Skipping the HR person?

[RNBelle]

Me and my hubby are moving thanks to the military. Now the town we are going to is in the middle of nowhere with a 75 bed hospital. I sent my application into HR via the internet link 2 weeks ago. I called to see the status of my application and they said it was still being reviewed as of yesterday. Now this is a tiny hospital with a nursing shortage and a lot of staff unrest with the management - including they want the HR person to leave his position. On the hospital website they have the email addys and phone # of the head nurses in charge of the floors.

Should I just be proactive and start emailing and/or calling the depts I am interested in?

I might have another job offer coming in from another office in a week or so and I want to know what all my options are. I am not use to people taking their time. I atleast want to get an interview squared away before I move in a few weeks.

[rn/writer, RN]

If that information is available to you, I see nothing wrong with contacting unit managers directly. They might refer you back to HR, but then you can tell the HR folks that you are applying at the suggestion of the unit manager. Gives you a little bit of an "in." Keep your email professional, attach a copy of your resume, and do a little bit of homework so you can include remarks that show you know something about the hospital or the area.

Let us know what happens. I wish you the best.

[Djuna]

I don't have any advice for you I'm sorry, but I certainly understand how you feel. I have emailed HR at a large hospital in New England and a week later I have still had no reply. It's very frustrating trying to get a job when you don't live in the country.

In Australia we bypass HR and apply directly to the Nurse Manager of the Department, HR simply handle all the paperwork. The process still takes time but it isn't as difficult to know where you are in the whole process.

All the best for your move.