Is it ethical to call to hospital for a travel contract interview?

[rhine1121]

I need your opinion or advise on this. I'm trying to get my first travel contract..I applied to one of the travel agencies and I was told by a recruiter that she submitted me to this particular hospital. Every week she asks me if the nurse manager of the department called me and I told her that I will let her know as soon as I get an interview. Now,my question is, Is it ethical to call the nurse manager myself and ask for an interview? She suggested that I will do this and be discreet about it..I was even surprise when I heard this bec I thought it's her job...I already moved on actually. The other recruiters that I talked to haven't suggested this at all..

[NedRN]

The job of HR is to shield managers from such calls. So of course they are frowned on, but if that is the only way to get a desired assignment, there are no downsides really for the traveler. Possibly for the agency, especially if you tell the manager the agency suggested you call.

Communication problems have worsened with the increased popularity of vendor managers, effectively outsourced hospital HR departments. Agencies cannot even call the client hospital directly so questions about interviews and profiles pass through several hands.

[rhine1121]

Thank you, NedRN. :)..I still have a lot to learn about travel nursing, the ins and out..and with your insight, you make it a little easier.:)

[GreenOne]

I am not sure if it is ethical. I have been encouraged to call managers by my recruiter with American Mobile. I have had one nurse manager who stated she appreciated the call as it showed I really wanted the application & I ended up getting the job. I have also had a really awkward interview when we both realized I wasn't qualified for the position (transplant med/surg), so sometimes they aren't calling you for a reason.

[annacat]

I don't think it hurts to call the manager. You will probably have to leave a message but there is always a chance that you will get them in person. They will want to know your most recent experience, be prepared to give them a 30 sec. intro to what you have to offer how many patient's per shift, special skills related to the position etc.

If they are mean or rude to you just smile as you speak and apologize for bothering them. Most managers will be glad you called. They are juggling a million administrative tasks and the squeaky wheel gets the oil! They may really need to get a travel RN in but be up to their ears in other tasks. You saved them the time it takes to call you and possible not reach you and playing phone tag.