Help! Tricky situation

Nurses Job Hunt

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Specializes in Cardiology & ER.

Hi!

i would like to get everyone's opinion on this situation, as I have an interview in 2 hours. I am interviewing on a step down unit today within a rather large health system. After scheduling the interview I am now realizing that I had an interview on this floor about a year ago and they had offered me a position at that time. Last year I was interviewing for several different positions so when she offered me a position on the spot I informed her that I had other interviews and would have an answer by the end of the week. HR called me the next day and left a voicemail. Between the time I got back to hr, I was offered a position at the hospital I had worked for previously. I Ended up declining the position and informed HR of my decision and thanked them for the opportunity but now I am interviewing with the same nurse manager today. This is for a days position now which is why I declined the night position last year. Should I acknowledge the fact that I know I had an interview with her already or wait for her to bring it up? Any advice would be appreciated as I want to be as honest and professional as possible. Thanks!

Specializes in ER, STICU, Neuro ICU, PACU, Burn ICU.

If that's the job you want then go for it. The reason you declined their offer the last time was because it was a night position and it wasn't a good fit for you. This one sounds like it is. Tell the nurse manager that..they'll understand (it's just business). I think you did everything right in terms of notification the last time. Now go get that job!!

Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.

My guess is the NM will bring it up. Make sure you have a good reason for not taking the job then, and why you want a job there now.

Specializes in Cardiology & ER.

Do you think I should mention something right off the bat of wait to see if anyone mentions it. I am actually applying to the position under a different name bc I got married but I don't want to seem sneaky or dishonest

Specializes in Cardiology & ER.

Thanks! Do you think I should bring t up immediately or wait until she does?

Specializes in MICU, SICU, CICU.

Be 100% forthright. Don't say anything that sounds reheorificed. I appreciate that you have taken the time to interview me again. I was married in September to a wonderful man, he works for the xxxxxxxxxxx. I really want to work here because XXXXX. I am very sorry but I can not work nights.

Deep breaths. Smile. An interview is an opportunity to meet your future colleagues and they want you to like them as well. I have been doing some interviewing lately and we are just as nervous when the perfect candidate appears. We want them to want us. Everything is based on mutual respect and trust.

Specializes in ER, STICU, Neuro ICU, PACU, Burn ICU.

Jnf, you're applying under a different name because your name has, in fact, changed. Get this out of the way at the introduction. "Great to see you again. I've had quite a busy year. Worked at X hospital, got married, moved, etc, etc,." Be open and honest about it. You have absolutely nothing to hide or be ashamed or fearful of. You had multiple offers the last time and you picked the one that was the best fit at the time.

You didnt accept the position last year because it was not the desired shift. You were so excited to see a day position available because you lived the facility, department, staff etc.

Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.
Thanks! Do you think I should bring t up immediately or wait until she does?

My guess is she will bring it up fairly early in the interview…if not, I would say to integrate it into another answer. For example, If she asks "why do you want to be a nurse here?" You could respond with "as you remember, I interviewed with you last year. I was quite impressed with the hospital and the unit. However, it was not practical for me to take that position at that time." Have specific examples of what you like about the unit, and why you want a job there at this time. Don't be pushy, but control the interview--make it about why she should offer you a job now.

Specializes in ER, STICU, Neuro ICU, PACU, Burn ICU.

So...how did it go?

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

duplicate threads merged as per the TOS

Specializes in Cardiology & ER.

It went well! I brought it up before we even started the interview and she did remember me. She took me up to the unit at the end of the interview and had the charge nurse take over. Before she left at told me I would make a great addition to the unit as she thought in or interview last year so I hope that's a good sign. She was concerned that it's about a 40 minute commute for me but the position is part time, two 12 hour day shifts so the commute would only be twice a week during "non-traffic" hours. Fingers crossed:)

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