need advice on asking preceptor to get my foot into the door

Jules A, MSN · Feb 10, 2015

I think it is appropriate and I'm hoping you were fostering the contacts a bit while you were being precepted also so it doesn't just pop up out of the blue. Some of the best nurses I have worked with were students I taught during clinical rotations. I'd try something like "I really enjoyed this rotation and would love to join the team. Can you give me any pointers on who to talk to see if there are any openings?" Although I know HR likes to be the gatekeepers I have only gotten one job by applying online all my others have come from an inside recommendation. Good luck and congratulations on becoming a nurse!!

llg, PhD, RN · Feb 10, 2015

What exactly are you wanting your former preceptor to do for you? Write a letter of recommendation? Say something to her manager? What, exactly? When you finally get around to asking her, she may say something like, "Sure, what do you want me to do?" and you'll want to have an answer to that question ready.

She may not know what to do. There may be little she can do except to serve as a reference for you. She may just be 1 of 500 staff nurses at that facility and have very little clout and very few connections. Be prepared for her feeling kindly towards you, but not knowing how she can help. What kind of help did you have in mind?

Once you have that sorted out for yourself, simply call her and ask her. She'll probably be sympathetic to your blight as we have all been in the position of applying for jobs before.