Job Hunting - I don't understand

luvmy2angels · Oct 10, 2006

This type of unprofessional behavior has become more common in recent years and many people are upset about it. It seems as if some people assume that because there is a nursing shortage, they no longer have to "sell themselves" when job hunting. Unfortunately, some hospitals are tolerating such behavior, which encourages it.
llg

I totally agree with the above. I have never worn jeans to interview but have seen several people that have. Seems unprofessional to me.

lauralassie · Oct 10, 2006

I am just curious and I don't want to sound evil, but recently I have had nurses come into my facility in jeans and t-shirts asking if we have any jobs available and then want to interview immediately.
I also receive calls from individuals looking for jobs who often speak to me in a rude manner as if I owed them something.
Keep in mind I try to be as pleasant as possible - REALLY! But is this something that a nurse, or any professional is now doing? I understand that there may be a shortage, but professionalism still counts for something, doesn't it?
Please help me to help you.
Thanks.
P.S. I have been recruiting for 9 years now, but mostly corporate, this is my first time in healthcare.

No, you are not wrong. At some point nurses need to come to terms that nursing is a profession, that the nusing shortage may not always be to their atvantage and not to burn bridges. I hear Laura Gesparis (? spelling) talk about this once. She said nurses show up to work in wrinkeled, dirty scrubs. Then, can't figure out why they're not respected. I've seen nurses I even question their sobriety because of the way they look. If we're thinking it so our physicians, patients and family.I think we neen to be direct in what we expect. Clean clothes, clothing appropriate for the occasion,(interview, class , meeting etc..) Most hospitals have guide lines for atleast 2 of the above. ) If the nurse comes to an interview dressed that way I would be tempted to say, things such as , I am impressed by your experience etc.. but: I must say, usually nurses come for an interview dressed casual but professional. If you come in a tee shirt , will you be lax in the job duties as well. Then, talk a little about professionalism in nursing. If they don't like it , then maybe , that wasn't the staff member you wanted anyway. Nurses need to be careful thinking they can't be replaced. read the tread on "what the heck are MA schools doing" under general discussion.:sofahider

nyforlove · Oct 10, 2006

Professionalism is hard to find. I have been searching for a job and been through a couple job interviews, I have been at my current job for 10 years. It has been years since I went through the interview process. I had appointment set up with a DON who started job 6 weeks prior. When I called back to make sure appointment was still set up, woman answered the phone she told me the woman left. I asked her if any positions open she told me there would be some opening up since they were firing people. That really makes me want to work for that company. Couple days later I went to another facility for an open house. They were discussing all the things that happened to the prior mentioned facility, all this while people are filling out applications and having interviews. Talk about professionalism, in a openhouse you are supposed to advocating your facility and why people would want to work there, not bring drama.

Those instances are so horrible that it's almost humorous...hope you ended up finding something notwithstanding that nonsense....

Ruby Vee, BSN · Oct 10, 2006

i can see now that some just don't get it.
it is not to the prospective employer to "loosen" up...the onus is on the prospective employee to "tighten up" their behavior/attire.
people that i have seen come to interviews dressed properly, are generally the better workers. those that cannot be bothered to change out of their jeans and at least put on dress pants, frequently are a bit slovenly in other work habits.

i've snipped part of your excellent post, but i agree with every word.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Oct 10, 2006

i'm 37...not an oldie by any means, but i wouldn't be caught dead even showing up in person to even ask about a job wearing anything less than a suit....you never knew whem they might interview you.
how someone dresses, shows how much they want the job and what kind of employee they will be.
would you believe when i was in high school, our business teachers (who were "old school"...thank god) taught us everything about how to conduct ourselves at work from carrying an extra pair of pantyhose, to taking off your nail polish altogether if you had a bad chip, to how to deal with a boss who is cheating on his wife!
nobody ever taught us that in college!

i was always taught to dress as if i might be interviewed on the spot when stopping in to pick up an application -- and sometimes i have been.

how do you deal with a boss who is cheating on his wife?

ruby

Pupnshnooter · Oct 10, 2006

I had 3 interviews scheduled today (for CHHAs) and I certainly dressed my part as the recruiter. Needless to say not one showed up!

Ruby Vee, BSN · Oct 10, 2006

i am pretty sure, if they knew how stuffy you are, about someone picking up an application in street clothes, that would be very happy the application got lost in transit, no one wants to work for anual people

whoa! expecting someone to dress nicely for any interaction with hr of a company for which they hope to work is not "anal." (or did you mean "annual?") and i for one would be happy to work for a company which treats me like the professional i am.

perfectbluebuildings, BSN, RN · Oct 10, 2006

I agree with all the posts stating to dress nicely and professionally for interviews, and also look somewhat professional when picking up applications. However, I must disagree with those who think it is so bad for someone to come in and pick up an application with their children with them. I just do not see why this should automatically make someone's application get "lost". Now to the interview- definitely do not bring your children. But what is the trouble when just picking up an application?

Pupnshnooter · Oct 10, 2006

Question...if you know that you are interested in job and have a child with you...wouldn't it be more convenient for you to call and ask if there are any available openings or to apply online???

perfectbluebuildings, BSN, RN · Oct 10, 2006

I do not see why it gives a bad impression. Say you are out to run errands and need to pick up applications as well on one trip. And many ads say "no phone calls please" or once you DO call you still have to come by to pick up the application. And many families still don't have internet access, and it can be hard to get everything together that you need to fill out an online application at the public library not to mention the time limits there. I definitely appreciate your point of view and you surely do not have an easy job. I just don't see why someone should be counted out automatically b/c they have a child or more with them when they pick up the application.

santhony44, MSN, RN, NP · Oct 10, 2006

I was visiting in a nursing home and saw a woman come in to get an application. She had on jeans, but what was truly amazing was that she had on a tee shirt with slits across the front! You could, of course, see every detail of her bra. And thank God she was wearing a bra! The DON and ADON were sitting their with their mouths open, they were so shocked.

I don't think she got hired.

Pupnshnooter · Oct 10, 2006

I do not see why it gives a bad impression. Say you are out to run errands and need to pick up applications as well on one trip. And many ads say "no phone calls please" or once you DO call you still have to come by to pick up the application. And many families still don't have internet access, and it can be hard to get everything together that you need to fill out an online application at the public library not to mention the time limits there. I definitely appreciate your point of view and you surely do not have an easy job. I just don't see why someone should be counted out automatically b/c they have a child or more with them when they pick up the application.

While I do see your point, maybe some organizations want to see how you would present yourself when you did come in and pick up an application. A cruel tactic maybe, but it does have some validity.