Applying to two jobs at same facility, acceptable or not?

llg, PhD, RN · Feb 17, 2006

Wow ... That's a question I haven't seen on here before!

I think it depends on the individuals involved. For example: At my hospital, it is routine for staff nurses to interview for 2 or 3 units at the same time. The Nurse Recruiters set them up to tour the units and interview with the different directors ... and it is all out in the open and OK. Our emphasis is helping the prospective hire find the "right fit" and we believe it is in everyone's best interest to help the applicant find the unit that is right for him or her.

That may not be true at every hospital -- though I think every great place to work would want you to find the best fit for yourself and understand that you wanted to investigate more than 1 possibility. Still, I hate to advise you to be open about it without knowing the culture of that particular hospital.

Is there someone (such as a unit educator) that you can trust that you could ask such a question? Someone who knows the culture of that hospital and the individuals involved could give you the best answer.

Good luck,

llg

AgentR · Feb 17, 2006

I'm applying at 3 different units in one hospital. One unit has already offered me a job, and they're waiting until I interview with other units to hear my response. I think the recruiters are just glad to get you hired for the facility.

CHATSDALE · Feb 17, 2006

i don't see any problem with it..recruiters know that workers need to find a job that suits their life as regard to hours - wages etc

judyblueeyes · Feb 18, 2006

Sure. Why not.

I have two different jobs in two different departments at my hospital. I work both PRN. One in APU and one in Case Management.

becky88 · Feb 18, 2006

I think it is ok. When I called HR to set up an interview she asked which departments and how many interviews I wanted in a day. So I had 3 in one day. I had one for NICU, and PICU and then NICU at there other facility. They just wasnt you to work there.

zacarias, ASN, RN · Feb 18, 2006

In my experience too, most NM that you interview with know that other NM in the hospital may be interviewing too. I think it's pretty cool way to do it since you get to pick your area if you get multiple offers.

LydiaNN · Feb 18, 2006

I think it's fine. It isn't unusual for staff members themselves to interview in different units; I can't imagine why it would be viewed in a poor light for an applicant to do so.

hbncns35 · Feb 18, 2006

It depends on the hospital and how your HR people are trained.

I have been an extern for 9 mos. spoke to my NM about a position in which she said she had open, then spoke to HR, and two weeks later position was not available - not sure what happened there- just got a lot of lame excuses from the NM. Think HR would not let her go over budget since she had two positions over budget already....

Next spoke to another NM, told me to call HR, then HR told me to do interview, NM said interview not neccessary, wants me anyway, returned to HR they said NM wants me, do you want to take position? How do you take a position when they haven't even told you all about it? Pay, vacation, benefits, etc... Personally, I am not accepting anything I haven't seen in writing first...............HR didn't want to send me an offer letter until I verbally committed.............Sorry, send me info first then I'll decide.

Looks like I have a week to get info and review....

Poor HR skills if you ask me...Never been asked to commit first, then ask questions later - I mean come on....................Maybe when I was 20, I would have jumped before I looked........

You gotta see what you're getting into...................bottom line....HB

kids · Feb 18, 2006

I was looking at the job postings for several area hospitals online last night. All gave instructions for filling out the online application for multiple postings.

Lurksalot, BSN, RN · Feb 18, 2006

Thanks so much, this really helps. I think I will talk to the HR person who has been very kind answering my questions--she asked me what positions I was interested in, so I will explain I am looking at two and would like to apply for both. They have a great 5-6 month internship for ER, which I would love, but I am also interested in the L&D night position they are advertising(new RNs accepted). But I'm sure there will be lots of competition for these positions, so I hate to put all my eggs in one basket.

I appreciate all the input, I've been out of the workforce since my daughter was born and school started (except my summer externship at this same facility) so I'm kinda rusty on the way things work. :)