Published May 20, 2008
TangoLima
225 Posts
The short version is that I accepted a job offer today on a Med/Surg Telemetry floor.
The long version goes back to my original post where I put in numerous applications without getting the first phone call. Then a couple weeks ago, I actually went to 4 hospitals thinking I would be able to talk with the nurse recruiters. The only person I ended up talking to was a receptionist at one of the hospitals who was actually fairly helpful, but still I did not get to speak to a hiring manager. Then I followed up with 2 rounds of phone calls to all the hospitals. Nothing.
I FINALLY received a phone call last week from my first choice hospital and scheduled an interview for tomorrow. Their new nurse internship didn't start until June 30, but it was the only lead I had, so I was going to go through the process. Well, I was studying for NCLEX today when I received a phone call saying that they were canceling my interview due to "unit constraints" and they could "not go forward in the hiring process at this time." I was DEVASTATED, and in a PANIC. It was already going to be difficult making it until June 30 financially, and now that lead was gone!
I started making more phone calls, and of course, never got through to anyone. So, I decided I would get ready and drive down to the hospital where the receptionist was so helpful. I thought if I could see the receptionist, she would remember me and possibly hook me up with the nurse recruiter or a hiring manager. Lo and behold, when I got to the hospital, the receptionist was gone for the day, and I was told that the nurse recruiter was at lunch.
I guess they thought I would leave, and any other time, I probably would have. But I told them I had drove down from my city (I live about 50 mins away in a bordering state) and that if I had a chance to talk to someone I would wait for them to return. Well, after waiting about 45 mins, one of the other recruiters must have taken pity on me, because she hooked me up with one of the nurse managers. :bowingpur
I ended up talking with managers from 2 different departments and was offered a job! I will probably be starting on June 9. This was actually my 2nd choice hospital.
So, for all of you out there having trouble finding a job, just be persistent. It is not in my nature to be pushy, but I guess it's true that the "squeaky wheel gets the grease". :chuckle
caliotter3
38,333 Posts
Well, congratulations!!! I see that for once, persistence paid off! Good for you!
natrgrrl
405 Posts
I'm having a difficult time, too. I can't talk to anyone!!!! Why is that?
Thanks for sharing your story. I think I am going to go try that "sitting in the office" approach to see if it gets me anywhere.
Good luck and your new job and congratulations.
elkpark
14,633 Posts
Congratualtions, TL! :balloons:
SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN
3,376 Posts
Unfortunately these are signs of the times. Congrats on having your persistence be rewarded!
woknblues
447 Posts
As a manager for years in other fields, I can attest to the "I'm not going anywhere gusto" pays off when I am at the helm. Too many people, come in, mumble and are out the door while their resume is still in midair, dropped from their hands onto the pile. It's always the guy or gal that has the chutzpah to wait 3 hours in the lobby, grabs you by the hand and shakes it the moment you walk in the door from your lunch break that got my attention.
LaceyRN
633 Posts
The short version is that I accepted a job offer today on a Med/Surg Telemetry floor. The long version goes back to my original post where I put in numerous applications without getting the first phone call. Then a couple weeks ago, I actually went to 4 hospitals thinking I would be able to talk with the nurse recruiters. The only person I ended up talking to was a receptionist at one of the hospitals who was actually fairly helpful, but still I did not get to speak to a hiring manager. Then I followed up with 2 rounds of phone calls to all the hospitals. Nothing. I FINALLY received a phone call last week from my first choice hospital and scheduled an interview for tomorrow. Their new nurse internship didn't start until June 30, but it was the only lead I had, so I was going to go through the process. Well, I was studying for NCLEX today when I received a phone call saying that they were canceling my interview due to "unit constraints" and they could "not go forward in the hiring process at this time." I was DEVASTATED, and in a PANIC. It was already going to be difficult making it until June 30 financially, and now that lead was gone!I started making more phone calls, and of course, never got through to anyone. So, I decided I would get ready and drive down to the hospital where the receptionist was so helpful. I thought if I could see the receptionist, she would remember me and possibly hook me up with the nurse recruiter or a hiring manager. Lo and behold, when I got to the hospital, the receptionist was gone for the day, and I was told that the nurse recruiter was at lunch. I guess they thought I would leave, and any other time, I probably would have. But I told them I had drove down from my city (I live about 50 mins away in a bordering state) and that if I had a chance to talk to someone I would wait for them to return. Well, after waiting about 45 mins, one of the other recruiters must have taken pity on me, because she hooked me up with one of the nurse managers. :bowingpurI ended up talking with managers from 2 different departments and was offered a job! I will probably be starting on June 9. This was actually my 2nd choice hospital. So, for all of you out there having trouble finding a job, just be persistent. It is not in my nature to be pushy, but I guess it's true that the "squeaky wheel gets the grease". :chuckle
Congrats! Before NS I had always gotten a job I wanted by using this method. I would go in person dressed to interview and I would make sure to wait around until I could get face time with the person who was doing the hiring. Persistence pays off!
I'm so happy for you! Enjoy your new position! :)
That's exactly what I do, too!
Polite persistence, a warm smile, and a firm handshake goes a long way in making a great first impression. :)
Sterren, BSN, RN
191 Posts
Congratulations! It is so exciting to finally get a job, and I think persistence was exactly the right thing to do. It pays to go after what you really want. Congratulations!
WDWpixieRN, RN
2,237 Posts
Congrats Tango!! It is so nice to finally know you've gotten a job after all the hard work and tears, isn't it?!?!
I didn't hear back from a NICU interview I had done for WEEKS which put me behind the ball applying/interviewing for other jobs (my bad). I was getting fearful that I would end up with nothing, but finally got a job on a med/surg floor and I am thrilled! While my journey wasn't as horrendous as yours, I can empathize with worrying about the "what ifs".
Congrats again!!