Bringing infant on job search...

Nurses Professionalism

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Hi everyone, I never thought I would have to ask this question but... I'm debating whether it is unprofessional to take my 9 month old daughter to HR while seeking a new job. My husband is a medicine resident in the military, so we just moved to a new home away from family/friends and his work hours are pretty insane right now. I am searching for childcare so that I can get a per diem job as a RN (minimum 2 shifts/month in this area), but haven't had to use a babysitter in the past (baby is breastfed, I've been staying at home with her). While I would certainly find childcare if I can schedule an interview, do you think it's unprofessional to bring my baby with me to HR to look for a job? I've never been in this position before, and don't want to be tacky. Please no judgement, just honest advice. I'd especially love to hear from anyone who has ever had to do this. Thank you.

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Sometimes people are interviewed on the spot. Do you really think it would be professional to bring a baby into the interview room? And food for thought: If I were in HR and you brought a baby along, I would be thinking that you are likely to have childcare problems. Find a drop-in childcare center and make appropriate arrangements for job hunting days.

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Common sense always prevails in these situations, but being a new parent has me second-guessing etiquette in some situations (or maybe it's just nerves about getting back to work!). Great point about the potential for interviewing on the spot. Thanks for your reply tonight.

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Absolutely NEVER bring a child of any age to any kind of job seeking activities. Just no. It clearly states that your judgement about what is okay in the work place is suspect and you might even be silly enough to show up with your infant in tow to an actual shift.

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Definitely no. You never know what is going to happen once you've set foot on the property. I still cringe when remembering a time many years ago when I stopped by a local facility in shorts, t-shirt, and flip-flops, strictly to pick up an application form while I was out running errands (this was back in the days of paper applications). Of course I would have been dressed in business clothing when I brought the application form back and turned it in to them! But, y'know, I was just sticking my head in the door to get an application form. I found myself ushered into the office of the DON for an interview on the spot. I was mortified (because I certainly knew better). You just never know.

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Yeah, I wouldn't. I would dress professionally and have copies of my resume ready to turn in. I would definitely find child care because you never know how your kid is going to behave from moment to moment (I know, I have 2. They can be perfect angels or ... not).

I would ALSO be prepared to be told that all applicants should go through their online job search/application channels. It seems like going in face to face would be the best method for job searching, but that's not always the case! In today's business environment they automate as much as possible, which includes scanning resumes for key terms to determine fit (it stinks, but it's true).

Best wishes on your job search! I know how frustrating it can be when you've just moved to town & don't really have anyone trusted to watch your baby, especially if it's your first.

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I would ALSO be prepared to be told that all applicants should go through their online job search/application channels. It seems like going in face to face would be the best method for job searching, but that's not always the case! In today's business environment they automate as much as possible, which includes scanning resumes for key terms to determine fit (it stinks, but it's true).

True that! Several years ago, I applied to a local hospital system for a few jobs for which I was well-qualified according to the specifications in the job postings. Each individual job posting on the organization's website stated at the top of the page, in plain English, that you could apply either by mail or online, and the link to download the paper application form was prominently displayed. Since I had always prided myself on putting together a good-looking application packet, I downloaded the form and mailed in application packets. I never got contacted about an interview, never heard anything back at all. Eventually, the website would indicate that the position had been filled. I applied for another position (by mail -- the job listing specifically stated that you could apply by mail or online), and, this time, someone from HR contacted me to say that they were really interested in me, but the organization had officially instructed the HR people to just trash all paper applications and only process online applications, and could I please reapply for that position through the online process? I really appreciated the call(!), but pointed out that each and every job posting specifically said that either form of application was acceptable; if the decision had been made to only accept online applications and discard all paper applications, why on earth hadn't that been changed on the job postings? She said she didn't know (and that particular HR person was unaware that I had submitted previous applications, it turned out), but she would mention that to the higher-ups. I reapplied for the position through the online process, promptly got an interview, and promptly got a job offer. Don't bother physically showing up and walking around (until they invite you to come) -- just go through the online application process!

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Specializes in Women’s Health.

Not so sure about job hunting but I've brought my daughter with me to fill out new hire paperwork and submit documents but I was already offered the position... I've also talked about my daughter during an interview, which I know use to be a big no-no and I was offered the position, but I personally think it would be easier to just apply online. Good luck!

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I am not a nurse yet but on my last job interview I couldn't find a babysitter so I took my 3 girls with me(3,5, and 7). They hired me on the spot

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You're too funny. I have a 2 year old and I've contemplated bringing him to class meetings just because I couldn't find a sitter. I always ended up skipping I know where you're coming from.

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I had a home health company interview me by phone and ask when they could set up a time for me to come in and fill out the paperwork. I was honest with my availability only being on the weekends due to childcare so I replied, "I just have to arrange a sitter. Can I call you back as soon as it's arranged?". I almost fell over when they said, "Don't worry about it! Bring her with you". Me, "She's two and potty training". Them, "That's okay".

Then came the in office orientation and skills check off. Again, the told me to bring her with me. I asked how long the orientation was....8 hours! I told them thank you but I would be arranging a sitter as I didn't think they wanted their manikins used as dolls.

I would never even think of bringing my child with me unless they outright offered. This agency with desperate for pediatric nurses. Hell, one plus is the could at least see how I interacted with my OWN child.

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Specializes in NICU, ER, OR.

Ummmm . Do you REALLY have to ask? NO, absolutely not!!!

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