Feeling Frustrated

[Nurse_Nickie]

I'm feeling very frustrated today.

A little back story. I work in the ICU and have been there 1.5 years. In the hospital for 3. I am also starting a part time masters program in August. We have 2 permanent float charge RNs who work 3-12s/week. One of them just completed her masters and is starting a new job next month. This has been well known, and should have been planned for. Her job was posted mid May, with a June 1 application deadline.

I applied, knowing that very few of my colleagues wanted the job as the extra responsibility does not come with a pay raise, and the charge frequently has an assignment. I was notified around June 9 that the interviews would start the next week, when I was to return from my vacation.

In the meantime, I learned that there were only 2 other applicants. One nurse who had admittedly applied because he was "guilted into it" and another who is planning on statting CRNA school in the winter, pending acceptance. The weeks pass and then I am told they are forming a selection committee.

Finally, my interview is set for July 21, more than a month after what I was first told. The evening before the interview, I was told I was the only applicant left, as the girl was asked to back out with her possibly leaving for school, and the guy decided to not be guilted.

So after working 7p-7a, I stay for my interview. I met first with the selection committee who asked me a series of situational questions, which I believe I answered appropriately. I made it known that I understood I didn't have the clinical experience that was typical of the charge nurse, but have been in the charge role on off shifts and when I worked on another unit and I was capable of using my resources when needed, etc.

I then met with my manager. It seemed the entire time was her telling me why I wouldn't want to do the job. "Its hectic. It's stressful. It will be a lot with starting school. Yadda yadda yadda." I defended myself, stating that the previous charge nurse dud the program I'm starting full time while working full time without issues, and that I was aware of what the position entailed. I indicated that hain't stressors actually motivated me, and I was looking forward to the challenge. I left the interview feeling odd, but knowing I answered the questions as best as I could.

This morning, after my boss being at work for an hour already, an already being late with a decision that was promised 4 days ago, I asked her if she could talk. We met in her office and she informed me that she did not believe I had enough experience and that she would reevaluate in a few months.

Now I understand that theory, I am not very experienced. But why even put me through the interview process if that was the case. I'm angry, frustrated, and a little hurt.

I was told that they are just going to have staff rotate through the role during the next few months and post again.

I guess I just needed to vent.

[OrganizedChaos, LVN]

I'm sorry, that sounds incredibly frustrating. I can only imagine that she wanted you to go through the process & then decided afterwards you wouldn't be a good fit.

[Sour Lemon]

Now I understand that theory, I am not very experienced. But why even put me through the interview process if that was the case. I'm angry, frustrated, and a little hurt.

I guess I just needed to vent.

Well ...if they knew you had the job for sure, it wouldn't make sense to put you through that process, either. The good news is that it sounds like you came very close. You have nowhere to go but up, right?