How many interviews until you feel like a failure?

Editorial Team / Admin · Jan 21, 2015

In an urban setting like Baltimore where there are many nursing programs, yes, the job market is going to be over saturated. You may need to look at facilities in other areas that you may be able to commute to or take a job in an area that isn't one of your top choices. Some of it could be that managers are only conducting interviews to meet the requirements but already have their hire in mind. Some of it could be positions that are never intended to be filled ($$$$). It's only been a few months- there are new grads out there that have been searching for a year. At least you've got experience on your side. Just be patient and expand your options.

amoLucia · Jan 21, 2015

Any chance your last ADON is bad-mouthing you for references? Whether thru official reference checks or that informal 'word of mouth' route, maybe you're being blackballed. Some folk have their ax to grind and will go to no end to grind away.

If you think that might be possible, is there is some way for you to 'gracefully' address that possibility during your interview. I know one should NEVER trash a previous employer when interviewing, but maybe you can soften & heads up any negativity that might come out with a reference check (if that in fact IS the problem).

Just offering my first thoughts when reading you post. Wishing you good luck.

pinkiepieRN · Jan 22, 2015

In an urban setting like Baltimore where there are many nursing programs, yes, the job market is going to be over saturated. You may need to look at facilities in other areas that you may be able to commute to or take a job in an area that isn't one of your top choices. Some of it could be that managers are only conducting interviews to meet the requirements but already have their hire in mind. Some of it could be positions that are never intended to be filled ($$$$). It's only been a few months- there are new grads out there that have been searching for a year. At least you've got experience on your side. Just be patient and expand your options.

Sorry, I was using Baltimore as a reference point. I'm about 25 miles outside the city, in what feels like the suburbs mixed with some fields. Most of the interviews have not been in the city, but some have. I've been trying to keep an open mind, but I really would not like to go back to LTC/SNF because it was extremely stressful for me, though I know not all places are like that.

pinkiepieRN · Jan 22, 2015

Any chance your last ADON is bad-mouthing you for references? Whether thru official reference checks or that informal 'word of mouth' route, maybe you're being blackballed. Some folk have their ax to grind and will go to no end to grind away.
If you think that might be possible, is there is some way for you to 'gracefully' address that possibility during your interview. I know one should NEVER trash a previous employer when interviewing, but maybe you can soften & heads up any negativity that might come out with a reference check (if that in fact IS the problem).
Just offering my first thoughts when reading you post. Wishing you good luck.

Yeah, the covering ADON who fired me would probably not think twice about bad-mouthing me. I was having a rough time mentally (bipolar disorder here) and was out of work for about a month on FMLA, after having been with the company for a year and a half. When I came back, my units were a mess and I spent 3 weeks picking up after other people while trying to do my own work too before she fired me one morning, after I'd done my own report for our big morning meeting.

I've actually been putting my previous ADON on some applications because she loved me and really took me under her wing and wouldn't have a negative thing to say that couldn't be turned around. She's on my reference list and I cringe thinking of the other ADON. How do I say that gracefully?

brandy1017, ASN, RN · Jan 22, 2015

Well it's a good sign that you are getting so many interviews. Do you have to say you were fired? Can't you just say you left as it wasn't a good fit anymore and that there was a lot of turnover of higher management. Said turnover is usually a sign of problems in the facility. I would think they had already vetted you at the point of calling you for an interview so unless they asked if you were fired I don't think I would mention it. If pressed say you left by mutual agreement r/t office politics. The good thing is you are getting lots of practice in interviewing so that should help you be more confident. When you are stretching for a job you don't have experience for be enthusiastic and let them know you've always wanted to give community healthcare a try and try to spin how your past work/life experiences will help you in that new job.

SubSippi · Jan 22, 2015

Is it possible that you've been black balled by this manager? That was my first thought.

pinkiepieRN · Jan 23, 2015

Is it possible that you've been black balled by this manager? That was my first thought.

It is, but how do I figure that out and how do I work around it?

SubSippi · Jan 23, 2015

It is, but how do I figure that out and how do I work around it?

Well...you could call your old manager pretending to be someone who is thinking about hiring you and see what she says...that might be a bad idea. But it's the only way I can think of to see if she's bad mouthing you to future employers.

I wouldn't know what to do after that though!

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Jan 23, 2015

Please STOP stating that you were fired. Utilize previous leadership for references and circumvent the one who fired you.

You also stated that you have bipolar disorder-make sure that you have a handle on talking about the position-sometimes talking about certain stressors can trigger those traits to be present, and that's anybody, but just be cognizant of your response. Try to reheorifice what you will say and practice mindfulness when discussing your past job.

Keep pounding the pavement, be poised when discussing the issue, utilize your past contacts and the rest will follow.

Best wishes.

pinkiepieRN · Jan 27, 2015

Please STOP stating that you were fired. Utilize previous leadership for references and circumvent the one who fired you.
You also stated that you have bipolar disorder-make sure that you have a handle on talking about the position-sometimes talking about certain stressors can trigger those traits to be present, and that's anybody, but just be cognizant of your response. Try to reheorifice what you will say and practice mindfulness when discussing your past job.
Keep pounding the pavement, be poised when discussing the issue, utilize your past contacts and the rest will follow.
Best wishes.

What should I say in place of being fired? Can I be as simple as saying "not a good fit anymore" or "looking for different experience"?

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Jan 27, 2015

What should I say in place of being fired? Can I be as simple as saying "not a good fit anymore" or "looking for different experience"?

"Looking for a different experience" will work just fine; express what you are looking for and why, and rationale the reason with previous experiences and short term goals.