Bordeline illegal interviewing process hospitals are getting away with n this economy

caliotter3 · May 15, 2009

Well you could consult with an employment attorney concerning the illegal interview questions, but don't really see how you would be helping yourself. You need to get a job and don't really want to develop a career killing reputation before you get your first job. You may need to consider moving to an area with available work.

ChristineN, BSN, RN · May 15, 2009

Hospitals are getting away with "murder" in this economy. O.k. so I am so beyond flustered and I am hoping for some feedback or any advice would be greatly appreciated. I am a new graduate (May 2008)..I waited to look for a job, since I was pregnant my last semester in nursing school... now it's impossible to get a job.. I have been applying for jobs since January. The only interview (1 repeat I have had 1 interview and applied for more jobs than I can count) was from my nursing school where I did my clinical and I came across (1.) I have also come across (2.) and (3). too many times in the five months I have been applying for jobs.
(1.) Illegal questions during interview
(2.) Stating jobs that they will only hire internal candiates causing a great waste of time for external candiates: applications can take many hours
(3.) Treating job applicants like dirt... not returning phone calls and be down right rude!
Please share your experiences and give me some advice, please!!
Here are some of illegal questions I was asked during my interview, which made me feel very uncomfortable and of course caused me to interview poorly!
What are ages of your children, what does your husband do for a living, where does he work, where do you live, do you have family support? By the way... I called the HR department and told them what happen and they said that they would try and get me another interview in other department and they have told me no openings...I have been calling every month and keep telling me to call back! This is the hospital where I would be considered an internal candidate!

Being asked those sort of questions is terrible! HR only suggest applying elsewhere the the company, they didn't say if any disiplinary action would be taken against the interviewer?

NEWGRADNURSE75 · May 15, 2009

Christine,

Nope..the HR person was interested in what the manager asked me, but didn't seem to care after I informed her!

FireStarterRN, BSN, RN · May 15, 2009

Those questions do sound illegal. Very frustrating, I'm sure. Not sure what you can do about this.

Junebugfairy · May 15, 2009

if you have very little experience, have you applied for new grad positions?

NEWGRADNURSE75 · May 15, 2009

FairyCari,

Yes..many new graduates positions..(2.) and (3.) from above

NursingStudent5548 · May 15, 2009

I have had such a difficult time as well...I posted a thread today about a very similar situation...

I was forced to show up to take a typing test for a job and I can guarantee my application was probably thrown immediately in the trash!!

Why you ask?? I think it might have something to do with the fact that I have a big ole' 7 month pregnant belly!!

Its sad I have been immediately denied positions washing dishes, preparing food, housekeeping, laundry, EMT, CNA, and numerous other clerical positions.

I was informed by HR they were hiring internally. As soon as I apply for a position within hours it says I have no completed applications, and I am not applying for a specific position.

I have recieved rude remarks when calling to ask if any new information was available.

I have over 3 years experience, I have done numerous surgical procedures..Assisted with a Swan-Gann catherization.

I have done rotations in an ICU.

I have removed cyst and abscesses and sutured them up.

I have been an EMT and I have been a CNA.

I can't get a hospital to hire me... I have excellent references???

The job descriptions ask for 40 WPM and medical terminology knowledge.

Come on folks I exceed all of those requirements!!!!

twinner2 · May 15, 2009

In this economy, unless there is a desperate need, it would be very difficult to get a position while pregnant. They probably do not want to hire someone that is pregnant, train them, and then have them go on maternity leave.

Speaking from personal experience, when I was a retail supervisor, I hired several pregnant women. I always got burned from it. They either went light duty or used the health benefits for the delivery then quit. It is unfortunate that you will suffer from other people's actions, but hiring a pregnant person can definitely be risky business, and has virtually no positive gain from a company's perspective.

Best of luck to you in your search!

SDMamma · May 15, 2009

I have had such a difficult time as well...
I have over 3 years experience, I have done numerous surgical procedures..Assisted with a Swan-Gann catherization.
I have done rotations in an ICU.
I have removed cyst and abscesses and sutured them up.
I have been an EMT and I have been a CNA.
I can't get a hospital to hire me... I have excellent references???
The job descriptions ask for 40 WPM and medical terminology knowledge.
Come on folks I exceed all of those requirements!!!!

Im sorry but on what planet and in what scope of practice is an RN EVER allowd to remove a cyst an suture them up??? I sincerely hope you are grossly exaggerating.

As for your clerical experience, I type 50 wpm but seriously doubt that a typing test is even a factor in

the screening process. Med. terminology should not be an issue, as the ap 1/2/micro/chem pre-

req's should more than suffice.

texastaz · May 15, 2009

I have have been asked some of the same type questions such as marriage, children and ages during some interviews, I felt offended. I also thought being a single mother with older children to support would actualy be a positive thing - "like I realy need the money impression and have responsibilities" - not. I discovered often it is who you know and not what you know. The interviewer already knows who they are going to hire before your interview was scheduled and they are just fallowing company policy to interview X number of people prior to selection. :angryfire:angryfire The only jobs that I have had - these questions were not asked. Good Luck with your search!

Straydandelion · May 15, 2009

A link that may or may not be helpful, the basic problem is proof. I didn't read enough to know if those questions were illegal, but they are definitely NOT good hiring practice. http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/qanda.html