Am I hireable?

[KayteRN]

I post this with such trepidation, as I fear the response, although with that said: knowledge is power, I guess.

I have three "black marks" on my record. 2 are not misdemenors (in the state of WI anyways), or felonies. But they are considerd "municipal violations" or "civil violations". I have a DUI, which I received in 2005 that IS a misdemeanor in the state of WI. The other charges I have (2001) possession of marijuana/paraphernalia (I was 18 then) and more recently (2008) retail/petty theft.

I am now an RN, and recently passed my boards. I have been applying to everywhere I can think of for the last 5 days. I just fear being considered "unhireable". I completly realize the horrible decisions I have made in what I consider my "former life", and since graduating I have really realized how my actions have come to haunt me. I can regret it all I want, but that can't take it back.

I feel horrible for a few reasons. 1) there are 3 "black marks" on my record. 2) One is more recent, and it's my word against an employer as to whether I am of good moral charachter

I had had a few interviews for a GN position awhile back, but didn't get them. One position (the one interview with the Unit Mgr, that went the worst actually), the HR interview went well. And when I explained the circumstances, honestly, she responded by "I know you're nervous about it, but we would not have called you in had you not had a chance or the proper qualifications". ---> that made me feel better, but like I said, the subsequent interview with the unit mgr, I just left feeling like it was not my best. Just choppy, and I was extremely nervous, and think I could have answered questions better than I did.

I just wonder really, if anyone is out there under similar circumstances, and if they have been hired by an employer. Any advice anyone has, or realistic feedback (but be nice, I am fragile here, as I feel like this 70K degree I just got is all for nothing).

I am beside myself...searching for an employer to give me a chance. Although at the same time, I obviously know on paper, I do not look good. Which breaks my heart. Although I did make this bed...I'm just so disappointed in myself.

[KayteRN]

Well. I didn't get that job. I am very disappointed. I wanted to call HR tomorrow and speak to the interviewer to ask some questions about what I may improve upon, etc. I have been told my numerous people to try to do this. Especially since it is fresh in the interviewers mind. I have 2 upcoming interviews for rehab facilities. Which I would also like. We'll see. If I am up against much better candidates, it's easy to see why someone would not want an RN with no experience, and priors. I see that. But I just keep hoping someone. ANYONE will have a little faith, and allow me to prove them wrong.

[exnursie]

Well. I didn't get that job. I am very disappointed. I wanted to call HR tomorrow and speak to the interviewer to ask some questions about what I may improve upon, etc. I have been told my numerous people to try to do this. Especially since it is fresh in the interviewers mind. I have 2 upcoming interviews for rehab facilities. Which I would also like. We'll see. If I am up against much better candidates, it's easy to see why someone would not want an RN with no experience, and priors. I see that. But I just keep hoping someone. ANYONE will have a little faith, and allow me to prove them wrong.

Kayte,

Keep the faith... as others said, there is a recession and this includes Nursing Jobs, and many new grads are also not working.

I suggest looking at non hospital jobs, and try nursing homes, dialysis, public health, doctor offices, and prison jobs. These are less in demand, and thus less applicants. Do not volunteer anything to them, and unless the application specifically asks about criminal charges which you have to say yes, say no.

Also, with any interview, be flexible, and willing to start part time, or agree to a 3 month period working with agreement that you can be let go if not doing ok, or even offer to volunteer, doing filing, or assisting pts with eating, or exercising...

Promise a commitment for a yr, or longer if they give you an opportunity... offer to work weekends, or off shifts... anyhing that will help you stand above others....

Be upbeat, and eager. Always ask questions, including if they have concerns about you or if there are things that they would like to know more about you... and send thank you and call also for follow up

dress professionally, be early, be polite, have a good resume, research the facility....

most of all, keep applying, the more applicatioins you fill out, the better your chances

keep us posted.

[KayteRN]

I did get a job afterall! I had my interview last week, it went wonderfully! I think I may have been fortunate as to how it all worked out. I submitted my resume online, and didn't fill out and application, so I did't have to answer "the question". After the interview that went really well, the nurse manager said I had to fill out an application just for procedural sake. So I did, and the question just asked "have you committed any crimes other than traffice violations". I checked "yes" and it said "please explain" I wrote in: "would love the opportunity to discuss with HR". I got a call the next day with a job offer. I went in 3 days later to fill out the paperwork for the instutition, W2's, etc. I filled out the official criminal background form, and wrote everything in honestly. After doing so, I handed it back to HR, and said "I have listed everythign honestly, but wanted to know if you feel that what I have listed may hinder this process from moving any further". She was so nice, and was like "You know, I've hired people with worse, if you had a lot of the same thing multiple times, I would think twice, but I feel that it's not that big of a deal. I understand why you're nervous, but there is no reason for me not to hire you by what you have listed".

So I just bought a bunch of scrubs online for my first RN job! yay!!! : ) I start on Monday. It's a rehab/long term facility. Not my ideal area, although I feel extrememly fortunate to have a job, a) with my background, and b) with the economy in general. I am elated! So there IS hope afterall! Who knew!?

Everyone always told me that SOMEONE will hire me, and I was getting extremely discouraged, but I finally know that they were right. Good luck to everyone else as well! There is something out there! Just takes time!

[elkpark]

Congratulations!! :balloons:

[slaneme1]

Congrats...good info too! I still have a year and a half until I'm done school but i feel a little better about my situation now.