Should I start applying to job postings?

[future_hero]

Hi everyone,

This is a question for nurses who are now practicing and have undergone the job hunting process.

On May 21 of this year, I wrote the CPNRE. I honestly left the exam feeling uncertain of how well I did. Overall, it was a great experience to have gone through it. I can say I've done my absolute best and so regardless of the outcome, I am willing to live with the results and continue to move forward.

My question to those who have experience with the job hunting process is, in your opinion, would it be a good idea to begin applying to vacant nursing positions?

I have been struggling with the decision to be proactive with my job hunting venture because I feel it would be essential to know the results prior to. Almost all job postings state "must be registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario in good standing".

As a result of seeing that requirement, I felt hesitant with being proactive in the job hunt which can potentially lead into an interview process and being offered something. Thought it would music to my ears, I would then go through the process of obtaining a temporary license. My concern is then finding out a few weeks later my results for the CPNRE don't turn out to be what I was looking for.

As an alternative, I plan to volunteer at one or two health institutions as a way to "try working" in a potential work place of my interest. I always feel personal and professional development can always be something to improve and so I have been investing time into things like working on my resume, linkedIN profile in addition to getting regular exercise and just being holistically healthy. Visiting old friends is also something I plan to do too. I hear once the nursing journey begins, time can be very limited and scarce by then.

I would greatly appreciate any counsel that may assist with my current circumstances. I can certainly use the wisdom of those who have already been there.

Thank you in advance for your consideration to reply to this inquiry. I greatly appreciate the insight and support.

Respectfully,

Sean

[relaxingbath]

Hi Sean, I too sat the CPRNE in May I've been applying to every job in my area (Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford, Cambridge, Guelph, W+K) I came out of the exam unsure as to what my mark would be though I'm trying to be upbeat and not over thing it. I am one of only four students to have deans honours for graduation this week so I keep trying to be positive about passing and my prospects of getting a job. I have probably applied for 20+ jobs in Hamilton health science alone and received only 1 rejection and no other responses I'm hoping that when I get my registration I will suddenly become more employable and hear back. Best of luck with your job applications.

[queenb13]

hey relaxing bath. Did you get a job offer at your pregrad placement? You should try applying there since it's the highest chance of you getting a job. I know people who have been applying since before their pregrad finished, which is actually the most ideal. To be honest, internal applicants always get preference in hospital especially HHS so external applicants are generally a last resort.

The best way of getting a job is if you know someone or have clinical there, I applied to a previous clinical placement I had and the manager told me she had over 200 applications for a single position!

[relaxingbath]

Hi Queenb13, my Pre-grad was in the ER department of Joseph Brant hospital I talked with the manager there and handed in my resume to HR when I left, I haven't heard from them since. They only have a few RPNs there and were not looking to place any more unfortunately as I loved the experience that I gained and would really like to work in an ER department. Unfortunately during my clinical placements I tried to be as self sufficient as possible and while I had good relationships with fellow nurses I didn't have time (due to patient care) to chat and become friendly with managers in each of my clinical placements so they are dead ends. I'm still applying for every job I see and I am evaluating the possibility of relocation for jobs further a field.

[Mewsin]

I voted yes. I don't graduate until Nov but we've already been told to start applying for jobs. I have been offered to work casual as a grad nurse when November comes. I'm also applying at other locations in my health region this summer.

[relaxingbath]

Sorry to hi jack the thread but anyone here that does recruitment or that could just offer advice if I was to send them my resume?

Thanks in advance

[Alexe2014]

Hi Sean, I too sat the CPRNE in May I've been applying to every job in my area (Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford, Cambridge, Guelph, W+K) I came out of the exam unsure as to what my mark would be though I'm trying to be upbeat and not over thing it. I am one of only four students to have deans honours for graduation this week so I keep trying to be positive about passing and my prospects of getting a job. I have probably applied for 20+ jobs in Hamilton health science alone and received only 1 rejection and no other responses I'm hoping that when I get my registration I will suddenly become more employable and hear back. Best of luck with your job applications.

good luck in your search , how you apply for 20+ through agency or online and which option is better. thanks

[Fiona59]

Most health authorities require on-line applications. The smaller agencies want emailed resumes