What all do nurse recruiters do??

[Epona]

Hello. I was just offered a nurse recruiters position. I know the basics... they recruit nurses, but what else do they do??

I think the hospital wants me to do PR and job fairs to promote the facility as well.

I am a new RN so I am a bit surprised I got this job, but I have a previous degree in Communications with a background in PR so I guess that is why I got it. Also... it PAYS MORE then most floor nursing jobs in my area.

Thanks for the insight here! Epona

[Bumashes, MSN, APRN, NP]

My nurse recruiter is also the employee health nurse. She keeps track of all our immunizations, updates them, administers them, etc. And she helps out with PR for the hospital, such as going to help with BP screenings at the local old folks home and such.

[PICNICRN, BSN, RN]

Sounds like you are a great fit for the position...many times nurse recruiters are not even nurses at all but have a background like your own.

From what I understand, they recruit nurses-meaning they know where to look, place ads, ect. They usually do the initial interview and then follow up with HR/Dept Manager on the potential hire.

Honestly, this is usually not an easy job to get. Sounds like, from your background, you will do well!

Congrats

[llg, PhD, RN]

They may also be the person who officially extends a job offer -- and handles those difficult conversations when you have to tell people that they were NOT selected for a job.

They are usually the people who receive the applications and processes the paperwork and communication involved in the hiring process (responding to questions from applicants, doing initial screenings, arranging interviews, giving tours, etc.)

I've done a little recruiting in my career on a temporary basis and have worked closely with my hospital's current recruiter. It can be a fun job -- but it can "get old" fast. It can be very repititive as you are continually doing the same tasks over and over of receiving applications and moving them through the system.

While you didn't ask this question, Epona, I'll make this comment anyway. I would not recommend a recruiting job to a new grad unless that new grad has little interest in pursuing a clinical, clinical management, or educational role in the future. A recruiting job will not involve any clinical skills and a new grad would quickly get "off track" in their development of clinical skills and knowledge.

[Epona]

Thanks llg. You make a good point. I have applied and applied to MANY clinical RN positions and have had little luck. I do have a PRN office job as a working RN, that I plan to keep. This recruiter job is only 30 hours a week, so I plan to keep the other PRN clinical job to 'stay in the loop' so to speak. Also, the other problem I am dealing with is that I was recently diagnosed with a knee problem (found after working long hours on the floor in the PRN job). The doc. says surgery will most likely fix it, but the problem appeared AFTER working as a new nurse constantly on the floor. I have had another job offer (pending budget approval) with a good hospital on a Med,Surg ward, BUT I am not sure I can do it because of the knees... so I am in a bit of a pickle there.

So long story short, I will have the recruiter job and my PRN clinical job and it looks like that will be the way of it because of the knees. I have to be realistic here and know what my limitations are. I know it is probably not the best route as a new RN, but we are dealt a hand and have to play those cards and make the best of it. Thanks for the advice!

[llg, PhD, RN]

I think you're being smart to keep your PRN job. That will keep more doors open for you later, if you know what I mean. ... And I totally agree with you that we all have to "do what we can do" given whatever circumstances we experience.

Good luck to you.