Did I lose my position on the oncology unit?

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

Updated:  

Hi Nurse Beth,

 I am a new grad RN. I applied to a medical center in my area and got an interview to onco unit in September 14th. Meanwhile I started my first semester at a RN to BSN program in September and unfortunately for this first semester I am commuting to the school by train so I cannot work full time, but just for this semester. Anyway for that reason I told the nursing director during the interview that I was available to work after the end of December. She then gave me her business card and to call her when the time comes.

Two weeks after the interview, I was worried that I will not be starting there in a timely manner if I were to call her when I am available to work because I heard the hiring process takes a bit long there. Also, I heard from my friends who interviewed at the same hospital that they were interviewed by the nurse manager (not the director) and got the job offer formally from HR a week after. So I was questioning if this job offer was legit even though it was directly from the nursing director.

So I emailed and also texted her if I could start the hiring process early. I didn't want to call her as this was not urgent and also because before the interview, I communicated with her via email and text, so I was sure she would read them. But I have not heard back from her since then.

So I am really worried that I lost the position because of this silence (but I know the hospital is seriously in need of nurses)… I have been thinking maybe I should just call her when the time comes, but I cannot stop thinking that I might have lost this position.

I was just about to send her another email, but am not sure how to ask about this the right way... Is it appropriate to ask her if she still is offering this position to me? Or do you think I should really call her now? I look forward to your advice on this matter. Thank you in advance for your time!

Share this post

+ Add A Comment

2 Answers

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear Worried,

It's not that the offer was legit or not legit. The thing is, you never received an actual job offer. 

When you are offered a job, you'll know-you'll receive a letter from HR/HP with all the specifics.

Nurse managers/Directors often are forced to think short-term, in the immediate present, because staffing issues are pressing. Interviewing in September when you are not available until January is too far ahead of time.

Texting/emailing and asking for an earlier start date when you haven't yet been hired is not helping your situation. She hasn't answered your texts and emails, which could mean she is not interested at this time. 

Don't email and especially don't text her again.

She said, "Call me when the time comes". What you can do is call her once in December, say you are still interested, and give her a concrete date. "I'm available to start January 8th", for example. Keep in mind new grads are typically expected to work full-time, not part-time. 

In the meantime, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Apply elsewhere and keep in mind that it's important to land a job within 12 months of graduation, while you still have new grad status. New grads are typically given longer orientations, extra classes, and support for up to a year. After 12 months, you are no longer considered a new grad by many organizations. You will be a nurse without experience, which is a tough spot to be in, job-wise.

With these strategies in mind, hopefully, you'll land that all-important first job.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Specializes in Community health.

Some good advice that has always worked for me is: just assume you didn’t get the job up until you’ve actually signed paperwork with them. So, basically put this whole situation out of your mind for now, and proceed as though you don’t have any leads on jobs. Apply for jobs just as your classmates are doing and hopefully you’ll get some interviews and get an offer. Then, if this oncology nurse manager comes through and says you can start in January, it’ll be a happy surprise!  And you might have several offers to consider and you can pick the best one. 

+ Add a Comment