Wondering about the hiring process

wish_me_luck, BSN, RN · May 26, 2013

I do not know about KY, but in VA the process goes like this...you put application in, it says in progress, it can take a few weeks or it can take a couple of months. You are either forwarded for interview, which it will say in progress (still) or it will say not forwarded for interview. You get an interview, typically they are panel interviews. Most times if they like you, they will at least ask you for a second interview. I do not know if any PHN jobs were filled on only one interview. By "it" , I mean the job site, log in and check the status.

I have been on 2 public health nurse interviews with Virginia health depts. I have not gotten a job yet, but will keep plugging away at it. Yes, apply other places; you are not guaranteed the job. Ironically, I have found that health depts like a year experience, especially in med surg, public health nursing, or OB. While I think assessment skills are important; I thought it was weird, in regards to the med surg, they want experience in a setting that focuses on tertiary prevention while public health focuses on primary and secondary prevention. That is just me though.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · May 28, 2013

Does anyone know the hiring process of the local public health department. I live in North West Kentucky and I sent in my app and I got a confirmation letter from the capitol of Kentucky stating they received it and are reviewing it. So how long does that process take? Do I need to call the place I applied for ask them this info? Also, should I just wait or should I apply for more jobs? I want a health department job but if I can't get one then I would get something else. I need a job soon. I put the app in about 3 weeks or so ago and I got the confirmation back about 2 weeks ago. So now what?

In my experience, it moves a lot slower than the private sector with government jobs. Most of these jobs (at least up here, I have no idea about Kentucky) are union and there are very specific rules about how long the job must be posted for.

You should not wait. Keep applying.