Nurse managers (or experienced RNs), help me out?

[snapshot]

Hey all,

I'm a new grad, and I am currently a relief float tech for most of our inpatient units. I did quite well in nursing school, and because I am hoping to work in OB (eventually midwifery, if possible), I use every chance I could to increase my skills and knowledge in that area (e.g. I did a research project that is now in the early stages of publication). My preceptorship was in pediatrics, but my preceptor was cross-trained in NICU and PP, so I did some of that, as well as tagging along with other nurses to do L&D. It was amazing, and I'm more sure than ever that this is what I want to be doing. I also have a great relationship with my current nurse manager, and have worked hard, have a high GPA, awards, etc., to help ensure I can be successful after nursing school.

I know it's not the norm to get a job in OB right after graduation, and if I can't, that's fine. I'm more than willing to work some med-surg, get my skills honed a little more, and pay my dues--I enjoyed those rotations quite a bit in school, anyway.

However, my facility has two openings right now in OB for night shift, which are not popular around here but that I happen to love. I applied for them, figuring if nothing else it would get the manager familiar with my name for openings down the road.

Wouldn't you know it, last Thursday, at the EXACT time I was taking my NCLEX, the manager called my home to "speak with me about my application." Because I wasn't home, she also sent an email to my work account asking me to call or let her know when she could reach me. I emailed first because I didn't have her direct line, and then I called the next day, also, but was told she was in a patient room so I left a message. I emailed again Sunday evening to tell her she could reach me all day yesterday and today, as well as to let her know I passed my boards and have an active license now. Our email system allows us to check to see if an email has been opened, so I know she got both of them. And yet...

Nothing.

My sneaking suspicion is that she got another application or two from someone with more experience, but I don't know. I'm also worried that she somehow didn't notice I was newly licensed (though it was very clear on my application, in my cover letter, and from my current job title) and changed her mind when I told her I'd been taking boards. I understand if she has changed her mind, but I wish she would let me know either way.

My question is...what now? Do you think I should call again, or just wait? I work overnight tonight and she comes in right as I'm getting off in the morning, so I'm also considering just stopping by to introduce myself and see if that gets me an answer one way or another.

I really want her to know how interested I am in the positions, but I also don't want to annoy the bajesus out of her and ruin my chances for getting a job on that unit later on since I really, really like the hospital I work in and want to stay there if possible. I've never really been in a position like this, so any advice would be appreciated!

[klone, MSN, RN]

can you go and speak to her in person? Just say "Hey, got your messages. Wanted you to know I'm really interested in working for you in this department..."

[Kayla.J.RN]

If you run into her on your way out from work, I think it would be a good idea to speak with her in person. You already called and e-mailed her. So there is nothing left for you to do but speak to her in person and introduce yourself. It really can't hurt.

Good luck! I got a job in L&D straight out of nursing school last August. So trust me.. it can happen as long as you keep in touch with the right people.

[FurBabyMom, MSN, RN]

Not an OB experienced nurse, but a little ways into my career... I would stop by and introduce myself. It can't hurt.

Knowing the things my nurse managers have dealt with in the past - it may or may not be reflective about anything regarding the position or you. Sometimes more pressing things come up (fixing staffing problems, issues on the unit, meetings, etc)... Plus, the nurse manager is human too, maybe they have had something come up outside of work and not been able to focus quite as much on hiring or interviews. Just be patient! The hardest part as a new grad was trying to get noticed. :) You're already there. Just be yourself and professional. :)

[babyktchr, BSN, RN]

If I emailed you and didn' get back to you (first of all, shame on me) I would probably appreciate you stopping in or a call or something. Chances are the manager has some other things going on and you are in a pile somewhere on a desk. Don't be annoying though. There is a fine line. Good luck to you...

[Katie71275]

Definitely stop by and talk to her. Introduce yourself, and let her know you got her email. If she said it's filled, don't act bummed. Just say that you know how hard it is to start out in OB and that you are very interested in OB either now or after gaining some experience and how much you love the unit/hospital, etc etc. I just graduated in May and starting out in L&D, so it can happen :)