HELP! Anxious and Nervous! Need advice!!!

[jaxnRN]

I work as an RN in our hospital. A job in a department opened up that I am very well suited for and want more than anything! The problem is that although I have done all the necessary paperwork and interviewing I am the low man on the totem pole right now. Although I have been a nurse for 11 years, some of the younger grads with NO experience in this department have applied and have the seniority on me.

The person who makes this decision is going to be in her office tomorrow, and then will be out of town until the middle of February. I HATE to be a pest, as she just had a death of someone close to her, but I REALLY cannot stand the waiting and this anxiety about whether I will get this job.

Should I follow-up with a phone call? Email? I don't go back into work for 2 more days so I won't be just "running into her" at the hospital. HELP!!! This job has only been open and posted for 4 days, but she will be out of town for so long it seems!!! ANY advice?? I have not been able to sleep and this weekend, work will be unbearable just wondering and waiting!

I have been told that the job has to be posted for at least a week, but the decision maker will be out of town for over 2!!!!

~Jackie:confused:

[Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN]

I would write a cover letter (on paper, mail it) thanking her for the interview, and again expressing your interest in the job.

If you know her at all, a sympathy card might be nice, too, but not in the same envelope.

[2banurse]

Jackie, since you have done all the interviews and such, it's pretty much in the supervisor's hands. If it is dependent on experience, I think that you will have a better chance. If it is based on seniority, you'll have to let it go at this time. I know it is frustrating, but I would refrain from being too pushy (a lot of this because of her own recent loss). I'm sure that they would want the most competent person to go into that position if possible. Even if it comes up seniority, the "new grad" who may be chosen, may find that it is not a good fit and you still might have a chance.

Wish you the best of luck!

Kris

[llg, PhD, RN]

I think the previous posters gave you pretty good advice. A follow-up note after an interview is certainly appropriate, but "making a pest of yourself" might do you more harm than good. Respect the fact that she's has a death to deal with and offer a few words of condolence: how many words depends on how well you know her. Other than that, you need to let the process of posting the position, interviewing ALL the candidates, and selecting the person happen at its own pace (which may not be the pace you would like.)

I once had to wait over a month to hear whether or not I got a job I really wanted. It was agony, but in the end, I got the job.

Good luck,

llg

[sjoe]

"I REALLY cannot stand the waiting and this anxiety "

This is a really good opportinity (and motivation) to take a stress management course. It will no doubt come in handy now as well as in the future.

[fab4fan]

Maybe write a note letting her know you appreciated being given the opportunity to interview, briefly state how you feel you could benefit the dept. Then, let it go. It's one of those times that you are just going to have to be patient. I wouldn't push this, esp. since you know she is dealing with a death in the family. Besides, she wouldn't be able to tell you anything right now; more than likely she will have to talk to some other people before a final decision is made.

Just try to be patient; I was in your position once, and the job went to a new grad who had "connections." I had the seniority and exp., but it didn't matter. What happened? The new grad left the job after a year, and the hospital lost me to another facility. Sometimes, it just doesn't work out the way you want it, but something else comes along that's good too.