Hiring freeze?

[rubyagnes, BSN]

Hello,

I had two interviews a couple of weeks ago for ICU positions at both UNC and Duke and I felt that each interview went really well. I was given a good amount of onboarding information, including benefits package info, incentive package info, etc. Essentially I was given a new hire packet for each facility. Then... crickets. No response. I was told outright by UNC that the hiring process might be delayed a couple weeks due to COVID related issues, but it's been a couple weeks. I sent out thank you emails to both facilities. UNC responded saying they'd try to respond to me with an update by the end of last week (no update).

I can see on both sites my application was accepted, I’m listed as interviewing, the job itself still says active under my applications, but when I search for the specific job via the reference code I can’t find the exact job offer on their search site I’m not sure if that’s a good thing, like they’re going to offer me the position, or if it’s not good....

 I don't want to nag them, but I also am really anxious about if I'm going to be hired for either position, or if I should keep applying to more jobs. I really don't want to apply to a bunch of jobs and deal with all of the paperwork/references/etc unless I really have to, but I also don't want to miss any opportunities. I really wish they'd just give an update so I'm not in limbo It's so stressful.

If you work at either UNC or Duke, have you heard about any hiring freezes, furloughs, or reduction of benefits at your facility? Or have you heard of any other triangle area facilities announcing hiring freezes, furloughs, or reduction of benefits, etc?

Thanks in advance!

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

You should keep applying for more jobs. The fact that they gave you info on benefits, pay etc doesn't mean an impending job offer. Never stop applying until you have an offer in hand that you are happy with. You aren't in limbo at all. You are looking for work.

Best of luck.

[Enarra, BSN, RN]

Keep applying until you get a signed job offer because verbal means nothing. Best of luck!!

[amoLucia]

Both previous PPs said it all. Keep on looking. Things might still work out for you with those earlier interviews.

[rubyagnes, BSN]

@Nurse SMS @Enarra @amoLucia
Thank you all for your responses. Both jobs got back to me stating they are waiting for HR to "officially clear" the jobs to move ahead and that I am still being considered. They both stated hiring has been delayed due to COVID and many people working remotely are just returning to their offices. I'll still apply for more positions in the meantime. Is it in poor taste to apply to other positions within the same hospitals while I'm waiting for their response on my initial applications, or would it be more beneficial to check out other facilities?

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

Not in poor taste, but you already know they don't have an efficient hiring process in place right now. You can still apply at the same place, but definitely diversify.

[jleveille]

I'm in the same boat in Philadelphia. I had loads of virutal interviews in March and April and then the HR people said to expect delays. Most have stopped contacting me or replying, while sometimes I get updates from CHOP that their residency is still on hold. I've been applying to jobs consistently but haven't had any luck. Pushing through though!