27 Posts
I know they frown upon this now but I would go to the actual unit and ask to speak to the unit manager and leave your resume. Best time to catch the manager is early in the morning before 0800 or close to their home time which is before 1500. Apply everywhere appropriate and start with a casual position so you get your foot in the door.
4,767 Posts
This might work for rural areas that are desperate for staff. However, all the managers will still direct applicants to the online system. Everyone has to apply online.
Last week for example, I was in an interview. The manager was debating about which position to hire me for and suggested I go online to apply for something else. In the end, I didn't have to. I was hired for the position I wanted, and one that I had applied online for.
My point is, after two interviews and interest, it was still suggested that I apply again online. Managers cannot hire straightaway anymore.
2 Posts
27 Posts
My advice is what worked for me and I was actually hired and interviewed the same day when I walked up to the unit manager. This was also the time of Stephen Duckett where he was laying off nurses. I worked in various units in Calgary and the times I've mentioned were always the best time I found time to talk to them. Not all managers are the same. Take everything with a grain of salt. You can choose to be pessimistic or optimistic. I know optimism attracts positive things! For the new local grads, contact a recruiter and see what they can do to help. I think if you do everything in your power to get a job (whether it applying online, in person, or whatever) you'll be successful. All I'm saying is try! I have a feeling that most of you will get a job as long as you're not picky! Good luck!
8,343 Posts
My advice is what worked for me and I was actually hired and interviewed the same day when I walked up to the unit manager. This was also the time of Stephen Duckett where he was laying off nurses. I worked in various units in Calgary and the times I've mentioned were always the best time I found time to talk to them. Not all managers are the same. Take everything with a grain of salt. You can choose to be pessimistic or optimistic. I know optimism attracts positive things! For the new local grads, contact a recruiter and see what they can do to help. I think if you do everything in your power to get a job (whether it applying online, in person, or whatever) you'll be successful. All I'm saying is try! I have a feeling that most of you will get a job as long as you're not picky! Good luck!
How did you survive being hired by AHS when bumping was taking place? Or were you hired by a non-union facility? The old saying "last in, first out" is so true in my hospital be you a member of UNA or AUPE.
13 Posts
I feel for your situation. Have you tried going through the AHS Candidate Management? That was how I landed my full-time job in Northern AB August 2013. I graduated from Ontario last June as well. My hospital is still hiring nurses especially in LTC. It really depends on how far rural you are willing to go. When we're a grad nurse, it's slim pickings but if you can stick out in the country for at least a year there are full time positions to be had.
4,767 Posts
joanna73, BSN, RN
4,767 Posts
There are many threads here about the terrible job market in AB. It's not you. AHS continues restructuring and cutting jobs. Keep applying to rural areas, LTC, clinics. Anything you can find to get your foot in the door.