1st Job Help

[helpnewnurse]

I graduated in May '17 and I applied for a nursing residency program in December. It is now February and I got an email back from them. Unfortunately, they said they are unable to give me a position. So what I want to know is.. what kinds of qualifications do they look for when applying for a nurse residency program?

A little background on myself.. I graduated from a 4 year BSN program. I didn't work as a CNA/tech back in undergrad. I only worked for 2 years as a cashier in a fast food place and worked for about 1 year in Sales. I was Treasurer of a cultural club for about 2 years and I was just a regular member of the Student Nurses Association throughout my entire nursing school career. I also volunteered at the hospital for about a year.

I also have another question.. I'm not sure if anyone in allnurses has asked this already but are we allowed to have 2 nursing jobs under one healthcare system? For example, can I get an RN position in Hospital A and Hospital B if both hospitals are both under (e.g.) Mount Sinai Healthcare System?

[Sour Lemon]

Your questions are employer-specific. Every new graduate program is different. Holding two positions with the same employer may be possible, but potential for overtime pay would likely be a huge concern.

[helpnewnurse]

Thank you for responding! I really appreciate it! Do you think it would be a good idea to reply to the email and ask them specifically why I wasn't considered for a position and what kinds of qualifications do they look for in candidates?

Also, for my 2nd question.. I was just wondering because when I was in undergrad, one of my professors told me that she had to give up one of her jobs because they were going to be placed under the same healthcare system. I just wanted to know if it's true.

[KrissyBe]

Look on this site regarding qualifications for RN Residency programs, and also go to the hospital's website. You will probably need to apply to every new grad position you can find near you. Just keep applying! You need to spend some time researching and applying, double-check that resume for keywords, and don't give up! But really, waiting for one job isn't realistic.

I doubt HR will tell you why they didn't hire you. Many do not want the discussion, are too busy, and then there's liability issues.

Do you really want two RN jobs? You might get burned-out fast.

Good luck!

[helpnewnurse]

Look on this site regarding qualifications for RN Residency programs, and also go to the hospital's website. You will probably need to apply to every new grad position you can find near you. Just keep applying! You need to spend some time researching and applying, double-check that resume for keywords, and don't give up! But really, waiting for one job isn't realistic.

I doubt HR will tell you why they didn't hire you. Many do not want the discussion, are too busy, and then there's liability issues.

Do you really want two RN jobs? You might get burned-out fast.

Good luck!

Thanks for your response!

I really wanted to get into this residency program specifically because I wanted to work for a certain hospital (the hospital I volunteered for). But unfortunately the hospital policies changed since they ended up being bought by a bigger Healthcare System--so the competition is even fiercer. But I did end up getting a job offer from another hospital and I'm starting orientation soon!

And yeah, it probably isn't a good idea to ask HR why I wasn't chosen as a candidate. But I'm just curious about why my application/resume didn't stand out from other applicants. I guess it's probably better if I get in contact with my university's Nursing Career Advisor again to review my resume.

You're right about that! I definitely don't want to get burned-out when I'm only beginning my career. And I'm not going to work two RN jobs right away but I was hoping to get a second job in the near future since I have a lot of student loans to pay off and my family isn't in the best financial situation.

Thank you again for your advice! Very much appreciated!