DONS q on hiring turnaround for SDC

[Kitty Hawk, ADN, RN]

I'm wondering from a DON's perspective if timelines are generally adhered to for hiring or not?

I interviewed mid-Feb for a staff development/infection control nurse position. The interview went well, I got a mini tour and met one of the RN supervisors in passing in the hall. (not planned) I was told if I made it to the next step I would be contacted in a week. A week came and went and I didn't think much of it, and didn't follow up (beyond my thank you note that day to the DON and received no response)

Well exactly 2 weeks later I got a phone call after 5p from the 2nd person. She said she would be happy to bring me in but didn't want me to come all that way in person that she would be happy to do a phone interview. I said fine and she asked for when or if I could possibly speak now! I thought what the heck, this doesn't sound too promising so let's just do it! (being she didn't want to bring me in)

Well it went fantastic! Both of us felt it. She was genuinely awed by some of my answers. I explained my passion and my drive for this role. I asked a follow up question if there could still be "hands on" care involved because I believe in total teamwork, if a resident needs something, everyone should be able to jump in. That's what I loved about my last SDC role, that it was very hands on as well as the teaching role. She said she was thrilled I felt that way, instead of just the teaching piece. She said she had a few other interviews to wrap up but a decision would be made at the end of the week and they'll be in touch.

She gave me all of her contact info, including cell phone. I immediately sent her an email thank you, to which to my surprise, she responded the next morning! She also expressed that I made her day, that I would be good fit with the team, that my skills and examples were excellent. (mind you this was all unprepared, which I felt stood in my favor that I was able to do that with zero prep) And also how my enthusiasm and energy just showed to her as well.

She said a decision would be made at the end of the week. (last Friday) and she would be in touch with me either end of the week, or beginning of this week. Well yesterday seemingly would be the end of "beginning of week" since it was Tuesday. Since they didn't follow the original timeline, I wondered if it's possible even though she said a decision would be made by a certain date if that's not always the case? She is a director of education and is not based in that facility.

Even though I have all the contact info, I don't want to be a pest but then I read where directors and such look for initiative and it's irresponsible to not contact her! I definitely conveyed my interest and enthusiasm for them and the position so I don't think that needs reiterated.

Also, during the phone conversation, I mentioned an article I read about their facility and how they stepped up in a major snow storm. I expressed how that impressed me about them and that's exactly the kind of "team" I want to be involved with. This isn't readily available information as it's something that happened 4 years ago, but I find info which I feel would be plus in this role!

Anyway would she really have bothered to write such an encouraging response to only go dark on me, or could the timeline not be what was planned for. Any help from any DON's on the front lines that know the in's and out's would be appreciated. I know they have a staff meeting at 9am and I'm sure they are busy, it's just frustrating to wait and not know. I have another interview lined up for Friday for a health coach, but it's a 1.5 hour drive, so I was really hoping this was "it"! Thanks!

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

She was awed by one of your responses? Clearly you have no issues with self esteem. People get busy, other issues take precedence. I waited for close to a month before I found out about one job I wanted. That was years ago....now I'd just keep calling until I got an answer. You could call.

[Kitty Hawk, ADN, RN]

I apologize if I came off that I'm arrogant. Far from it. Awed was perhaps not the right word. However in response to my vision of residents and what providing care to them means to me, she said "wow" 3x, said she was speechless and for me to not loose that perspective. She followed up saying how I made her night 2x and reiterated that in her response email. I guess I like to be a little too "clear" sometimes but I didn't want to say "she was impressed with me" because everyone says or thinks that of their interviewer.

I see my post is really long too and for that I'm also sorry, but I wanted to make the point that for a position that I was on the fence about in the beginning turned completely around the energy was palpable so I thought maybe that meant something rather than standard lines that you sometimes get from interviewers that they say to everyone. (impressive for example) btw I don't see any of this as "me" at all. It's all gifts that I have been blessed with in my talents. I'm humbled by them. My faith/God is at the center of my life, everything stems off of that for me. Those are my guiding principles but I don't push them on others. I respect all walks, beliefs, non beliefs. Thank you for your tip. I saw calling as "are we there yet?" and annoying but I understand she has much more on her plate than this. I will follow up. Thanks

[Kitty Hawk, ADN, RN]

update: I emailed and she emailed back, I wasn't dreaming about her perception of me and we're moving forward! Odd I had to reach out first as again I thought it was best to wait and not bother them. Thanks again.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

Congratulations! Could be a pet peeve but I am so tired of hearing the word awesome to describe a hamburger. The one time I described something as awesome, I was looking into the Grand Canyon for the first time and was truly awed by it's spectacular beauty.

Best of luck with your new position.

[HappyWife77, BSN, RN]

Congratulations!

[DHawkinsrn]

Congrats!

[noc4senuf]

I have not always met the timelines that I may have told a prospective employee as other things such as surveys, workload, etc do come up that need attention first. It seems these days that positions in management will take at least a month of posting, another month of interviews, and some final thought before a decision is made.

[NurseGuyBri]

This is horrible of me but I almost never meet my timelines that I give. I work over 60 hours a week and something ALWAYS happens throughout the day that needs my attention, and that puts me behind. There is often times when I am interested in someone but just get caught up and before you know it, it's too late, but if the nurse calls me and reminds me, we have a better chance of moving forward. You should ALWAYS check back on an interview, but wait until a day or so past the promised timeline.