To all Recruiters

icechick, RN · Jul 26, 2011

on the edge of my seat waiting for answers. This whole application process is like one big game & I am so sick of it! Please someone shed some light on this topic!!

netglow, ASN, RN · Jul 27, 2011

Ha, I would be surprised if any commented. They might tho. But seriously, facility recruiters really just call in those who have been put in front of them by nursing folks, or other folks with clout who have the ear of powers that be who work at the facility. They don't have need to "hunt" for most nursing positions that don't require advanced level nursing experience/specialty certs. Most positions that might consider new or newer nurses are filled way before - if they are ever announced, by those with strong internal contacts mentioned above. Recruiters are not supposed to tell you this, it is not good for the hospital "image".

This can change when a facility is a "real stinker" and suddenly loses a bunch of nurses, then, you might have a chance if you apply during one of these times that the place is seriously in trouble. Usually, they won't have enuf experienced nurses to orient you if you are newer or new, since so many just left. You will kind of be on your own to fend for yourself, so be careful. A sudden "open house" is a signal of that during this economy.

dudette10, MSN, RN · Jul 29, 2011

Ha, I would be surprised if any commented. They might tho. But seriously, facility recruiters really just call in those who have been put in front of them by nursing folks, or other folks with clout who have the ear of powers that be who work at the facility. They don't have need to "hunt" for most nursing positions that don't require advanced level nursing experience/specialty certs. Most positions that might consider new or newer nurses are filled way before - if they are ever announced, by those with strong internal contacts mentioned above. Recruiters are not supposed to tell you this, it is not good for the hospital "image".
This can change when a facility is a "real stinker" and suddenly loses a bunch of nurses, then, you might have a chance if you apply during one of these times that the place is seriously in trouble. Usually, they won't have enuf experienced nurses to orient you if you are newer or new, since so many just left. You will kind of be on your own to fend for yourself, so be careful. A sudden "open house" is a signal of that during this economy.

Although the market in Chicago is definitely tight, the anecdotes you provide don't reflect my anecdotal experience.

For example, the "contacts" I had for two of the five hospital positions I got called for were gained via networking while a nursing student. They were not friends or friends of friends or relatives, so anyone could do what I did. The other three positions were through online applications, and I didn't know a soul at any of those facilities. Two of the out-of-the-blue positions were Loyola/Trinity facilities.

Three of my classmates also got jobs from their networking during school. The best bets for jobs are definitely who you know, but they don't necessarily have to be social contacts.