Should i call the nurse manager?

As a nurse manager, I never minded being contacted by "hopefuls."

But, in my opinion, phone contact is just downright inconvenient. The manager may be busy, and to be interrupted with an unsolicited (but well-meaning) candidate may not be welcome.

e-mail would be my preference, and is the method of contact that I would be most likely to respond to.

Good luck!

Hey JOLIE,

I was wondering if I could pick your brain. . . I have a LOT of friends who can not find jobs. I think it's their interviewing skills. What do you look for? DO you have any good tips? If someone does not have a ton of experience; what should they focus on?

THANKS

Part of the problem with new grads finding jobs is the economy. The idea that nursing is a "recession-proof" profession is a load of huey. So, given a choice between an experienced nurse and a new grad, the experienced nurse will win out.

But that does't mean it's hopeless.

When I interviewed a new grad (I'm now working in a different profession), I didn't focus so much on clinical know-how. I managed a NICU, an area where virtually no new grad has experience. I expected to have to teach new grads the ins and outs of the clinical area. I never wanted to have to teach anyone professionalism, teamwork, positive attitude, flexibility.....You get the point.

In reviewing resumes and planning for interviews I looked for a solid history of work or volunteer experience. It didn't particularly matter to me whether it was health care related or not. Like I said, I expected to teach clinical skills and knowledge. But I wanted to see a pattern of reliable attendance at work (be it McDonald's, babysitting or lawncare) or a volunteer job. In the absence of work or volunteer experience, involvement in some worthwhile organization would be helpful, such as SADD or Student Nurse Organization. Someone with no work, volunteer or organizational experience isn't going to be very impressive to me. Do not "fluff" your resume. Don't overstate your job title, responsibilities, honors, GPA or any other accomplishment. It will set off my BS detector and your resume will land in the trash.

It is imperative to present oneself professionally in an interview. Practice common interview questions in advance. Prepare a list of thoughtful questions regarding the institution and unit. Dress appropriately. Be prepared with a resume, reference list and other information needed to complete an application (such as dates and supervisors of employment or schooling.) Bring an example of pertinent written work, such as a teaching plan, if you have one. Be early. Leave your cell phone in the car. Make sure you have the correct name and spelling of the person interviewing you so you can send a thank-you the next day. Ask when you will hear from the institution and how you should proceed. If you learn that you have not been chosen for a job, ask he manager if s/he would be willing to critique your interview and suggest how you can improve for the next time. If you feel like you had a good rapport with the manager, ask if you can contact him/her every few months to check on job availability.

Do not discuss personal issues such as health, family, or children during an interview. Do not ask about salary unless and until you have received a verbal offer. Be flexible about shifts and units. There are nurses who have worked for 25 years who still take their share of nights, weekends and holidays. You will not endear yourself to anyone by being unwilling to do the same. If you receive an offer, ask for a written copy so that you may be certain you understand it fully.

If you are balancing 2 offers, be honest about needing more time to decide. Do not take a job, then quit 2 weeks later because "something better" (which usually isn't) has come along. You'd be ticked if your employer let you go after 2 weeks, but you'd be amazed at the number of candidates who think this is OK to do. It's not, and it will bite you in the butt. Finally, be prepared to work harder than you ever have in your life.

Wow! Thanks for the time and tips! I feel like a lot of the ideas you stated helped me find a wonderful job even though I was a new graduate! You have been very helpful and I will certainly pass on the information. You seem like a honest fair no nonsense NM to work with.

THANKS AGAIN :)

Jolie, thanks for your response, your advice is greatly appreciated.

i thinking sending an email is a good idea, but how do i get a nurse manager's email addr.? i looked on the hospital website, didnt find anything, any suggestions?

Thanks Jolie!

noski- I have yet to find email address either, they aren't readily available. I guess try to see if HR will give them out?

Also, as a former DON I used to have my own special question. If someone said they worked at XYZ Hospital I would reply, "Oh, did you happen to know Dr. ABC?" If they replied yes their resume went into the trash when they left my office ~ Dr. ABC did not exist and if they would lie to me in the interview they would lie to me once they had the position.