Meeting a nurse manager

[tashacorinne]

Hi everyone!

So I've been searching for a job for the past 6 months -- ugh. I finally made a connection with a guy who is going to introduce me to a couple of nurse managers who have a few openings on their floors (med/surg and CC, maybe peds). I am getting a little nervous because I really want to make a good impression and I really want to land one of these jobs. How can I show them that I would be a great hire over someone with experience? How can I make a lasting impression? What should I do if they tell me that these positions are for experienced nurses? By the way, these are not official interviews that I am doing, I am just getting to know the managers/making connections.

To have the opportunity to work in this hospital and this city would be an absolute dream come true. I never thought I would have the chance to even talk to anyone there. So, if anyone can leave any tips for me or any words of advice, I would be incredibly thankful.

[Cuddleswithpuddles]

Hello tashacorrine,

I do not have a job yet but have made some very positive connections with nurse managers and directors. Hoping to hear some good news very soon. Here are some of the things I learned to do:

1. Be presentable. I wore pretty much everything but a blazer. Pressed slacks, conservative heels and a smart looking top like a collared shirt or cardigan. Maybe it is just California but I was told my a nurse recruiter that they frequently find applicants' choice of dress to be disappointing. One interviewee showed up in jeans. What the....?

2. Have copies of your resume and cover letter in a smart looking portfolio ready in case they ask for it.

3. I like to ask the question "What the number one thing you wish new grads knew?" It has been a fantastic ice breaker for me so far. It not only shows your interest in learning but also gives you insight into the managers' pet peeves and passions.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes!

[Cuddleswithpuddles]

Another thing----

In terms of making a lasting impression, the only thing that has worked for me is to keep coming back. I frequently get "I don't remember your name but I remember your face" and then they make reference to past meetings and things we talked about.

I used to think that I should come out of every meeting with the managers knowing my name by heart. It's just not feasible in this busy world where nurse managers encounter dozens of new names on a daily basis. Besides, I figure that in order for me to make that big of an impression, I would either have to be a nursing rockstar Florence Nightingale resurrected and on steroids... or an incredible pest worthy of a call to security. I know as a new grad I am NOT the former, and I certainly do not want to be the latter lol!

[tashacorinne]

Thank you so much for the advice cuddles. I like the question that you suggested. Also, I visit this city a lot and hope to get the courage to keep visiting them after I am introduced to them. I hope to go back next week and visit. Do you have any other advice for the second/third/fourth visits? My hopes are to get to know these managers and get an interview and then a job!

I think I will get my courage to visit those managers constantly is from my desire to be working at this hospital. I just really don't want to be let down if I put too much of my heart in to it... and here I am again worrying about things and I haven't even met anyone yet, heh.