Is this appropriate?

[Amistad, RN]

I recently applied to an extremely competitive nurse residency and I'm considering calling the unit I'm most interested in and asking if I can fax the nurse manager my resume and cover letter. Is it appropriate to call the unit and ask for the nurse manager? I'm really interested in this specific unit and want to get my foot in the door.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

You really should go through the specific channels the institution sets up i.e. Human Resources.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Agree with PP. You want to avoid creating an impression that you feel entitled to ignore the normal process. This (entitlement) is currently the absolute WORST way to be described. Avoid it at all costs. You want to be perceived as a team player who follows all the rules.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I agree with the above posts. If you have the qualifications they are looking for, your application will be moved along in the process. If not, giving yourself a bad reputation (as being a nuisance who thinks she is entitled to special attention) may only make things worse.

Someone will probably respond that they know someone who got a job that way ... as there are exceptions to everything ... but as a general rule, it is best to follow the directions you have been given.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

Count me in with the three previous posters. When I was in charge of hiring and firing, I used to receive cover letters and resumes like this every now and again, and guess where they went? Yep, right there in the file drawer......in the folder labeled "NO". Like most hiring managers, I figured that if an applicant couldn't follow the simple rules for applying, how could I trust her/him to follow the rules on the job?

Just sayin'......YMMV.