how to land a hospital job

RNstudent13renee · Oct 28, 2013

Knowing people who work at the facility helps a lot, I know quite a few people who got aide jobs at my hospital due to contacts. If you don't have any of those (I didn't) then just apply for tons of positions. I applied to every hospital in my area and for every position I qualified for. It took me about 6 months to get a call back. I also know some people who talked to the clinical director for the floor they wanted to work on as well, and that helped them. But the floor I work on has a high employee turnover as well so it was easier for them. Best advice I can give is just to keep applying everywhere and don't be picky. Once you're in you can always transfer units if you really don't like the focus.

boogalina, ADN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN · Oct 28, 2013

I had 4 months LTC CNA experience when I got a hospital interview. I also already had my CNA2 (required in Oregon for acute care CNAs) so maybe that helped me get my foot in the door. Excellent experience while I was in nursing school and helped me land an acute care RN job. Good luck!

Mica Bryant · Oct 28, 2013

I start my CNA course Spring Quarter and i am very excited to know that there is HOPE that i can get that hospital job.. But like the saying goes "It's not what you know but who you know" sad but true. But i have FAiththat thingss will work in my favor, despite the fact that most hospitals would prefer you have atleat one year of exp.

Terahmrtnz · Oct 28, 2013

That's exactly how I feel. Got to start off small I guess. lol I still got to make it through the class, I cant wait to have my certification already!

ellaballet · Oct 28, 2013

I've found out who you know is verrrry important. I worked at a LTC for 6 months before I even got an interview at any of the hospitals I had been applying at!

long2beanurse · Oct 29, 2013

Volunteering at the hospital is the best way to get to know the managers. I worked on a neuro/trauma floor for 4 months and applied for an open position there and followed up with the manager. Because she knew my face and my work ethic, I got hired with no prior experience, just my license and knowledge and desire to my job right. Good luck. It is possible to get a hospital job, but it really is a who you know environment. There are 1000s of people applying and you usually have to get past the HR reps which is hard.

Don't give up!

PierceTheVeil · Nov 4, 2013

I'm halfway done with my CNA class and I also want to work in a hospital but I don't think it's possible/likely for me so I'm planning on just working at LTC till i finish college to work at a hospital. Is there a certain kind of RN that is specialized for like hospitals?

Mzfuturenurse · Nov 5, 2013

Yup shes right its not what you know its who you know! I start my first job next week at a hospital with no experience.

mstearns09 · Nov 6, 2013

Really, any career field is all about who you know, not what you know. I landed my first CNA job in a nursing home because I did my clinicals there and they knew me. Two years later, I applied at our local hospital because I know the DON very well both professionally and personally and they hired me.

Stephalump · Nov 7, 2013

That's exactly how I feel. Got to start off small I guess. lol I still got to make it through the class I cant wait to have my certification already![/quote']
Apply where you want to work. You never know what'll happen! All the interviews I've gotten were at places I just randomly applied to with no "in." So don't give up before you try :)

evaughan · Nov 14, 2013

I agree with a lot of the other posters. Volunteering for the hospital you want to work at is helpful, people start to know your name and face. Who you know is a big part of getting hired at a hospital with little to no experience and only your CNA license. If you have to, get a job at a LTC or home health position and gain some experience while you continue to apply for hospital positions.