Help! Job offers troubles!

Nurses Career Support

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Hello all!

I am a new grad and have applied to a few jobs two in which I got interviews for, and have had those interviews already within the same hospital just different units. I got a job offer for one of them, an icu step down unit but hadn't heard back from the other, a NICU position (my dream job!), until today when I got a phone call from HR, stating that they wanted to make me an offer for the job BUT they needed to look at internal candidates first. So I thought don't they usually look at internal candidates before they even interview much less call an external candidate back on a job? So I called back to ask a few questions, one of them being: is your application process set to where internal applicants apply before or after external candidates? In which she responded with a long pause.. and responds with " we usually release them both at the same time but I know my collegue had just released the internal job as of yesterday. Basically they screwed up. ������I'm now waiting to hear back on how long the offer stands for the first job, icu step down, stands to see if I can wait a week to hear back about the NICU job to make a real decision on which offer I want to go with. Is there anything I can do moving foward? I feel it's unfair but I don't know if I can do anything about it. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!

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Challenging HR on their practices may not have been in your best interest.

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I didn't challenge anyone. I asked a question in a professional manner. I have every right to know what's going on since I was offered a job, then told that internal candidates need to be reviewed first when in this case given the fact that they usually release both external and internal jobs at the same time and they even admitted to me they released the internal yesterday instead of at the same time like they are supposed to. Questions are never bad, and as long as they are asked correctly which mine was, okay to ask especially in nursing a field full of questions and never ending continuing education. No nurse knows everything and we are constantly asking questions!

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The response you described from the HR person led me to believe she felt put on the spot and I still do. I'm not sure about you but when I'm put on the spot it makes me feel uncomfortable and challenged. It was unwise to make a point of calling them out on their error which you did in a circuitous manner. A better question would have been "Thank you for the offer. Can you tell me how long you anticipate this will take?" HR are the gatekeepers to employment at that facility. They can withdraw any offer they have made up to the point of orientation. Some questions are better left unasked. I never stated that you were unprofessional. You asked for advice. I gave it. You responded by challenging my point of view although I'm sure you don't feel that you have. When someone takes the time to offer you the advice you requested a simple "thank you" would suffice even if you don't agree with it. Good luck in your future endeavors.

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
The response you described from the HR person led me to believe she felt put on the spot and I still do. I'm not sure about you but when I'm put on the spot it makes me feel uncomfortable and challenged. It was unwise to make a point of calling them out on their error which you did in a circuitous manner. A better question would have been "Thank you for the offer. Can you tell me how long you anticipate this will take?" HR are the gatekeepers to employment at that facility. They can withdraw any offer they have made up to the point of orientation. Some questions are better left unasked. I never stated that you were unprofessional. You asked for advice. I gave it. You responded by challenging my point of view although I'm sure you don't feel that you have. When someone takes the time to offer you the advice you requested a simple "thank you" would suffice even if you don't agree with it. Good luck in your future endeavors.

I have to agree with Wuzzie. Challenging the HR person -- even if YOU don't believe you were challenging -- probably wasn't the best move for you in this position. If you accept either job offer there (if the first isn't withdrawn and the second is offered), you're going to go into the job with a key player already somewhat put off. This might work out OK for you, but if it doesn't, please consider how you interact with HR the next time around.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I'd work on trying to salvage your relationship with the HR person. You need that person to be your friend right now. Remember: she has the power to keep the 1st offer alive while you wait to get a firm offer (or not) from the NICU. She also has the power to require a quick response from you about the 1st offer -- forcing you to choose before the NICU is ready to decide.

I would apologize for possibly putting her on the spot. I would say something like ..."I'm sorry if I put you on the spot with some of my earlier questions. I'm new at this and not really sure how to best manage this situation. I am very interested in both positions and would rather wait to hear one-way-or-the-other from the NICU before making a firm committment. Is that possible? Can you help me navigate this situation? I really want to work for your hospital and can see myself being happy in either position."

Try to keep both doors open for as long as you can -- and hope to get the Recruiter's help in doing that.

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Sorry. That was a misstep on their part.

"This is an offer, well not really an offer, it could be an offer..?"

Your plan sounds good. There's not much you can do while waiting. Making amends with the HR person won't affect the situation, as nurse managers make hiring decisions, and HR manages the administrative side.

But- good luck!! You are going to get an amazing opportunity either way, :)

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In my experience, I've found it best to be on great terms with HR. I've gotten calls out of the clear blue from HR personnel giving me a heads up on an upcoming job I was interested in. Not to suggest you were/are wrong. I wasn't there at the time and don't know the culture. Best of luck.

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