Favoritism in Nursing?

[xenabsnrn]

I started my first nursing job a year ago as a part-time nurse at a hospital. I was told that as soon as an opening came open I would be getting it. I lacked experience so I knew that if I did not get a full-time position it would be due to lack of experience. There have been at least 3 openings, and I have been denied all of them to new grads like myself. All of whom have less experience. I am upset.

The first time I was denied I was told that I would not be getting the full time job due to the fact that "Everyone else likes the other nurse better." As I sat in my nurse manager's office I could not believe what I was hearing. I had more experience, always get stuck carrying heavier loads, getting called in to help this specific nurse get caught up with patient care and here I was getting told I was not getting the position to this person. The next time I got denied to a nurse who never completes her tasks but that everyone loves. This nurse is very good about talking about their personal life and issues. Of course this nurse mentioned she had also was making big expenses (unnecessary) and would like to have the extra income, to be financially ok? So of course the full-time position was given to them.

Every now and then I get a negative vibe from my co-workers, iv'e even overheard them talking negativly about me. I don't understand what is happening. I have always been a people person; help others when they need help, offer to help other nurses, make sure that my patients receive adequate care, and stay extra if needed to help the oncoming nurses from getting behind. I am a young nurse and am not sure if I'm being stomped on because every new nurse that applies has a family to take care of or financial issues to take care of. I'm starting to think there is favoritism in this facility. Recently they hired another new nurse, and offered her the position ( that was never posted online or made public) because this nurse has family that works at the facility and has worked here before ....

Is this Ok? Can someone please help me! Am I exaggerating or is there something wrong with me??

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

you are going to have to sit down and have a heart to heart with someone you trust - hopefully your Manager. Tell the manager that you need some clarification on your performance. What areas need improvement? Tell him/her you have the perception that your co-workers do not appreciate you ("like" sounds high schoolish) and that you cannot improve unless you identify weaknesses. As the conversation continues, state you got started wondering all this when you realized you had been passed over for a position. Try to sound as if your full intention is to do the right thing, but need encouragement from a more experienced person. If your manager is at all professional you should get some feedback. If you are the crying, blaming type you might not get the truth or you might, and wish you had not.

[xenabsnrn]

Thanks, for your advice Classicdame

I attempted speaking with one of my nurse manager about my areas of weakness, I mentioned that I didn't feel like I got respected and everyone found out about it. Apparently she mentioned it to the Director Of Nursing who told the staff. Rumors were going around on the floor about me... Time went by and the rumors started to slow down.

I spoke with my current nurse manager also about how I would like someone to help me identify my areas of weakness, I showed intrest in the full-time position she acknowledged, and said she would get back to me. Two weeks later I found out the position had been given to someone else. I am afraid to let my nurse manager how I really feel since the first time around it did not go so well.....

[TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN]

Carry on doing this job to the best of your abilities, and use your time off to look for another job someplace else. They are sending you a very clear message, and you're not picking it up. I'm not saying any of this is your fault at all, but clearly they are not going to hire you on full time. Stop wasting your time on how to make these people like you and find somewhere that will appreciate you.

[noahsmama]

If I were in this situation I'd be polishing up the resume and applying elsewhere. Sounds like you've already done what you can to try to address the problems at your current job, and have not gotten the feedback or help that you need to address them. Time to move on.

[canesdukegirl, BSN, RN]

I am sorry that you are experiencing such a dilemma.

A good rule of thumb is to send an email to your manager after a one-on-one meeting, outlining the salient points of discussion. For example:

Good Afternoon NM,

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I feel that we discussed some important issues and I am encouraged by the feedback that you gave me.

I am looking forward to a full time position, as we discussed today. I realize that it can take some time for an opening to become available on this unit. Thank you for your support in letting me know that I am next in line when a full time position opens.

Respectfully,

You

Since you are putting your discussion in writing, you are holding the NM accountable for their promises. If the NM disagrees with your interpretation of the meeting, they will have no choice but to either respond to your email or talk to you in person. You are in effect, making them outline specific points as to why you were passed over. You can then respond in another email that addresses the reasons why you were passed over.

You are creating a written documentation of your discussions, which then removes the "he said/she said" factor when questions arise.

This sort of documentation will also give you a leg up when your NM lists specific things that you need to work on. From that point, you can develop a measurable plan of action to work toward in getting a full time position.

The key is to have a written record of your meetings with your NM.

I wish you only the best! :)

[APRN., DNP, RN, APRN, NP]

You have been party to a situation that describes itself as being non-conducive to advancement.

To put it another way;

If you try to plant flowers in a certain area and they don't grow, it's time to find another area with which to plant flowers.

Perhaps it is time to find a new locale where your assets will shine and get noticed and appreciated, versus getting passed over repeatedly.

[RNperdiem, RN]

The writing is on the wall at this workplace. I don't see you having a future there.

I agree with noahsmama; update your resume and start applying elsewhere. Keep your job for now, and don't tell anyone about your job search.

[eagle1970]

Get out as soon as you can...but make sure the next place will work for you for the next two, three years at least. I know you can never really know for sure, but you don't want to look like a job hopper.

[NaKcl, BSN, RN]

"The key is to have a written record of your meetings with your NM."

This is so true!

When the manager say she doesn't have opening, there is not much you can do. Just tell her that you will look for an open position in different facility.

If the manager wants you to work there, she will make a position for you. If not, moving to different place would benefit you.

Remember, that is not the only place hires nurse.

[brandy1017, ASN, RN]

If you aren't unionized they can do whatever they please. It's probably best if you either transfer to another unit when a full time job becomes avail or look for a job at another hospital. Why stay where you are being passed over and unappreciated by management and your coworkers.

[anotherone, BSN, RN]

This goes on everywhere in every field. unless you had some type of contract that would let you have the next FT position you have nothing to stand on. Depending on the manger and my relationship with him/her i would ask why i was not chosen for the job or how you can improve your chances of being hired. are all of these positions for your unit or different units? Prepare for this being the norm in all of your working life even if you end up far from nursing. the "favorites" are often chosen, even at cost of profit sometimes!, for positions that would have been better off being given to someone else.