A confusing interview...should I be concerned?

Jolie, BSN · Jul 20, 2013

The clinic manager apparently finds this particular physician to be very difficult to work with, as do his fellow physicians, nurse colleagues and other practice employees. That doesn't necessarily mean that he is incompetent or unkind. He may be terribly slow, overly talkative, extremely disorganized, etc.

The manager has probably had to recruit numerous times to fill this position, only to have a nurse leave within a short period of time. There is little that wears more on an employer than chronically working short, or having to constantly train new employees.

I suspect that s/he is simply trying to be blunt with you to avoid the above scenario of having to replace you within a short time. If you are interested in the job, and think you can tolerate the inconveniences that were described to you, ask to meet the physician for a brief interview before you accept or decline the position. Judge him for yourself.

In any circumstance, it is always best to meet your immediate superior or co-workers before accepting or declining a job offer. Managers, recruiters and human resources specialists can be very persuasive in interviews and presenting job offers, but they are not the people you will work with day to day.

BrandonLPN, LPN · Jul 21, 2013

Maybe this manager was just exaggerating?

"Have I scared you yet?" sounds like a classic drama queen line to me.

MatrixRn · Jul 21, 2013

I would take the interviewer at her word that this job could potentially be a great deal of work. An MD that likes hand holding....we can probably translate that into someone who needs a bit more organization in his life. She also said the nurse does not leave until 8pm..well if you organize him, you will leave on time.

I think it is a matter of do you want to take on the challenge?

MatrixRn · Jul 21, 2013

Brandon - I agree there are a LOT of drama queens in the nursing profession, but overall we generally do not find that same trait in HR. HRs question and statements are more than likely a reflection of reality mixed with feedback from previous employees feedback.

klone, MSN, RN · Jul 21, 2013

I agree with Shilla. Honestly, I would take that as a challenge! I love challenges.

swansonplace · Jul 21, 2013

If you feel you can handle an individual that needs direction, and the late hours, submit a follow up letter thanking her for the interview, and your ability to handle the situation.

netglow, ASN, RN · Jul 21, 2013

Look out. Ask what she means EXACTLY by "hand holding". Often it means....

1. MD that yells and shouts, at you, at everybody

2. MD that refuses to chart until a week later, if he does at all, and then wants you to try to OR schedule with crap for patient records.

3. MD that along with refusing to chart, refuses to learn the EMR too and the practice looses money because of him.

4. MD that will expect you do do all of his worker's comp paperwork

(this is big easy money in ortho, lots do it ...that is, have you do it)

5. Most of all, it means a basket case that they shove off on a new RN every 3 months or so.

Be careful. They warn you - which seems ridiculous, but they feel like they are throwing you in with Nutball MD, and even though they all know he's a PITA, they'd rather actually blame you for accepting the job, since they DID forewarn you. Thats some crazy crap too, now isn't it.

Bouncyball · Jul 21, 2013

Look out. Ask what she means EXACTLY by "hand holding". Often it means....
1. MD that yells and shouts, at you, at everybody
2. MD that refuses to chart until a week later, if he does at all, and then wants you to try to OR schedule with crap for patient records.
3. MD that along with refusing to chart, refuses to learn the EMR too and the practice looses money because of him.
4. MD that will expect you do do all of his worker's comp paperwork
(this is big easy money in ortho, lots do it ...that is, have you do it)
5. Most of all, it means a basket case that they shove off on a new RN every 3 months or so.
Be careful. They warn you - which seems ridiculous, but they feel like they are throwing you in with Nutball MD, and even though they all know he's a PITA, they'd rather actually blame you for accepting the job, since they DID forewarn you. Thats some crazy crap too, now isn't it.

Yes!!! I was once warned of this and took the job anyways. The dr was like this only way worse. The dr would throw things and throw fits like a little kid when he would get hungry, but never figured out to eat before the fits came on. I would end up making him give me his credit card so i could order food for him everyday and make him eat. He wouldn't tell me what he wanted so i would pick for him, and of course would complain that i ordered the wrong thing for him.

It took me awhile to figure out how to work with him. He really toughened me up and taught me how to work with difficult people. Within a year I had things running smoothly. It was very stressful but I gained confidence and learned how to be assertive. I'm glad I had the opportunity to grow but would not choose to work in a situation like that again. I left after 6 years.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Jul 21, 2013

I took a job once working with a medical group as an in-house hospital case manager, and within a week another nurse joined me, so we pretty much learned the ropes together. We couldn't understand why everyone in the hospital seemed to feel sorry for us ... but we learned. The previous holders of our job lasted about a year and then couldn't stand the unprofessional behavior of one of the practice's hospitalists. We figured we would stick it out and teach him how to behave, but guess what? We couldn't. It was embarrassing to think that others might believe that we were complicit in some of the things he did. Both of us were gone, too, within 15 months.

You can't change a man by marrying him; you can't change a doc by showing him how to do it better. They are what they are. Don't take this job unless you are a glutton for punishment or you are so desperate you'll do anything for the paycheck until, well, you can't, and you're job-hunting again, only this time with a real short-term position on your resume.

wooh, BSN, RN · Jul 21, 2013

How bad do you need a job? If you're worried, you can always take it until you find something else that's a "better fit." And perhaps it will turn out to be a not too bad job.

HeatherGurl84 · Jul 22, 2013

Everyone's advice has been most helpful. I do need a job rather badly, but I want somewhere to work that makes me feel comfortable, not stressed out of my gourd. I want to be somewhere long term, where I learn new things and don't learn to tolerate consistent stress & drama.

I have had a few interviews within the past 2 weeks and now to await any offers. I want to be smart about my decision.