Should a unemployed RN volunteer at A hospital to 'get their foot in the door'?

[Genuine_Pure_Setae]

Hi, am a new grad as of June 10, licensed in July '10, cum laude, humanitus award, blah blah. Am very excited to get my first nursing job, but have been having a hard time getting any interviews, or responses even from potential employers, sometimes they won't even take my resume. Would it be a good idea to volunteer at the hospital where I want to work (they have called me to come in for a volunteer interview)? Or would it be considered tacky or too desperate? I know I likely won't get actual 'good' M/S experience, but maybe it'll help? maybe?

FYI-this is at Methodist in brooklyn. and the NY job market is saturated.

where is a new grad to supposed to get a job/relocate to?

Thanks for any help/answers!

-GPS

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

It's a good idea to volunteer. Volunteering can be fun, you'll meet a lot of people, and it's something positive to put on the resume. Will it guarantee you a job there? I don't know. It's possible it could open up a door for you there...or it's possible you'll meet someone who can hook you up with an interview somewhere else. Or nothing at all may come of it...there's no guarantees.

However, if you're going there to volunteer, you should be there to volunteer: to help them in whatever way they need. That means you're cheerfully doing whatever is asked of you even if the volunteer duties are not actual nursing. If you choose instead to spend your volunteer time hounding nurse managers trying to schmooze your way into a nursing job, then yes, you'll come across as tacky and desperate...and probably won't make a good impression in the process.

Go and volunteer and see what happens. Best of luck!

[llg, PhD, RN]

I definitely agree with Meriwhen. Volunteering can give you opportunity to show people that you are a hard worker, pleasant to work with, reliable, etc. As you demonstrate great employee behaviors, people will want to help you get on the payroll.

But be sure that is what you show them. Don't be "high maintenance" or turn people off by doing anything less than a good job.

[Genuine_Pure_Setae]

great responses! thanks!

I've set up an interview mid next month.

[caliotter3]

My daughter was a hospital volunteer when she was in high school. She told me one of the other volunteers was hired to work in the ER, so yes, it is possible that this activity could help in your job search. Good luck.