Not sure what to make of an interview-like situation that I just went through - help!

[niquilaRN]

I have had my eye on an OR nursing position - entry level, as a new grad since I don't have experience - at a teaching hospital that is over 600 miles away (This hospital is ranked as being one of the best in the country, and I am definitely willing to relocate, no questions asked!)

I know someone from my graduating nursing class who landed a job there, and she helped put in a good word for me with the nurse educator for the OR, which is great, it's always nice to have those connections that get your foot in the door!

So I have been talking and emailing back and forth with the nurse educator for a few days now. I spoke with her on the phone for about 15 minutes a couple of days ago - she just had a few questions for me that she wanted me to answer (such as, "Tell me why you're interested in OR nursing" and so on). She said my resume looks great and that I seem like a good candidate, so she wanted to arrange a sort of conference call and have me talk to a couple of people who are currently training in their 1 year long orientation. I take it that this is a good thing..!

And so that conference call just happened today. It lasted for almost an hour! - I think it went well but I am disappointed because at the end of it, the nurse educator told me she had spoken to HR and they may not hire any more people into their orientation program because they just hired 4 of them recently.. she said she'll try talking to them again to see if she can get them to change their minds, or something (Apparently she has a bit of pull/ power when it comes to this sort of thing, although I'm not sure how much though).

Then she told me she'd like for me to fly down if I can, to visit for the day and to meet her in person, possibly do some shadowing, etc. I'm thinking that I will take advantage of this opportunity - I'll probably fly down there in a couple of weeks and stay for a day or two. But since there isn't technically a position available for me to be hired in to, I'm not sure if I'll accomplish anything, especially since at this point it's an HR issue.

I'm not sure what to make of all of this, and where to go from here????? Any tips/advice??

[llg, PhD, RN]

Personally, I wouldn't spend the money on a trip down there unless there is an actual position available -- or you have some other reason for making the trip -- and/or you can do it cheaply. If there is no available position, then I would tell the Recruiter that you remain VERY interested in working for them, but that you would prefer to time your visit so that you can interview for an actual position while simultaneously looking for a place to live, etc. Tell her that you hope to stay in touch and will be happy to come for a face-to-face interview the next time she has an open position.

[niquilaRN]

Thanks for the advice!

As crazy as it sounds, I did buy a plane ticket and I will be going down there.. keeping my fingers crossed that this opportunity will work out, in the sense that when a position does open up, I'll hopefully be a runner-up for it. I figure that my coming down there shows initiative and hopefully, I'll make a good impression!

[NP Sam]

I do understand your reasons for going. However, I would email the educator and firmly state that basically "Don't waste my time or yours." Say that in the way llg put it as opposed to me:). I really hope you get this job! In my interview I was also told they are hiring 1-2 people. Turns out I was one of them!

While touring, LISTEN to everything said and show your enthusiasm to learn. I was overwhelmed just going on the tour!

[niquilaRN]

Yeah, some days I feel really good and hopeful about it, other days I get really nervous and doubtful.. but thank you for the well wishes :) and will do, regarding the listening and enthusiasm!