Anyone been asked inappropriate interview questions?

Published

Specializes in Cardiac, ER, Pediatrics, Corrections.

Hello All!

I am a new nurse. I have been doing interviews everywhere and sending more applications than I can keep track of! I had an interview at a LTC facility a few weeks ago. The interview was going great and she asked "Do you have kids?" I had to keep my jaw from dropping. I stammered, "no..." She then asked, "Are kids in your near future?" At this point I was annoyed and said "Yes they are!" She gave me a worried look. She told me to call her at a later date to follow up, but I never did. I don't want to work in a place that behaves in that manner. If I got pregnant, I do not want to fear for my job!

COME ON! Isn't this illegal? I learned in my management class during nursing school that you can't ask about race/family/personal life/religion/sexual orientation/etc. And if you want to inquire about kids, you ask something like "Would anything prevent you from working 2nd shift?"

Anyone else had a poor interview experience??

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute Care Pediatrics.

Totally inappropriate.. :( But I bet it happens all the time. I'm sorry you had such a crappy experience. Hopefully the next one will be better!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

She did you a favor. That place is not a good match for you. NEXT!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac, ER, Pediatrics, Corrections.

Thanks for the encouragement! :) I am happy to say I have a call-back interview today. Fingers crossed! And they are a GREAT facility!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

"I'm not prepared to discuss this now. Why do you ask?" said with your very sweetest and most sincere smile. Backpedaling will ensue.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac, ER, Pediatrics, Corrections.

That would have been a great response! I think I was just too in shock to have come up with anything. I just wanted to say, "SHAME ON YOU!"

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I hope I don't get asked inappropriate questions when I'm finally where you are. But honestly, considering how it is none of anyone's business, what stops someone from lying or just simply saying "hold up, I have my crystal ball right heeeere." I mean really?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You don't want to work for LTC/LTAC anyways; I know this might be a bias that acute care hospital RNs have towards LTC nurses, but they don't have very good reputation among us (or at least from what I hear from others). I am not surprised LTC interviewer stooped that low... kind of common for them?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
You don't want to work for LTC/LTAC anyways; I know this might be a bias that acute care hospital RNs have towards LTC nurses, but they don't have very good reputation among us (or at least from what I hear from others). I am not surprised LTC interviewer stooped that low... kind of common for them?

I can't believe this was just said.. :no: Talk about saying inappropriate things.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Actually, LTC usually follows employment rules and is in no way inferior to acute care depending on the facility, but that is another thread. If you are asked inappropriate questions you can take it up with BOLI (Bureau of Labor and Industries). You will have to prove that you didn't get the job because you might have children in the near future.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
You don't want to work for LTC/LTAC anyways; I know this might be a bias that acute care hospital RNs have towards LTC nurses, but they don't have very good reputation among us (or at least from what I hear from others). I am not surprised LTC interviewer stooped that low... kind of common for them?

Ouch. Better duck; some serious fireballs are coming your way. And, I believe, you rightfully deserve them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

Lie. Then do what you want :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion