inexperienced nicu nurse

[MRSDIXON07]

I need some help from fellow nicu nurses. I have been a pediatric nurse for 2 years intermittent due to the military and have about 6 months level II I nicu experience. There is a position I applied for over a month ago that I didn't qualify for based on nicu experience. The job has not been filled and I am frustrated because I know I am a great nicu nurse and can do the job but because I lack the experience I am not given the chance. My question is after emailing the hiring manager and not getting a reply I'm wondering if I should go to the hospital and request to speak to her face to face. I just feel like I am being brushed off because of the lack of experience and without even meeting Me I'm getting turned down. Please give me your thoughts and feedback.

Thanks?

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

There are a few ways that kind of action can go. One is that the manager is too busy to meet with you and your request, which may seem to her like sour grapes, makes her angry enough to reject you completely. Remember, you have already tried to establish contact with her and she hasn't replied. Another is that the manager agrees to meet you, hears you out and still doesn't offer you the job for reasons you may never be privy to and that may have nothing to do with you at all. And a third is that the manager meets you, hears you out and decides to take a chance on you. I don't think it's unreasonable for you to call her and say something like, "Hello, Ms Manager. This is MRSDIXON07 calling. You may recall that I applied for the vacant position on your unit. I see that the position hasn't been filled and I was wondering if perhaps I should reapply. I understand that my relative lack of experience is a concern, but I assure you that I'm responsible and accountable and feel I would be a good fit for this position. I will make myself available to meet with you at your convenience to demonstrate my commitment to building on what I already know and my interest in working on your unit." Don't beg, don't sound upset or angry and don't sound desperate. I don't think you really have anything to lose.

[NicuGal, MSN, RN]

Did you actually interview for the job? We don't see the applications as they all go thru HR and are screened there first.

Were there specifics on the job such as 1 year NICU experience, is the unit the same level you worked at before? There are a lot of variables that could play into it. You could try to call her and ask about it, but if you met with her once before, it may be a moot point.

Jan gave good advice also :) Good

Luck