Does my name hurt my job prospects?

Nurses Job Hunt

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Hi everyone,

I'm curious to hear others input on the impact my name has on prospective jobs. I have a strange first name. It's Mouse. Really, lol.

Once I get a job, it usually works well for me. It is hard to forget. Even my Alzheimer's folks can remember it or something close enough to it.

But getting an interview seems terribly hard! (It took me almost 2 years to get hired as an LNA)

I have my LNA license and repeatedly applied to the local hospital for a position in geriatric care. Even with 4 years of LTC and home care experience I kept getting letters back staying that I met the qualifications but they hired someone else.

I'm wondering now that I am entering nursing school (and getting married soon) should I change my name before getting my license? Should I put an initial only on my applications? Or maybe go by my middle name for work purposes? Am I being silly thinking my name could hurt my chances for an interview?

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

Hmmm... I really have no idea! Your name is very unique though, I like it! The only think I can think of is may on an application your name could look like a joke? I guess I would say go with whatever makes you most comfortable. I love that the Alzheimer patients remember your name though! lol

Is it okay to be nosey and ask why your parents chose to name you mouse :rolleyes:

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

Although it shouldn't matter, your resume could be being passed because of your name. I wouldn't change your name legally, unless that's something you really want to do. But using an initial or your middle name is definitely a viable option. It sucks but it is a very judgmental worked out there.

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I would say it's certainly a possibility. I have heard of studies where identical resumes were given to employers with only the names changed to reflect gender or ethnicity and there were biases noted. I agree that using your initial or middle name might be a good option at least until you get your foot in the door.

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Honestly my parents gave me a really common name. I didn't like it and opted to change it when I turned 18 with my mothers blessing. I never thought it would present such a problem.

At the time I thought I would be a bartender for the rest of my life so I figured it wouldn't matter. I never thought I'd go to college or have a job that was more professional. :/

The other thought I had was since I'm getting married and will be changing my last name anyway, I may as well go back to my birth name.

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
Honestly my parents gave me a really common name. I didn't like it and opted to change it when I turned 18 with my mothers blessing. I never thought it would present such a problem.

At the time I thought I would be a bartender for the rest of my life so I figured it wouldn't matter. I never thought I'd go to college or have a job that was more professional. :/

The other thought I had was since I'm getting married and will be changing my last name anyway, I may as well go back to my birth name.

You can always return to your birth name and use "Mouse" as a nickname once you have a job. You can also use M. Middlename Lastname, but then you're going to be called Middlename. If your first name is very common, folks are going to be looking for something different to call you and scrambling for nicknames. I once worked with 7 Marys -- we had Mary, Mary Kay, Mary Gail, MJ, Mary Lynn, Empty (M.T.) and Tick. I have no idea where "Tick" came from. Your colleagues will readily accept "Mouse" as a way to distinguish you from the other Mary's (Or Sues, Jennifers, Christines or Cathys.)

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Specializes in L&D, SCN.

One of our newer RNs goes by her middle name. On paper she is "Lastname, Firstname," but she introduces herself with her preferred name and that is how she is known- by patients, doctors, other staff, and admins. I would think if you went with M. Middlename Lastname until you land the job, and introduce yourself as "Mouse," it wouldn't be an issue.

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Specializes in School Nursing.
Honestly my parents gave me a really common name. I didn't like it and opted to change it when I turned 18 with my mothers blessing. I never thought it would present such a problem.

At the time I thought I would be a bartender for the rest of my life so I figured it wouldn't matter. I never thought I'd go to college or have a job that was more professional. :/

The other thought I had was since I'm getting married and will be changing my last name anyway, I may as well go back to my birth name.

I'm curious why you chose Mouse? Was it a nickname you decided to keep? I mean no disrespect at all, just curiosity. Perhaps it is time to go back to your given name, and perhaps use Mouse as a nickname. Many employers allow you to use your nickname while working.

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I changed it because I detested my birth name. Still do to be honest. Though it is a personal reason that probably doesn't need to be discussed here.

I think I'll keep my first name and just go by initial, middle name, last name.

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Specializes in ER.

Remember you need to put your legal name on your applications for background checks.

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Specializes in nursing education.

When you get married (at least in my state), both parties can change any or all of their names for free. I think it's awesome. You could pick yet a third first name if you like.

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I wouldn't want Mickey Mouse taking care of my in a hospital. Maybe if I was a pedi pt it would be cool. ?

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