Should I go the the units directly?

[nm_alamo]

Hello!

I have applied for several nursing positions and it has been about a week since I submitted my applications. I know I have been told in the past it's good to put a name with a face and follow up with applications you have put out. I am new to the area and didn't go to nursing school here. So my problem is, should I just call HR and check on that status of my applications, or is it okay to go to the units themselves and ask to leave a resume with the unit manager directly? I don't want to jeopardize getting one of these positions, but I also don't want to feel like I'm sitting here doing nothing to try and get a job!

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Not ok if you are not an employee. I can see your reasoning, but in these days of privacy issues just not a good idea.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Back in the days of the real nursing shortage, going to the units usually had good results. However, given the glut of nurses looking for work, budget cuts, increased security and privacy measures, and more hospitals choosing to route applicants only through their website/HR, visiting the units today is not as likely to work.

For every person who had good luck doing this, there's two who found that going in person had no effect or--even worse--backfired in their face.

I've done it. How did it go over? In all honesty, no one was overjoyed to see me: most were apathetic, a couple were annoyed. Did I get interviews? I got a few calls (ironically, one was from one of the annoyed ones). Did doing this land me my first job? No.

I won't say for you to Do or Don't Do it--you need to decide that. But if you insist on storming the Bastille, I have some guidelines that you may want to consider first.

1. Scope out their website. If everything says, "Apply online only," that pretty much tells you that going in person won't go over too well. If nothing is mentioned, then there's a chance going in person may help. Usually, smaller facilities or non-acute care facilities are more open to drop-ins.

2. Find out the name of the person on the unit that you're going to visit. Don't just walk in asking for "HR" because they're probably going to tell you to go home and apply online. Also don't attempt to visit every unit as that will kill your reputation: pick one or two units only.

3. Dress as though you're going to an interview.

4. Bring resumes and envelopes (in case you need to leave the resume without meeting anyone).

5. Avoid going at the following times: an hour on either side of shift change, right at 9am, lunchtime (12ish), right at 5pm.

6. Remember that you are intruding uninvited on their workday. They may be happy to see you, they may be indifferent, or they may be less than thrilled. Don't expect them to grant an interview on-the-spot or even be able/willing to talk to you.

7. Whatever reaction you get from them, YOU remain polite and respectful at all times. Re-read #6 several times if you don't get it.

The economy sucks and you need to do what you think is best. It could help...but it does come with big risks.

If you decide to do it, best of luck.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

PPs are offering great advice.

Most organizations have very specific HR 'rules' that hiring managers must follow in order to ensure compliance with all of the legal and regulatory requirements that govern this area. So - unless you are at a career fair, employment open house, or similar event, it is usually pointless to try to initiate direct contact with the hiring manager because s/he would just have to refer you back to HR.

There may also be other negative consequences. You may tick off the manager by interrupting their busy day. But the most damaging consequence would be that your behavior would be perceived as "entitled" - because you are deliberately side-stepping the normal process and think you deserve special treatment ..... believe me, in today's hiring climate, this is the absolute worst way to be characterized.

A much better approach is to respect (and follow) the normal procedures with extreme persistence. Follow up on a regular basis. Get to know the nurse recruiter. Take the time to learn as much as you can about the organization (mission, values, history, population served, etc) so that when you will dazzle them when you're called to interview.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

I'm going to echo previous posters.

I was laughed at one time (maybe a nervous chuckle) when I attempted to meet a hiring manger for a nursing support position; she was with a co worker getting ready to leave. They told me to go to the website; I was polite the entire time, dressed for success...thankfully The laughter was when I walked away, however, I learned a lesson in networking with HR, and what NOT to do.

Network, network, network by emailing, and following up as others suggested. Maintain professional boundaries when drawn, and be aware of them per different facility.

[CrazyGoonRN]

What I have done is researched on the internet and tried to find the name of the nurse recruiter of the hospital I applied to. Sometimes this is not easy and other times it is. I then research until I find their email address and email them directly and tell them I've applied and am very interested in a position at their hospital. I say a few good things about myself to look appealing and leave it at that. I actually had a nurse recruiter email me today asking if I was interested in a position on such & such floor of the hospital. I have already applied for that position but he didn't even realize it. He was just responding to the email I sent him.

Also, Linkedin is a great place to research local nurse recruiters.