Being passed over

Sometimes it is not what you could have done people are human. It could be their biases or they could have a wild hair up their behind. If you truly felt you gave your all then move on. I feel when these things happen it is their loss in the end.

I applied for a nursing job and got the job but when I went through the whole process the manager gives me some lame excuse about some budget problems and she couldn't hire me. So I took it a step farther I felt deep in my heart she was full of it. I called personnel and stated I was someone else seeking the same job and to my suprise the position was open. I called back and demanded an explanation. For the most part if someone didn't want to hire me from the start so be it. This is why people think discrimination or racism. I rather be told the truth. I felt in the end it was their loss because I don't lose sleep over not getting THE JOB there are too many other opportunities out there.

Interesting discussion and enjoyed everyone's input. :)

I tend to agree with Teshiee in that if they don't want a particular nurse, there MAY be some discriminatory reason behind it (one may be too old, wrong color, wrong something.. for them). True discrimination can be hard to prove. Life is too short and we choose our battles.

Now maybe a young nurse might wish to find out if she can change somewhat or develop some new skills to qualifiy for a promotion or position in the future...but young nurses, please be true to yourself in this! If the change is behavioral, ask yourself: do you really want to 'be' a certain way, behave this way, act this way, etc to get the job? I decided NEVER to be a supervisor again because my answer was NO...it just wasn't worth it to me personally.

I have also learned through the years to avoid working with people who don't want me there, for WHATEVER reason. Personally, it's not worth the heartache, IMO.

Too many options out there!! :) Best wishes to you!!

Originally posted by Rustyhammer

I think a lot of times the one getting chosen is decided BEFORE the job is even posted. But the hiring powers need to go through the motions.

-Russell

I agree. Had an interview for a position (at my current facility) and could tell you within the first two minutes of the interview that the position was filled. I looked professional, have a strong resume, etc. -- but the manager just was going through the motions. Got a phone call today from her at 7:10 a.m. (you read that right...I was still sleeping) to tell me I didn't get the job. Waste of my time and energy.

I was recently declined for a change in units. I would have loved some constructive critisism, since I hadn't interviewed in 6 years.

When I called, I was told "another canditate more qualified". well heck, there were 6-8 positions, been in the hospital for 6 years, all same unit, all ICU, all my yearly evals are glowing?

Makes you think you're getting nailed by the current boss to keep you there sometimes.... but if I interview terribly would want to know too.

So my point is yeah, I ask, getting the answer is the toughest part sometimes.

Originally posted by Rustyhammer

I think a lot of times the one getting chosen is decided BEFORE the job is even posted. But the hiring powers need to go through the motions.

-Russell

I agree. But I have never been passed over. I've actually been asked to apply for a charge nurse position, but I didn't, because I did not feel ready for that level of responsibility.

Sometimes one who is passed over is 'simply too valuable just where they are.'

I suspect this is just a platitude for 'you're not the one we want'. (but we still like you...where you are that is)

Originally posted by moonshadeau

I was going to send a email to the director of the position that I applied with thanking them and asking them to consider me in the future. But like I said, I held off on it due to the fact that I didn't want to step on anyones toes if it wasn't proper ettiqute.

Fortunately/Unfortunately- however you look at it, the scenario will probably be more prominent in my area. There are actually very few jobs for nurses within the hospital setting. My hospital boasts a 2% vacancy rate. We will see what the future holds in regards to that.

Moonshadeau, knowing you personally, I wonder if your youth may be one of the reasons you were passed over? You've got the smarts, the brains, energy, personality, and the ambition, but in some hospitals you may find that no one under- say, 30- is considered for any promotions (even for a straight day position!) just because of their age! Especially in hospitals where the docs "rule" the place!

Sorry I didn't see this sooner; but don't just email a thank you: a handwritten thank you would be remembered much better and would help in future job applications. Handwriting a thank you shows extra effort and I think some maturity on the part of the applicant, too.

Good Luck, Kiddo!:)

I would definately ask for interview feedback [more positive statement than why did I not get the job]

I also tend to agree with Rusty- especially for senior positions but often people are more valuable where they are currently and that is not always a bad thing providing the feedback gives you development advice.

What is important is that you know that you did your best

Wow, i never even considered the way a promotion might occur in nursing. Don't it seem that there are sometimes when others are favored, or that you are passed over/under? Well, competition and desicion making are important issues. The feedback would be a bonus, especially reliable and honest feedback. Just be patient and remember not to let a passing over bother you to the point you get comatose over it :-) Just be YOU, be open to a self evaluation through another's eyes and frontal lobes, and good things come to those who wait. Love, Mario

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