Is this totally inappropriate?

Editorial Team / Admin · Aug 27, 2015

I think you are right: the oncologist has no horse in this race, has no reason to recommend you or break protocol (by not keeping managers' contact info private). You would put him in a difficult position to even ask this favor.

Keep on keeping on, something will open up.

Editorial Team / Admin · Aug 27, 2015

Very inappropriate. Knowing someone professionally via networking who recommends you to a manager is one thing. Doing an end run around the appropriate channels when there is no professional relationship involved would have me sending your application to the "round file".

How long has it been since you've submitted the application? The hiring process, especially in larger facilities, can be a slow process, depending on the number of applicants that must be screened, the number of staff doing the screening, and also staff vacations- what if the nurse manager of the unit for the residency or the HR personnel responsible for nursing residency positions is currently on vacation? Be patient.

If you want to have an "in" with nurse managers who may potentially hire you, have you looked into joining local nursing organization chapters and using the meetings as networking opportunities? That would be a much more appropriate way to make professional connections.

dragonfly. · Aug 27, 2015

Thank you both for the responses and for validating my intuition. It's really helpful. I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed that I'll miraculously make it through the HR screening process!

mrdearmas · Aug 28, 2015

I am a new grad as well. I agree talking with the physician that doesn't personally know you would not be a good idea. I put in 100 apps everywhere and didn't hear anything for 2 months. I called HR and nurse recruiters and that got me a great response, but all the big medical centers swallowed up BSN new grads and said they won't even entertain ADN. So I put on a suit and tie and went to the hospitals that I had apps at. I went to HR first and asked for the nurse recruiter and spoke with them, a fresh resume, cover letter, references, and copy of my certs and license in hand. Talked to them and said I applied online but wanted to follow up in person because this is a personable business. They appreciated it very much. After leaving their office I went straight to the department(s) I applied for and asked to speak with the director. I brought them a copy of the previously listed paperwork, and said I had applied online and spoke with HR, but I know how many apps they get and I didn't want to get lost within all of that, and I wanted to follow up in person, meet them, and see if there is anything further I could provide, all the while mentioning how great their facility was and how much working there means to me. Out of the 5 hospitals I went to, I had 2 interviews right then and there, and I have 3 more scheduled. So that got me an interview at EVERY stop I made. They were all VERY impressed that I would come in like that, how professional I handled it, how I brought them all the resume etc. I also had my complete portfolio in hand in case I ended up interviewing right there, which turned out to be a good idea. They said they never have new grads do that, and they were very appreciative of it. Now I take my interviews and see what turns into an offer. One of the ones I already interviewed, the ED Director said he would put me in the next new grad program, but that isn't until November, so that is on the back burner. Show face, walk into that hospital and go to the oncology floor and ask for the director. Bring your resume and all that, and have a portfolio if you don't already. Good luck!!!

dragonfly. · Aug 29, 2015

Thanks for the advice. I don't think I'm brave enough to go introduce myself in person, but I did manage to find the email address for one of the nurse managers at a hospital I've applied to. I sent her a note explaining my interest in working on her floor and attached my resume and cover letter. I hope that's not too bold!

mrdearmas · Aug 29, 2015

No too bold at all! That is a great start. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. By contacting her it shows her how interested you are, and you aren't just another electronic app within a few hundred or more. See if she responds and what happens. Build up the courage and go in there! It WILL help! Good luck!

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Sep 1, 2015

I am a new grad as well. I agree talking with the physician that doesn't personally know you would not be a good idea. I put in 100 apps everywhere and didn't hear anything for 2 months. I called HR and nurse recruiters and that got me a great response, but all the big medical centers swallowed up BSN new grads and said they won't even entertain ADN. So I put on a suit and tie and went to the hospitals that I had apps at. I went to HR first and asked for the nurse recruiter and spoke with them, a fresh resume, cover letter, references, and copy of my certs and license in hand. Talked to them and said I applied online but wanted to follow up in person because this is a personable business. They appreciated it very much. After leaving their office I went straight to the department(s) I applied for and asked to speak with the director. I brought them a copy of the previously listed paperwork, and said I had applied online and spoke with HR, but I know how many apps they get and I didn't want to get lost within all of that, and I wanted to follow up in person, meet them, and see if there is anything further I could provide, all the while mentioning how great their facility was and how much working there means to me. Out of the 5 hospitals I went to, I had 2 interviews right then and there, and I have 3 more scheduled. So that got me an interview at EVERY stop I made. They were all VERY impressed that I would come in like that, how professional I handled it, how I brought them all the resume etc. I also had my complete portfolio in hand in case I ended up interviewing right there, which turned out to be a good idea. They said they never have new grads do that, and they were very appreciative of it. Now I take my interviews and see what turns into an offer. One of the ones I already interviewed, the ED Director said he would put me in the next new grad program, but that isn't until November, so that is on the back burner. Show face, walk into that hospital and go to the oncology floor and ask for the director. Bring your resume and all that, and have a portfolio if you don't already. Good luck!!!

That is awesome!! I'm going to keep this in mind as I am graduating next May and have started looking into the different hospitals and their residency programs for next year. I'm going to be moving and won't know really anybody in the area, so this would be a great way to introduce myself and at least get to know some people. It doesn't bother me to go up and introduce myself to people. My mom always has said I have never met a stranger, because I can sit beside a total stranger and within an hour they are my best friend. :shy:

dragonfly. · Sep 1, 2015

I just got a call yesterday about the oncology residency I interviewed for last week, and they offered me the position!! I couldn't believe it! I'm the luckiest new grad ever.

mrdearmas · Sep 1, 2015

Congratulations! I'm glad you got what you wanted! I also was hired! I was called Thursday for a trauma ER I stopped in at and they asked me to interview yesterday. The interview was basically my orientation. They said they almost filled the spot with an employee referral, then then she got my message that I stopped in. She pulled my resume and decided to hire me before she called me! Stopping in works!!

mrdearmas · Sep 3, 2015

I had 2 other offers since Monday! 3 total. I am expecting a call tomorrow from a 4th. Just wanted to reiterate that I got these calls and offers because I went in person, paperwork in hand, and applied online first! Try it! It makes you stand out over the hundreds of other applicants that are just a name on a computer screen.