Do you agree this was unethical?

[Nurse_CrystalRN]

I am a new graduate and I've been relentlessly hunting for a job since I got my license two months ago. Recently, a fellow graduate who I remained friends with throughout school called me to excitedly announce that she got a job. It was at a hospital that I've been trying desperately to get into, talking to everyone I could and leaving messages with recruiters, nurse managers, and HR people. I was genuinely very happy for her and took her out for a few drinks to celebrate. I asked her how she landed an interview and who she talked to, and she said she literally just put on her interview attire, gathered her portfolio and walked into HR like she had an appointment. She said she told the front desk person that she was scheduled for an interview but she couldn't remember the name of the person who called her in (which she was not), and after a few minutes of trying to figure out who called her, the lady just sent her in to interview with the recruiterss thinking that they call so many people that they misplaced an appointment or something. Apparently the interview went well and she was offered a job two days later.

I was kinda at a loss for words for a second because my brain couldn't decide if that was deceptively smart or really unethical. I just smiled and told her congrats again because I didn't wanna seem like I was being negative because I was jealous or anything. Im happy for her that she got a job, but I'm really annoyed that she cut the corners and lied, whereas I've been nothing but honest and I haven't even gotten someone to give me the time of day. What do you guys think?

[whichone'spink, BSN, RN]

Damn, I wish I could do that. Maybe I'll keep that in mind for my next position. People have to do what they have to do.

[Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN]

Based on what you have posted, I think this was dishonest and unethical.

[llg, PhD, RN]

It's definitely "in the gray zone" for me. On the one hand, I can understand those who respect her for doing what she had to do to get the job. On the other hand ... if I were her manager or co-worker, I would like it and I wouldn't trust her.

[~Shrek~]

As a Christian, I think it is unethical. A lie is a lie. I would not lie to get my job. I got a good job that I am happy with as a newish grad with a faulty work history, and I did not use lying to get where I am now.

[la_chica_suerte85, BSN, RN]

Unethical? Maybe. She lied about having an interview but she was pretty brave and pretty cunning to work it out that way. Hopefully she's as good of a nurse as she came off in the interview -- it would be a shame if she was a dud after going through all that trouble and deception. She raised the stakes quite a bit for herself.

[caliotter3]

From what I have picked up on throughout the years, that is not the only lie that has ever passed over someone's lips in the job hunting game. In the end, that person got a job, and that is what counts when it comes to thriving or surviving.

On second thought, I wonder if she had any thoughts after the fact about telling you her little secret. She wouldn't have done so with some of the cut throat people I have met in healthcare.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

Unethical? Maybe. She lied about having an interview but she was pretty brave and pretty cunning to work it out that way. Hopefully she's as good of a nurse as she came off in the interview -- it would be a shame if she was a dud after going through all that trouble and deception. She raised the stakes quite a bit for herself.

^This.

OP, keep doing what you are doing...also look into connecting via LinkedIn as a source in finding a job-you will get one your own way.

[Jules A, MSN]

Again I although I admire her flare I'm a bit torn about the actual deception. The truth is my biggest problem with the whole scenario is that she acted like she didn't know who she was contacted by. Being the typeA control freak I am I'd be embarrassed to admit that and definitely wouldn't want to lie about something that made me look less than organized, lol. She also isn't all that savvy to have spilled the beans because that definitely could come back to bite her in the butt.

My past strategy which was very successful before I had legit contacts was to find an in on the unit. I talked to everyone I saw in the hall, cafeteria etc. in effort to network. Get in touch with a RN you impressed during clinicals, try to get even an email introduction to a unit supervisor. Contact with someone on the inside can fast track your resume past the whole HR paper pile and get you an interview.

[Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN]

I think it was bald faced and flat out wrong. She lied in order to get what she wants. I don't admire people like that at all. I admire people who work hard just like everybody else, and stand out because they are good at what they do. I admire people who conduct themselves with integrity, who do the right thing when nobody is looking. People who take shortcuts and practice dishonesty and manipulation in order to get what they want get no respect from me.

[WookieeRN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I've heard some crazy things to get a foot in a door, but I don't find this too unethical. We once had a new grad fudge her resume listing time she worked as a CNA as RN experience. I guess she didn't think we would verify her job title with the previous employer, or cross reference her experience with her license date...

[MaxAttack, BSN, RN]

I don't understand. If this is something you're having trouble dealing with then you're going to struggle in nursing.

And while I can appreciate those that are replying that they never lie, I find it incredibly hard to believe that all of you have made it this far in life without ever sugarcoating interview responses or omitting pertinent information that would paint you in a bad light.

[chare]

...and society at large to get a job.

Really? How did you come to this conclusion?

For those of you that think this lie was okay, where would you draw the line?