Employer keeps delaying start date and I'm confused about what to do

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I recently accepted a job at a clinic and the nurse manager said my start date would be Feb 2nd, but then I got an email the day before my expected start date saying that my onboarding is on hold because one of their executives is out on PTO and that they will update me with the new schedule next week. Well, it's now Friday night and I have no email or new expected start date. I did get a phone call from the manager yesterday just for him to say he hasn't forgotten about me and that I'll "most likely start next week, but no promises". I just called him today to ask for an update and he didn't answer. I don't know if they are going to continue pushing my start date and I will be out of work for several weeks or months. I was fired from my last job 2 months ago and just got suspended from clipboard because I unintentionally overslept and missed my shift. I was interviewing at a few other places and dropped all my other applications after accepting this opportunity, but how long will I have to wait before I know my start date? Should I start submitting my resume to other recruiters again? I'm starting to have these thoughts in my head, thinking that this new employer somehow has changed their mind and is not going to hire me. My life is on hold now and I'm counting on this offer not to fall through so I can work. 

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I was interviewing at a few other places and dropped all my other applications after accepting this opportunity, but how long will I have to wait before I know my start date?

Impossible to know.  If the person who is out on PTO is someone who does a lot of their onboarding/HR pieces then the reason they gave you sounds legit enough.  I know people can be crappy sometimes no never say never, but it still seems like they wouldn't have bothered to reach out to you the day before you wrote this post if their intention was to ghost you.

You can submit your resume elsewhere if you want. No harm in doing so.  If it were me I'd see what happens this coming week; if no answers/solid plans then start sending them out.

 

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Specializes in Hospice.

I agree that it's impossible to know. I also agree with restarting your job search while you wait for word..

I can think of a number of reasons for the delay. It could be a budget issue, risk management, bureaucratic dysfunction ... the list goes on. 

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Did you receive a written job offer with a start date?

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Nurse Beth said:

Did you receive a written job offer with a start date?

I haven't. I was told over the phone that my start date was February 3rd. The only written communication I have is an email congratulating me on being the "preferred candidate" and an authorization form to conduct a background check. 

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.
bluescoop said:

I haven't. I was told over the phone that my start date was February 3rd. The only written communication I have is an email congratulating me on being the "preferred candidate" and an authorization form to conduct a background check. 

I agree with the previous comments; keep searching in the meantime. Best of luck!

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

A long hiring process isn't necessarily a red flag but it can for sure be an inconvenience. The days of walking into a facility, asking for an application and being hired on the spot with a "how soon can you start?" seem to be long gone. 

MY current position was one of those long processes. I was hired in late November and due to various reasons for a delayed starting class on the employer side I didn't start until March.  Fortunately I was employed, just in the process of leaving that position so I just delayed putting in my notice until closer to the start date but had I been between jobs I would have been forced to look elsewhere. Who can afford to be without a job for over 3 months waiting to start a new job?  I would ask for a firm start date and let them know you might have to pursue other opportunities if it is significantly delayed.

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kbrn2002 said:

A long hiring process isn't necessarily a red flag but it can for sure be an inconvenience. The days of walking into a facility, asking for an application and being hired on the spot with a "how soon can you start?" seem to be long gone. 

MY current position was one of those long processes. I was hired in late November and due to various reasons for a delayed starting class on the employer side I didn't start until March.  Fortunately I was employed, just in the process of leaving that position so I just delayed putting in my notice until closer to the start date but had I been between jobs I would have been forced to look elsewhere. Who can afford to be without a job for over 3 months waiting to start a new job?  I would ask for a firm start date and let them know you might have to pursue other opportunities if it is significantly delayed.

Thanks! They finally had me start in late February and I like it there. I disagree that the days of being hired on the spot are gone, at least not in SNFs. I've walked into SNFs where I was immediately hired without even an interview. 

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I would try out some more applications elsewhere if you don't hear back in the meantime. Following up with email and phone calls is all you can do at this point and if they do not want to respect your time and dedication to this position then it is their loss

 

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