Being passed over

O'Rose · May 9, 2003

Over the years I have been successful in regards to receiving promotional positions. Of course, I worked just as hard when it came to internal versus external promotions. I also have been in the position to hire and promote and I look for those people who are really prepared for the position. Making an appointment for a day when I am not working; wearing professional garb (not just a grugy uniform that has already been through a shift; bringing an up to date resume (even if I already submitted one when I expressed interest in the position). I always make a point to have learned a lot about the position I am applying for and am prepared how specific past experiences or education make me an asset to the position. However, I must admit that there was one promotion that I should not have accepted due to the organizational culture. i was offered a lot of money and the position was prestigious, but there was just not a good fit. If you have been turned down for a position, honestly evaluate yourself and see if the other candidate was better qualified. Ask yourself is this an institution that you really want to be in...no matter the limited opportunities for promotion or do you want to go elsewhere. If you are committed to the facility, I would thank them for their consideration and commit to working with the nurse who received the promotion. I think that will optimize your chances for future consideration. In the meantime, enjoy what you are doing and look for opportunities to expand yourself clinically or academically.

Good luck

webbiedebbie · May 9, 2003

RustyHammer is right. I have already experienced this. I also was told by a recruiter that she has many people working on Med/Surg wanting to transfer into other positions, but are turned down due to lack of "experience" for the other units. My hospital wants people who already have the experience to fill their positions (i.e. people from the outside). I have been passed over many times.

llg, PhD, RN · May 9, 2003

It often helps your understanding of a particular hiring decision by imagining yourself in the position of the person doing the hiring. What is their motivation in hiring someone? What type of person would best fulfill their goals for the position? That leads you down a good path to identify what qualifications they may be looking for, etc.

Sometimes, people seeking a job will think only about why they want the job and/or what they have to offer -- and not pay enough attention to what the person who is doing the hiring would like to see in a future employee. For example, someone may think, "I would be great for this job because I have always had an interest in this field and I would love to learn it." The person hiring may be facing a crisis and thinking, "I need someone who is already competent in this field and can be a significant help right away."

Another example is when nurses take PRN, per diem, or agency jobs that don't require them to work shifts they don't want to work. They sometimes fail to consider the hospital's point-of-view that is: "When census is low and/or regular staffing is adequate, we can cancel these people to keep our expenses down." That's happening right now in my hospital.

llg

caduca · May 18, 2003

I think the wrong question is being asked here. I would prefer to know what you liked about the position that you were applying for? After you spend a good deal of time thinking about that- seriously examining what motivated you so much to risk this rejection- then ask yourself if those feelings have changed.

I'm hoping you still feel the same way. From there, you ask yourself what other positions are available (in the same city, nation, whatever your boundaries- please don't limit yourself to the same facility). Next thought- what can you do to achieve better success at reaching that type of job?

I've had a great deal of success in re-creating myself. I'll be glad to give some pointers. My heart goes out to you- I've been passed over. I was quite fortunate to have someone shake me and point out that the entire time I've simply been underemployed. The fact that you desire more than you are doing tells me that you are too.

healthyone · May 18, 2003

this discussion is fabulous...and so timely for me.

i went on my first job interview as a graduate nurse recently only to call back a week later and find out that "the team is still evaluating their employment needs".... gee, what a strike out!!

i know i made some mistakes in the interview, but i so wanted that job. there is really no quick medicine for nasty 'real world' situations, except for passage of time until it hurts less and then being able to look back and turn a painful experience into a positive change.

i'm ready for my next interview, i know what i have to offer and i want to show it next time--it was such a hard road for me to become a nurse and i want to put the negative behind me so i can look forward to a positive career.

it feels so much better to know i'm not in this alone.

thanx everyone.

teeituptom, BSN, RN · May 22, 2003

Hi ya'll

Cant say how I feel on this, Anytime a position advancement opened up and I wanted it. I never had the slightest problem in obtaining what I reached for. Ive never been turned down.

good luck ya'll

MikeLPN · May 23, 2003

Thanks, teeituptom, I feel better now.