Job Search Etiquette? Help me?

[DaisyChains]

hello, i'm a new lpn looking for a job, and wonder if looking for a nursing job has different rules than the jobs i've had before. (i've had only one job as a nurse, it turned out to be a scarily dangerous place to work. hard on my conscience, hard on my heart, too much stress for a new grad. i freaked and got out during my 90 day evaluation of the place.)

before becoming a "professional", i just walked in to a place and asked for an application.

now, is that rude to just walk into... a dialysis center, a clinic or anywhere, and ask for an application?

there are a few places i want to apply that i can't imagine having an hr dept. like a small community clinic or the dialysis center.....so do walk up to the window and say "i'd like to apply for a job." ?

i had a great education where i went to school, but not much in the way of job searching, so i want to find a job ,but don't want to look like an idiot doing it.

anywhere that i could apply online, i have applied. i have searched the paper, and only temp agencies are listed. the places i've applied to online, haven't heard a thing from them. i thought nurses were in high demand? hmph!

so....can i just walk into a place, cold, and ask if they are hiring for nurses? or does that make me look dumb? :uhoh21:

please help me on this one, i want to work even part time right now and don't want to blow my chances at places just because i didn't know how to go about landing an interview. thank you!

[mom4josh]

Yes, you can walk into the human resources department at any hospital and ask for an application. Our hospital has positions posted on the wall right when you get off the elevator. You can also try the hospitals' websites.

Our hospital never, never does not need nurses or refuses applicants. At least not in the 6 years I've been there!

I think you will also find it easier in the long run to get a job. Both jobs I've had have been offered to me before the end of the first interview (pending background check). However, I follow the same rules of etiquette (i.e., sending thank you notes after interview).

Good luck!

[Jolie, BSN]

It's perfectly OK to visit Human Resources to inquire about openings and ask for an application.

Dress nicely (khakis and a blouse or sweater) and have your resume and reference list with you, just in case someone is available to interview you on the spot.

You can also ask for names and contact information of the nurse managers whose units interest you so that yo can follow up with them.

Good luck!

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

our hospital only accepts apps online, so you might try there first

[Bluehair]

I once lived in a rural town that had an outpatient surgical center I hoped to work at. They were small, and did not have an HR department. I dressed professionally and armed myself with a letter of introduction and a copy of my resume. I waited until afternoon when the case load was likely to be lower, went to the front desk and introduced myself. I asked if it would be possible to meet briefly with the charge nurse. She happened to be available, thankfully. I apologized for taking her time, told her I just wanted to introduce myself and see if she had any available openings. She didn't right then, so I asked if she would please keep me in mind if anything came up, gave her the resume, shook hands, thanked her and left.

Less than 1 week later I got a call from her, and was hired with in 2 weeks.

My advice - go for it!

[Tolos]

I went online and pulled up possible questions asked during interviews and practiced. Most of all of those questions were asked on the interviews I attended. For example, search and ask people about the organization, vision and mission statements. Don't be desperate remember that as a nurse you're much sought after. If you think that way, then you can negotiate your salary/pay when offered. Don't sell your self short. Look good and relaxed before you go into the room. There might be a panel, or 3 different managers at different times. Smile and be positive. When asked about why you left your previous job, state positively why you left. Example instead of saying "it is a scary dangerous place" say it was time for me to seek a different type of experience. NEVER SAY ANYTHING NEGATIVE ABOUT YOUR PREVIOUS EMPLOYER!!! Good luck.

[caliotter3]

I always walk into prospective employers and ask for an application. I take copies of my resume and my job history and make certain that I have my employment documents, such as nursing license, CPR card, soc sec card, and a copy of my physical exam document, with me. They either give me an appointment to come back, tell me there are no openings, or allow me to fill out the application there. Most of the time I get interviewed and hired on the spot so that is why I use this method. None of my online applications have ever drawn responses.