How do I handle this?

[nekhismom]

I have a question for you all. I posted a few weeks ago about having a telephone interview scheduled for a position as a new grad on an L&D floor. Well, the problem is that the unit manager doesn't seem to keep her appointments. This was the second time I had scheduled to talk with her, and she did not call. Turns out she was on vacation. The previous time, 1 1/2 hours after our scheduled appt, I called the HR dept. and was told she had an "emergency". Nobody bothered to call me and reschedule. So, once again, I am scheduled to hear from her "sometime this week." My question is this: do unit managers usually schedule a broad range of times when they can potentially contact you?? Do they regularly book interviews when they know they will be on vacation?? This has me freaking out because this particular job is the one that I really want. My husband seems to think that they obviously don't need nurses on that unit or they would call. This will be my first interview for a new grad position. So, what do you all think? Am I over reacting??? Thanks for your time and your ears!!!

[renerian, BSN, RN]

I have done phone interviews for traveling and the appointment times were fairly close when they called but many times they were late calling due to floor activity. My concern is the vacation one. If someone forgets to call you and they were on vacation I am sorry that person is either way overloaded, a dimwit or very forgetful which none of those things would be good for a unit leader.

Did you try telling HR you were frustrated? Maybe you can interview with another staff member, ie) educator etc.

I would be frustrated as well.

renerian

[nekhismom]

I have told HR I was frustrated and I think that is why I did not receive an exact appt. time for the interview. This position is out of state, so a face to face is not possible at this time. I had an exact time at first, then due to the manager not calling, I was rescheduled. I have been told that the unit is being relocated from one floor to another, the manager has a lot to do, she may be overwhelmed, etc. But none of this makes me feel any better about being shafted TWICE. I have to speak to HR again today and let them know that I STILL have not been contacted. I will definately express my frustration and inquire about interviewing with another person. However, I do think they said that this manager does all of the interviews on her unit. UGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!! Frustration abounds, and I haven't even started work as a nurse yet! Thanks for the advice!

[tinyhands4Him]

I graduated in May and I encountered a similar situation at a hospital where I always got the run-a-round. I too became extremely frustrated....eventually I just came to the conclusion that I don't want to work for someone that is so stressed and understaffed that they aren't willing to make a few minutes, even if it's during overtime to talk to potential new staff...it doesn't seem like a conducive working environment for anyone, much less a new grad who is solely dependent on his or her mentors and managers. I also took it as a sign that I should not be there and that I had a place somewhere else. I politely called them and informed them of my decision to look another place for employment. It seemed to be the best decision that I've made so far and I love the job I'm in now. I too really wanted that job...perfect place, perfect hospital, and perfect job....apparently that was only how it seemed...sometimes you can learn a lot about how the unit will be run from your correspondance, or lack there of, with the manager. Good luck in whatever your decision might be. Just make sure not to settle...you deserve the best and there are tons of opportunities out there right now because of the shortage!