Question:
Dear Donna,
I have been a pediatric clinical nurse for two years and am looking for a per diem/part-time job so I can continue my education. I am constantly sending my information to agencies, not knowing what jobs they have to offer. I’m stressed and need direction.
Dear Donna,
I have been a pediatric clinical nurse for two years and am looking for a per diem/part-time job so I can continue my education. I am constantly sending my information to agencies, not knowing what jobs they have to offer. I’m stressed and need direction.
Lisa
Dear Donna replies:
Dear Lisa,
Rather than sending information to agencies, contact them by telephone and develop a relationship with the recruiters. This will be much more effective. And because I presume you want to continue in pediatrics, you also should get out to local chapter meetings of the Society of Pediatric Nurses (www.pedsnurses.org), whether or not you are a member.
Networking is a great way to find a get a job — even a per diem one. The more people you meet and talk to, the greater your chances of finding what you're looking for.
And while most people are shy networkers, it's something that gets a little easier the more you do it.
You also should attend Nursing Spectrum and NurseWeek career fairs in your area when you can (http://events.nursingspectrum.com/Expo). Many nursing agencies exhibit at these events, and you would be able to make face-to-face contact with them and gather a lot of information in one place.
Dear Lisa,
Rather than sending information to agencies, contact them by telephone and develop a relationship with the recruiters. This will be much more effective. And because I presume you want to continue in pediatrics, you also should get out to local chapter meetings of the Society of Pediatric Nurses (www.pedsnurses.org), whether or not you are a member.
Networking is a great way to find a get a job — even a per diem one. The more people you meet and talk to, the greater your chances of finding what you're looking for.
And while most people are shy networkers, it's something that gets a little easier the more you do it.
You also should attend Nursing Spectrum and NurseWeek career fairs in your area when you can (http://events.nursingspectrum.com/Expo). Many nursing agencies exhibit at these events, and you would be able to make face-to-face contact with them and gather a lot of information in one place.
My best wishes,
Donna
Donna Cardillo, RN, MA, well-known career guru, is Nursing Spectrum/NurseWeek’s “Dear Donna” and author of “Your First Year as a Nurse: Making the Transition from Total Novice to Successful Professional” and “The ULTIMATE Career Guide for Nurses: Practical Advice for Thriving at Every Stage of Your Career.” Information about the books is available at www.Nurse.com/CE/7010 and www.Nurse.com/CE/7250, respectively. To ask Donna your question, go to www.Nurse.com/asktheexperts/deardonna. Find a “Dear Donna” seminar near you: Call 800-866-0919 or visit http://events.nursingspectrum.com/Seminar.
