Is pounding the pavement worth the effort?

Published

Well, now that I've graduated from nursing school, I am, of course, looking for work. I have applied to numerous hospitals in my area online, like they want me to, but now I am wondering if it's worth it to actually walk into the hospital and find someone to talk to about my chances for employment. I've heard (and been told on occasion) that it's a waste of time to try and get a few minutes of the hospital HR representative's time, since they don't accept paper resumes and will refer you to their web site for any and all information regarding their openings.

I guess I need someone to tell me that it would be worth it to try it anyway.

Since this is a mid-life career change for me, I'm willing to consider just about any unit or shift in a hospital setting. I've been out of work for about a year and a half (in order to go to school full-time), and I've got mouths to feed at home!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have heard from others, so this is strictly anecdotal, that it is indeed worth the effort.......

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in wound care.

i wouldn't talk to a hr rep id go strait to the don's office, they run the show

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Agree with the above and if it is a second career do not limit your

search to just the hospital, there are other opportunities as well.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in pediatrics, public health.

I know more than one person who got a job by walking their resume in and handing it to the nurse manager for the unit on which they were eventually hired, so it does work. Be aware though that you may get a few doors slammed in your face.

Don't bother with HR -- they don't make the hiring decisions, they just process them.

The other thing to do is network -- if you know someone who already works at a given hospital, they might be able to give your resume to their manager, and/or talk to them about how great you are -- I also know a few people who got jobs that way.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Government.

You'll get tired of hearing about it but networking works! It is how I got my current job and was a factor in the last 3 people I hired. Really use your contacts. I agree about HR....get the names of the nurse manager on the floors you want and target them. It cannot hurt.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Why not give it a try at least? What's the worst that can happen -- they say no, and so you're back where you started.

Networking and meeting in real-life is how I got my job as a new-grad... it works.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I can at least tell you, from experience, that simply applying online and waiting for stuff to happen doesn't seem to work. I have turned in over 80 applications online with nothing. Finally, after I went to apply in person to an LTC I got an interview. I would at least try emailing the DON for the units you are applying too.

Good luck and most importantly do not loose hope it typically takes new grads 6-12 months to get a job.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics.

It depends, my current job that I have I got through applying online, it is a pediatric facility.

However my first nursing job that I got was after I went from SNF to SNF filling out job apps and dropping off resumes.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.
You'll get tired of hearing about it but networking works! It is how I got my current job and was a factor in the last 3 people I hired. Really use your contacts. I agree about HR....get the names of the nurse manager on the floors you want and target them. It cannot hurt.

Indeed, networking is critical. More important than walking in cold, IMHO.

I've had people show up on our unit after not hearing anything from HR. I was cordial, but it didn't help them. However, if someone approaches me about a candidate, I will be sure to at least take a good look at their resume.

My perception is the just show up tactic may work better at smaller facilities, or in smaller markets

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks, everyone for your advice and input! Wish me luck as I "pound the pavement"!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

3bellesdad,

May the Force be with you!:anpom:

Good luck and give us an update when you can...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion