever. It would definitely seem overly aggressive. You applied. You interviewed. If they want to hire you, they will. Just don't take it personally. You never know who you are competing with for a job. Sometimes these things are a blessing in disguise. One job I wanted so bad. I got an interview. It went great. I was even told, "We'll be seeing you back here soon." I did not get the job. Months later I found out that if given the job, I would have been working with someone I knew years ago and DETESTED. One door closes and another opens. It's the worst time to be a new grad. I feel for you. Don't be offended. Realistic feedback is positive feedback.

BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN · Dec 2, 2013

They already told you that you sounded "desperate" and now you want to send them a letter saying they NEED you? I'd stop and let that digest for a bit before hitting send on an email...

heartsgal, ADN, RN · Dec 2, 2013

I appreciate your advice even if it's not what I want to hear, but I realize I am pushing too hard so I'll wait and look elsewhere. Never in my wildest dreams did I foresee that I would go to nursing school and graduate at 48 yrs old to hit a market like this and be so discouraged. I hate working at the SNF I'm at and see dangerous nursing practice every single day. I love the patients and it breaks my heart that human beings are cared for and treated like this. I'm telling my DON today that I am dropping down to PRN status, so I can have some time to look for a day shift position at another LTC that has a. Better reputation. I have also decided to take a full load at school in Jan on T/Th's so I can get enrolled into a BSN by the fall, because many more doors open for you here in my area if you have your BSN. There are many large hospitals such as Methodist and Texas Children's that those of us with an ADN cannot apply for any RN positions there anymore. So I'm ready to get the credentials I need to open those doors. Hopefully I can find a SNF/LTC where I am able to work part time while I finish school, that is not as horrible as where I'm at now.

UPSgirl · Dec 2, 2013

Problem is, they don't need you at all. The nursing shortage became obsolete in 2008 when the recession scared people out of retirement. Nowadays, it's a buyers market, and no longer are nurses the buyers. Back in the day hospitals used to bend over backwards to hire a nurse, today the nurses have to bend over backwards for the job. Take my situation as an example. I graduated nursing school in 2007 and worked cardiac ICU for 2 years. After 2 years I became a traveler, and I worked at almost every trauma center in the state of NY. In 2010, the traveling agency I worked for went bankrupt and I had no job. I spent 6 months on unemployment looking for a job in NY and applied to at least 100 different places. Nothing. I got a job offer in Oklahoma that offered a $10,000 sign on bonus, I took it and relocated to Oklahoma, I worked there for 4 years. I recently moved back due to family problems, I spent 2 months looking for a job. Still nothing. I finally landed a job 2 hours from where I live, and I have to relocate. And it's not because I don't have experience, I've worked cardiac ICU, CVICU, neurological ICU, neurosurgical ICI, MICU, SICU and ER. Need us they don't!

chrisrn24 · Dec 2, 2013

If they said You are too enthusiastic please don't send an email!

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Dec 3, 2013

Do not write such an e-mail as you'd be essentially shooting yourself in the foot. Yes, being persistent often helps new grads...but if they've labelled you "desperate", your writing this e-mail will only confirm their diagnosis.

Instead, suck up the crappy schedule and less-than-desirable working environment, and clock your year or two of experience. THEN you will have a better chance of landing a job with the hours you prefer.

And no, they don't need you more than you need them. It's an employers' job market and they can cherry-pick from the best of the applicants. And they know that there are nurses--both new graduate AND experienced--who would happily jump into the job tomorrow, so it's not as though they are desperate.

I say this with all kindness, but you are not as special as you think. Few nurses, especially new grads, are. The fact is that as nurses, we are easily expendable and replaceable. They may need nurses, but they don't need US.