New Grad called NM of NICU...good choice?

[futureNICUrn14]

Yesterday I called the nurse manager of the NICU I am interested in working for to obtain some information I couldn't obtain searching online. I am located in California and the NICU I applied for is in South Dakota, so I can't just walk in and get the information I need. The nurse manager was very receptive to me and gave me the information I was seeking such as what level NICU they had, what their orientation program consisted of and most important if they hired new grads.

Shortly after I asked my questions she started asking me questions, which I should have expected. I am just nervous that I didn't give the impression that I am so committed to working in the NICU I would happily leave warm sunny California to live in South Dakota to do what my heart desires. HR is no help basically they will email me if they are not interested but it has been 2 weeks since I submitted my application...nothing yet.

If a person calls a nurse manager that has to show some sort of dedication, right?

If someone were to call you and you were a nurse manager would you take that person into consideration?

Have you ever called a nurse manager? Was the outcome good?

After hearing about the hospital and the orientation program it made me even more excited to possibly get a job there. No calls from HR yet but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

[spacey]

I was casually acquainted with the nurse manager... and literally stalked her in the halls of the hospital for months toward the end of nursing school. I told her I would be reminding her frequently of my interest so that when she did decide to hire new grads.. I'd be the first in line. I got the job.... 16 years ago... still at the same NICU and love it as much as I knew I would! Good Luck!

[HazelLPN, LPN]

Nurse managers are good people to know. Human connections are the most important thing in obtaining a job. No resume or transcript has a human face complete with non verbal communication and use of voice.

I've known many former nurse mangers and head nurses (we used to call them that) that I have kept ties with and these ties have proven very valuable in obtaining every job that I have ever had.

Best to you in your career in nursing,

Mrs H.

[ENI431]

a previous nurse manager told me about one of her new hires ... she had not been very impressed with the person's resume ... not that it was bad, just not a "stand out" resume ... and so, she didn't hire her for the original position ... however, when a second position became available, she was hired for that one! ... she was hired because she was consistent in contacting the nurse manager, expressing sincere interest in the position!

[Isabelle49]

You did well. If you wouldn't have called her, guarantee someone else would. Good Luck!

[littleneoRN]

I called a nurse manager...not for the unit I really really wanted, but one I thought I would like and thought would be hiring. Turns out they weren't hiring, but she was impressed (with who knows what) over the phone, so she got me an inside contact in HR and insisted that person find me a job. I have now been at that hospital for almost five years and LOVE my job to this day.