Okay to ask about job security?

[SwampCat, BSN]

I have an interview at a facility that is owned by a large conglomerate that has recently been posting major financial losses while gobbling up numerous small town facilities throughout the state. This conglomerate has been eliminating hundreds of jobs, closing whole wings of small hospitals that they own, etc.

Is it okay for me to ask about this in terms of how it will effect this particular facility? I certainly don't want to take a job, have zero seniority, and find myself unemployed in the next 12 months.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Although it is certainly okay to ask about potential job security, you really should not expect to be told the truth in this type of situation, especially if the interviewer is desperate or hard up.

Many interviewers will say and do what they've gotta do to fill positions with warm bodies in the here and now without regard for the long term.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Also, if a layoff or unit closure/down-sizing is coming ... the Recruiter is unlikely to know about it. Even the manager of the particular unit might not know until the very last minute. Those kinds of things are often kept very secret until they HAVE to be known.

You might though, get some reassurance by asking about how busy the department is ... whether it is becoming busier or less busy ... is that particular patient population growing or shrinking ... have new physicians and/or patient populations been added to that department recently ... are there plans for expansion, etc. If you see a growing, thriving department, it is more likely to thrive. If you see a department that is stagnant or shrinking or facing competition from a new facility or expanding service elsewhere, then you can surmise that the particular unit is more vulnerable.

No guarantees one way or the other ... but helpful information to help you assess the situation.

[SwampCat, BSN]

Thank you both for the great insight!