I'm a newly licensed RN and am shifting my job search from hospital positions to long term care, since I have been unsuccessful in finding a hospital job. I'm wondering if you could give me your opinions about the best way to apply for these.
Since most SNFs don't have a website with job postings, how should I approach the search:
1) Call ahead and ask to talk to the DON or whoever could give me info about hiring
2) Just walk in (ready to interview just in case) and ask to fill out an application (so that they would have it on file regardless of whether they are currently hiring). At this point, I would also leave my resume with the application.
What about following up? Should I call after a few days to ask about the status if I wasn't able to get that information directly while I was there? What do you think is the most effective strategy?
I'm thinking of having a professional-looking folder with me when I go into these facilities so I can leave it there with my application. What should I include in it besides my resume? I'm thinking a cover letter, copy of my RN license...what about references, copies of certifications...? Or should I keep it more basic and bring some of those things only if I'm interviewing?
Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.
I was standing in the lobby today waiting to go into a meeting. A woman walked in and asked for an application. When the receptionist asked her what she was applying for (we are inundated with CNA apps), she looked down her nose, rolled her eyes, and announced 'I am an RN'. I didn't say anything. The receptionist gave her an application. I whispered "Write DO NOT HIRE' on the front before you put it in my mailbox". No one should come into a building and be rude and condescending. You never know who is going to be there watching how you interact. If she were that rude to the receptionist, how might she be to a patient?? AND, it took her almost an hour to fill out the application which is not very long.
I have a question..I was called for an interview - ended up going back twice because the previous 2 times the DON "forgot" about the interview - ok, finally interviewed, received a call 4 days after I was told I would hear one way or the other however it was from someone I never heard of & was late on a Friday wanting all this stuff done by the end of business (literally 2 hrs) - I did what I could & have made multiple, multiple attempts to contact the DON for almost a week now - am VERY confused as to where things stand. I am thinking if this is how the DON rolls then I should not even consider working here - LTC is new for me & a choice. I know a lot of nurses don't want to work LTC but for a variety of reasons I want to give it a shot. I just think its strange I was offered the position - via someone else & now..nothing. I am not calling her again - because it's gotten to the point of..ridiculous the amt. of times I'm told to call back/leave message. And still nothing. This is a large company - nation wide as far as I know so I can't imagine this is how all the facilites are run. I'm really disappointed.
Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.
Companies these days are swamped with applicants. I've had two interviews at some facilities only to never hear back. It's just plain rudeness but that's the way of the world today.
Guess I'm not going to take it personal then..it just seems weird I was offered a position only not to be able to get in touch with the person to follow up to get started..very strange..but I've applied a few other places today - I'm not giving up until I get in the type of nursing I want to be in:up:
CapeCodMermaid, RN
6,092 Posts
I was standing in the lobby today waiting to go into a meeting. A woman walked in and asked for an application. When the receptionist asked her what she was applying for (we are inundated with CNA apps), she looked down her nose, rolled her eyes, and announced 'I am an RN'. I didn't say anything. The receptionist gave her an application. I whispered "Write DO NOT HIRE' on the front before you put it in my mailbox". No one should come into a building and be rude and condescending. You never know who is going to be there watching how you interact. If she were that rude to the receptionist, how might she be to a patient?? AND, it took her almost an hour to fill out the application which is not very long.
Always present your best face.