Today I had an interview for a PRN job. I had a previous interview earlier this week with the hiring managers that went well so they advanced me to the next round of interviews. I already work for this hospital just in a different department. As soon as I walked into the interview I felt immediately out of place. It consisted of 9 nurses. The nurses were not prepared with questions and just stared at me to begin with. This is not the norm for our organization, as we do behavioral interviewing organization-wide. The interview started more like a lecture on how I was not qualified for the position. One nurse told me (and I am paraphrasing), "I had x amount of floor nursing experience, and even I struggled, how would you be able to do this?" Then, a question or two was asked about my background, which I explained in detail and which I felt generously highlighted how I have quickly risen to the occasion in the past in a short amount of time with little to no orientation and still done well. I do catch on pretty quick, and have demonstrated this in a current PRN role and two previous full time positions.
I didn't get a great vibe from this interview, and even if they were to offer me a position, I'd turn it down because I can tell this group isn't for me. Would it be wrong to go ahead and email the manager and tell them to withdraw my application? I would not say that it was a bad interview in my withdrawal email. Heck, I wouldn't know what to say, but I'm just not interested in this position anymore. My husband who is not a nurse has told me just to let them reject me but I'd rather not waste anymore of either of our time dragging this out.
As always, thoughts and insight always appreciated.
I'm guessing that you interviewed for some critical care area like the ED or ICU, so I'm going to base my response on that.
We don't try to be rude in our interviews, but we do ask hard questions that can make the candidates potentially feel uncomfortable. Part of it is the slightly jaded nature of critical care nurses, some of it is us wanting to see how candidates do under pressure. I think you might be surprised at how well you may have done despite how you feel it went. I'm actually okay with candidates who don't have quick or perfect answers if I can tell that they were able to think through the question and give it real consideration.
I personally wouldn't withdraw. I think it would give a better impression to wait it out, especially if you ever want to consider going to that unit again.
If you have any interest at all in the unit I would reach out to the manager and see if you can have a shadow day before they make their decision. Your impression from the interview might be far different that if you spent some time there. As someone who works in the ED and inpatient critical care I can tell you that we sometimes seem unfriendly to staff outside our units, but critical care nurses have a strong bond that you won't get anywhere else and we really are a (slightly dysfunctional) family.
Believe it or not, this was actually Oncology, and for a specialty clinic position. I currently already work in Oncology, just a more procedural clinic.
We are allowed to shadow but I believe it typically is after the second round of interviews if you made the next cut.
"You guys are a bunch of dorks and I'd rather flip burgers." Haha! Just kidding!
They may surprise you by actually offering you the position. If you're sure you're really put off and don't want to work with them:
"I'm withdrawing my application for xxx position. I appreciate everyone's time but on further reflection, I don't believe I'd be a good fit." The professional version of "It's not you; it's me."
Good luck!
As always, insightful yet short and to the point with a touch of humor. Thank you!
I'd stay in the running. Were those nine nurses dragged from a busy shift for this interview? Did they come in on their day off or stay late?
I came in first thing in the morning before clinic was running but not before their shift typically starts. It is a busy clinic. None of them came in on their day off.
I have never heard of nine nurses in a group interview. Sounds like some new HR hoopla.
These nurses don't all know how to interview, most of them didn't want to be there. Ya gotta forgive them.
I would never turn down a job offer, especially PRN. If offered.. give it a shot.
Best wishes.
I actually lied, I just counted the names I wrote down and it was only 8! This is very atypical for our facility. Usually it is a manager and assistant manager plus two (sometimes three, if available).
And I know you are correct, there are those who don't enjoy doing this. I do enjoy interviewing new employees, just as I enjoy preceptoring.
But, if you do it, at least it goes towards your clinical ladder if you are PT/FT so at least it counts for something?
Had I experienced this, I can imagine coming to your same conclusion - but some little bit of my reaction would (privately) be related to a feeling that they humiliated me a little. I would force my self not to be reactive or pull any stunts that might unnecessarily harm relationships as a means of soothing my pride. (Just me ?)
Very wise response. You are correct, I will say I did feel a bit humiliated and I am normally a reactive person. You have definitely provided me something to consider.
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
1 hour ago, Been there,done that said:
I have never heard of nine nurses in a group interview. Sounds like some new HR hoopla.
While I think NINE nurses is excessive and intimidating, I ALWAYS conduct peer interviews. I think it's important that the staff nurses have a say in who we hire. Plus, if they turn out to be a nightmare, I don't take 100% of the blame for the decision.
I do not mandate that people attend, though. I send out a general invitation to whomever would like to participate. Usually I only get 2-4 takers.
I appreciate the insight and time you all have spent formulating your responses. I have decided not to withdraw at this time. If anyone is interested, I will update with what happens.
While I think NINE nurses is excessive and intimidating, I ALWAYS conduct peer interviews. I think it's important that the staff nurses have a say in who we hire. Plus, if they turn out to be a nightmare, I don't take 100% of the blame for the decision.
I do not mandate that people attend, though. I send out a general invitation to whomever would like to participate. Usually I only get 2-4 takers.
I had 6 nurses interview me and then they went outside of my managers office to huddle and make their decisions as to if I should be hired. I could see them talking about me. The whole thing gave me a cult like vibe but when I worked with the nurses I noticed how supportive they were.
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
On 2/27/2019 at 5:28 PM, JKL33 said:
A different take:
It sounds like they tried something new and the participants weren't prepared to carry out a professional and well-coordinated interview at all. Verrrry likely nothing to do with you.
Even though you are now not interested, I would be concerned that such a quick withdrawal might run a pretty good chance of allowing them to infer rejection/dislike no matter how professionally you try to word it.
Had I experienced this, I can imagine coming to your same conclusion - but some little bit of my reaction would (privately) be related to a feeling that they humiliated me a little. I would force my self not to be reactive or pull any stunts that might unnecessarily harm relationships as a means of soothing my pride. (Just me ?)
Good luck ~
I've been one of those nine nurses dragged off the unit without warning to do a group interview I wasn't prepared for. It's horribly uncomfortable for the nine nurses as well as for the interviewee.
Even if you are not now interesting in the position, I would hesitate to withdraw because that sends a bad message. If you work in this hospital already, it could cause HR to look askance at your next transfer request. Even if it is just a prn position.
DowntheRiver
983 Posts
Believe it or not, this was actually Oncology, and for a specialty clinic position. I currently already work in Oncology, just a more procedural clinic.
We are allowed to shadow but I believe it typically is after the second round of interviews if you made the next cut.