Should I go see the Nurse Manager of the floors I am applying to?

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jun 26, 2013

Depends upon the accepted culture at your organization. Are they very hierarchical, structured & formal? If so, you need to follow the policy and procedure exactly as it is written. If you are in a less formal environment, it's probably OK to talk to them. Keep in mind that when you talk to them, your own manager will be informed also - they are colleagues, and it would be pretty shady to talk to one another's employee without divulging that information in an open and above-board manner.

Inter-departmental transfers are very common. It's always a better option than losing a valued employee who wants a change - to a different area/department. Make sure you don't badmouth anyone in your current department. Not only can I can guarantee that it will get back to them, but it marks you as "unprofessional".

Best of luck to you.

llg, PhD, RN · Jun 26, 2013

Assuming you are not now working for the hospital in another capacity ...

Don't just "drop in" on a busy manager. Making a nuisance of yourself is not a good way to start a relationship. Submit your application through the appropriate channels ... and if you would like ... I think it would be OK to mail a copy of your resume (brief -- not a whole portfolio) to the manager in question along with a nice brief cover letter stating that you have recentely applied for a position on their unit and are just following up to assure that your materials do not get lost within the system. You might also include a sentence or two about why you would like to work in that specific department.

More than that and you risk eliminating yourself from the competition.