No reply from nurse-manager

[vintage_RN, BSN, RN]

Hello all,

This is half asking for advice and half venting my anxiousness

I have been doing my final placement on an inpatient trauma/surgical unit for the past 2 months. I have absolutely loved it there, learned so much, and felt like part of the team. My preceptor's last two pre grad students got hired there, and pretty much all of the new hires are students who did placements there. My preceptor told me that "it's up to me" if I want to work there, and everyone has been telling me that I'll get hired no problem because they are always short (resource team staff fill in on every shift that i've been working..) I would love to work here and my placement is done next week.

About 2 weeks ago, I emailed the nurse manager letting her know that I loved the unit and wanted to inquire about any opportunities available. I didn't receive a reply, and I emailed her again about a follow up, and if there was a good time to see her in person. That was a week ago and I still haven't received a reply. My preceptor told me that she's really bad at answering emails. I've been on nights, but was on days yesterday...she saw me, walked past me and said hi to me...but didn't acknowledge me otherwise. I've been introduced to her and she know's I'm my preceptor's student so she knows who I am.

I understand that she is extremely busy and that I am not her top priority by any means...but I fail to understand why she hasn't replied. I'm wondering how I should approach her, my preceptor said to go to her office. Should I do it now, or wait until my last shift? I don't want to bother her or make a bad impression.

It seems like such a silly reason to be frustrated! I just really want a job there! i'm sure most new grads can relate.

Thanks for reading.

[mhy12784]

Its going to be different everywhere, but some nurse managers are INCREDIBLY bad with their emails.

Im not sure if theyre just busy, or they get so many people from people asking about jobs, but its more common than you'd think.

I wouldnt take it personally, and would just look into alternative ways to get her attention and make yourself/desires known

[vintage_RN, BSN, RN]

Thanks for your reply. I definitely am not taking it personally, as I said I know I'm not her first priority.

I just want her to know I'm interested without making a bad impression.

:)

[Birry]

I'd ask her early on next time you're there for a few minutes of her time that day. Then go into her office with her, tell her what you think of the unit and that you'd love to work there blah blah blah. Don't wait til the end - give her time to actively pay attention to your work. She's probably super busy and if you want a slice of her time, you just need to be more assertive in asking for it.

These are just my opinions, though. Good luck :)