Feels like a slap in the face...

[MECO28, BSN, RN]

Hi All

I am a new graduate nurse who has worked for a hospital as a float CNA for a year as part of an educational program designed for nursing students to gain hospital experience and eventually work as RNs in the hospital. During this time I have received a lot of positive feedback from nurses and was told by staffing that a lot of floors request me. From the beginning there was an implication that I would be hired on as an RN when I graduated.

Well, I'm sure you know where this is going. Thirty-some RN residencies were posted. I applied, made it through the phone interview, and was scheduled to interview on my first-choice unit. I had an interview with the manager that felt like I was being shown the door before I even sat down and needless to say, I didn't get the job. Two of my dear friends and classmates who are external hires without medical experience outside of nursing school were hired for residencies on other units in the same hospital. (I am happy for them but dealing with my own disappointment)

I wasn't even called; I had to call HR to find out I wasn't hired. I have had nothing but good reviews and feedback at this hospital, I get along with all my co-workers so I just don't get it. I always thought that preference was given to internal hires. Anyone else have an experience like this before?

Please be kind in your replies. Constructive criticism is fine but I'm feeling like s*** right now and facing the very real prospect of unemployment since I'm pretty sure I can't work as a CNA once I become an RN, which will be this month providing I don't fail the NCLEX.

[KY RN]

I'm so sorry this happened to you. Did the external applicants,perhaps, know the hiring manager?

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

Have you asked for feedback? If not, I would ask for some constructive feedback to see what you can improve on for future interviews and hopefully that will give you an idea of what happened. Very sorry. That seems like a pretty crummy situation if you have a good rep there.

[MECO28, BSN, RN]

Nope. But I did, and had even had exchanged a few emails with her during which time she shared that a nurse on the unit had given her good feedback about me. It's all so weird. I was nervous in my interview and had just worked 8 hours so maybe my interview was just that bad. I don't know. Anyway, thanks for your reply.

[t.adamson]

That's horrible. Usually people with references and in good standing especially interning or whatever for the employer will most likely help you get in. That's how I got a position at Dept. of Corrections. You have to know people and the supervisors especially show them that you are a hard worker. I don't know what the deal is. Just think of it as it probably wasn't for you. It's faith that led you to not landing a job there. You will probably get something more amazing just think of it like that. You will see:)

[JRP1120, RN]

I know what you're feeling too. Pretty much this is what happened to me. I had two interviews and both went very well but I didn't get either. Turns out, both units had already chosen who they were going to hire, the interviews for the rest of us were uh, I don't know, just to waste everyone's time, I guess! One candidate wasn't even there for the interviews-she was on vacation!! Yeah, I did all the things I was told to do to help me stand out as a CNA for the last year and I got nothing but good reviews as well...didn't get me anywhere except left me feeling horrible, disappointed and sad! My hospital will let us continue on as a CNA for more money once we're RN's, which I am now, and so I'll work there as often as I can while applying for other nursing jobs (there aren't many for new grads in my area), and will apply to the next residency in Nov, if I don't find something else before that. And, I'm going to start my RN to BSN this fall as well. Chin up, I know it sucks and I feel your pain. Just remember, when one door closes, another one opens...that thought keeps me going and it can for you too. Don't lose hope! :redpinkhe

[MECO28, BSN, RN]

Thanks everyone...I appreciate the replies.

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

Nope. But I did, and had even had exchanged a few emails with her during which time she shared that a nurse on the unit had given her good feedback about me. It's all so weird. I was nervous in my interview and had just worked 8 hours so maybe my interview was just that bad. I don't know. Anyway, thanks for your reply.

I would ask the person that actually interviewed you and decided not to hire you, for the constructive feedback. Just tell them you would like to know what things you might work on for the future. That way you can get some answers. If people that didn't already have a foot in and had no experience previously got hired over you when you say you have a glowing reputation there and experience; then I would find out where the ball was dropped because it doesn't make sense. The only way you can fix it is to find out what turned them off. It won't hurt to ask.

[craziechiq, BSN, RN]

WOW! Are you me?

I worked at a hospital for over a year and I thought the least I would get is an interview. They did not even give me the pre-screen phone interview. I was completely disheartened and disappointed. I worked there for the experience and I love the hospital I work for, but I feel betrayed that they did not even give me a chance to speak for myself. It also made me angry that the new hire in my department who had only worked there for two weeks received an interview and I did not. Can you sense my bitterness?

Anyway, clarify with your hospital to see if you can continue to work as a CNA while looking for other RN jobs. I know I am able to and no pay raise for me.

Keep your head up and look forward. I was pretty down for a little while, but now I believe that I will get through this and I was meant to be somewhere else.

[Kiwidanni]

Can you email or call the interviewer and ask her for some feedback on your interviewing technique or why you didn't get the job? If you can phrase it right, it can be a "professional development" opportunity.

[MECO28, BSN, RN]

@Mi Vida Loca: Well, I don't know about a "glowing reputation" but I do know that my evaluations have been good and I've received good feedback on the floors. I hope it doesn't sound like I have a giant ego...I'm just trying to give the back story as to why I'm so disappointed. Certainly I'm not superwoman but I am dependable and have served this hospital well.

You are right; I do need to talk to the manager but this is all really fresh and I need to give it a couple days so I can be professional and handle the criticism. That probably won't happen for a couple days. Thanks for your reply.

@ craziechiq: sorry to hear about your experience...maybe we will both land the job of our dreams. Here's hoping.

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

No I don't think you sounded like you had a big Ego, I didn't mean the remark of glowing reputation as rude. From what you described it sounds as if you had a really good reputation there. I would definitely ask for the feedback. When I had my pre-screening phone interview I asked the lady at the end if she had any advice for me based off her interview for my in person interview. She was really impressed that I asked for that. I also told the person that interviewed me that if for whatever reason they chose to go with another candidate, if they would give me constructive feedback on my interview so I know what areas I can improve on. They were very receptive to it.

Also did you mail a thank you card after your interview?