Multiple offers?

Nurses Job Hunt

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Hi all, here is my dilemma: I interviewed at an LTC about 2 weeks ago, as it turns out the only position available is very part time (2 shifts/week). The next day HR called me to say they would like to extend a conditional offer, contingent upon background and reference checks if I am interested. I said yes, seeing as 2 shifts is more than 0, and it was at least SOME nursing experience. The following day I get another call from HR to let me know when the next orientation would be and that as soon as they had background cleared they'd be in touch re: coming in to fill out paperwork. Its been 12 days and I've yet to hear...

Second part of my story is that I was fortunate enough to receive another (verbal) offer for a more full time position, better experience (rehab unit). Background checks have only just begun today so I'm sure it'll be at least several days before I get anything official.

My problem is what to do about the PT position if/when they call to do paperwork? They havent yet but I want to be prepared... I don't necessarily want to say I've accepted another position because that is still unofficial itself. But I feel that I need to let them know ASAP so they are not wasting time.. What are your thoughts on this? Thanks in advance!!

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Specializes in hospice.

Seems to me that you are being rudely strung along by both places. Call the one that offered you full time and be up front, that you need to know whether the offer is official or not, because you need to know whether you should refuse the part time offer. This will get you the information you need, but also will let them know that you are in demand and they can't just dink around forever, counting on the bad economy to keep you patient. If they say it is official, tell them you would like to come in and sign an offer ASAP, so you can get it on paper.

If your experience with LTC hiring turns out anything like mine, you won't end up working there. I got the same kind of verbal offer, for part time with possibility of more, and a promise to check my references and get back to me. A couple weeks later I was on the phone asking why I hadn't heard from them, and was told my application was discarded for insufficient licensure. Apparently, that certification you can look up on the BON in five seconds, and the actual original I showed their ADON, did not exist to the twit in HR. So don't hold your breath on that one.

I hope you get a good job soon. :-)

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duskyjewel,

Thanks for your response! Unfortunately the full-time offer was only made yesterday, so I'm sure before they can extend an OFFICIAL offer and do paperwork, they need to do CORI check/reference checks. I feel pretty confident that they will come back with the official word (My references are all great; no criminal history EVER) but the wait is just going to be hard. Maybe the part-time position won't ever call back and this won't be an issue, but in the interest of being professional and courteous, I wanted to let them know that I wouldn't be continuing with them :-/

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Specializes in Ambulatory care.

Wait for a written offer letter before you turn down an actual job offer. Verbal means nothing it must be in writing, signed and they give you an orientation date. Try to not burn any bridges if you can but protect self first. Ask your top choice for a written offer and if your second choice contacts you ask for sometime to decide. If your top choice refuses to give you any info, letter, etc then you can take that as a no and proceed accordingly. Right now you just got the verbal offers from both so unless one of them contacts you and you really want the other then you use this technique.

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Hi CourtneyH, have you finally landed a job on any of those 3 you mentioned? I also had my interview last Aug 31 on a LTC and the interview with the DON went well, I guess. She photocopied my RN license, drivers license and SSN for background check and promised to give me a call last Friday Sep 7, but I waited the whole day to no avail. I called the DON's direct line five times as she handed me a calling card after the interview, but was always forwarded to her voicemail. I called the receptionist and still forwarded to the DON's direct line. I'm here waiting in oblivion as to what had happened to my application. I am calling tomorrow to check if they are still interested in me.

My question is, how many weeks does the background check usually takes? Is waiting 1 week too premature for me to conclude that they are no longer interested in me?

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I didn't expect that the FT position background check would be done by now (only begun mid-Wednesday at best) but also no call from PT job which is ok I suppose.

Is it even acceptable to ask for something from the FT job since they said "you should receive an official offer once the checks have been done" ? I was given date of next orientation, pay scale and benefits package at FT interview.. So it seemed to me a *fairly* good sign ( I know I know nothing is official until signed on paper, but still!)

Cookiss, I also wonder how long a background check is supposed to take?? I would call them tomorrow and see - maybe they got tied up because of the holiday and had other things to catch up on and couldn't get to you on Friday?

I'm wondering when I should follow up with my FT place. Also I am going to be out of state this week and into the beginning of next week - so even if they did mail or call to give an official offer I will not be around to sign papers (unless they do so in the next 2 days which would be great).

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Hello CourtneyH, any updates from your application? In my end, I still haven't received a call from the DON although I talked with one of the staffs and she told me that the DON told her that she was gonna call me today. Im still waiting for that call. I hope she will call me today.

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I was contacted by the PT position asking for my references #s again.. I reluctantly provided them since I still have nothing official from the FT job.

Anyone know how long background checks take? I interviewed with the FT offer facility on 9/5.. When should I follow up?

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