Confidence shaken/looking 4 a new job

Nurses Disabilities

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Specializes in RN/Hematology/Oncology/Long-termcare/SNF.

Hi

My disability involves my ability to process information related to "inattention". I am 49 and became a nurse at 44, LPN first and then RN at 47. My present situation is I have an interview in a doctors office and I do not want to pull off the "what are your weaknesses" question without screwing myself.

The staff where I am presently working are aware I have a learning disability by my own admission. Some of my peers have zeroed in on this and used it as a weapon to push me out. I believe, out of jealousy because I am an RN and they are LPNs. Don't get me wrong, I have the utmost respect for LPNS, after all I was one for 5 years prior to earning my RN.

Any ideas on how to handle this interview with a bruised ego?

Thank you!

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Specializes in ID/DD, CM, UM.

Being self-aware is half the battle, so you go girl! Instead of focusing on inattention, you could focus more in the interview on what you have done with conquering issues related to multi-tasking. I have the same issue. I am always the note-taker in our team meetings. My co-workers are always glad they don't have to do it, LOL, and I find it helps me pay attention; so there's a way you could help your co-workers appreciate it. Good luck!!!

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Specializes in RN/Hematology/Oncology/Long-termcare/SNF.

Thank you so much! My interview is at 4. Is it safe for me to disclose that I often need to take notes if I am in the process of receiving a wealth of information ? What if they don't want to take the chance on me? This is a very busy doctors office .

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I wouldn't disclose that during the interview process. No need to shoot yourself in the foot before you even get out of the starting gate. You can always bring it up during your orientation once you have the job. Best of luck on your interview!

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Specializes in Nursing Student Retention.

I agree with the other posters but suggest in future situations I you can comment on your need to take notes as a personal preference rather than as a limitation. The wording is different ...something like "to ensure accuracy, I prefer to take notes when complex information is involved". In today's environment almost everyone acknowledges the necessity for documentation so make it into a positive attribute, not a negative limitation. My mum used to say "never give anyone a stick to beat you with" although her grammar was usually more precise!

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Specializes in RN/Hematology/Oncology/Long-termcare/SNF.

Quest, thank you so much for your insight. I did get the jobe! yaaay and I will take your good advice.

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During an orientation one time as I remarked to the RN orienting me, I reached for my pen and pad to take notes. She told me that she would have thought I might not be a good fit for the position if I had NOT taken the initiative to take notes. I would just do what I need to do and not even bring up the subject of taking notes. If something is said, you can more easily address the issue in a positive manner when you are not bringing it up yourself in a defensive preemptive strike. Good luck with your interview.

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Oh, missed your last post! Congrats to you!

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What's wrong with taking notes?

One wouldn't take report without taking notes, would one?

Glad you got the job!

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Specializes in RN/Hematology/Oncology/Long-termcare/SNF.

Nothing is wrong with taking notes. I know that I will be documenting while the physician is examining the patients so that's a very good thing. While I am in orientation for 4 weeks I will bring a pad of paper with me for certain.

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Specializes in Stepdown . Telemetry.

i take tons of notes, they help me. once i got a snarky comment about them, like they are a flaw, (still mot sure why)

but i still take as many notes as i need, not gonna change how i do things bc someone felt threatened by my attn to detail. everyone soaks info differently.

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Specializes in RN/Hematology/Oncology/Long-termcare/SNF.

I am going to have to take notes. I start training this Monday. It is a 4 week training to learn the ropes in this physicians practice. We have to bring our lap top to several of the sessions. Wow, it is going to be so different working for physicians in the office setting than in the hospital setting or in long term care. I'm very excited but also a bit nervous they will discover I have a serious information processing deficit.

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