Hospital rescinding job offers, can this happen?

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Aug 30, 2007

I would think that this might depend on if this occurred in a "right to work/at will" state or otherwise.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Aug 30, 2007

In a word: No.

I'm sorry, but the way things are in today's world, employers "owe" their employees precious little---not money, not benefits, certainly not loyalty. And if you're not actually on the payroll, they don't owe you anything at all.

That's reality. All you can do is learn from it---don't turn down other job offers until you've signed one on the dotted line and started orientation---and move on.

Best of luck to you.

holdensjane · Aug 30, 2007

well they've hired me and I turned down my other offer cause it was "official" as I asked twice. The job I turned down starts next week and I still haven't gotten paperwork on the job I acccepted. They said it would be two days, its now been a week and it makes me a little nervous as I have my reservations related to the offer. What would you recommend. I was thinking about going into the office myself and asking tomorrow. When does the offer become legally binding? I am a NG who needs to support my dad so I can afford to be left without a job. It almost makes me want to call my other offer back if the place where I accepted won't give me a hard/fast answer. The reason I declined the offer was because my dad is sick and I want to be as close to home as possible, they were understanding and wanted me to let them know i change my mind. They were willing to take for the next program if I wanted, but I think they might still take me for the upcoming program next week if I call ask. It would be difficult for my situation, but I'd rather have something to work with than nothing at all. THe offer I accepted doens't start til late october, in the meantime I'm still an aide, so the wait makes me sooo nervous.

Katnip, RN · Aug 30, 2007

The offer isn't official until the paperwork is signed. If it isn't documented, it didn't happen.

Have you called and asked them about where the paperwork went? That should be your next step. If they can't tell you right away or allow you to go there to sign, I'd call the other place as your backup. If the more convenient job does come through even while you're on orientation you can leave that and go to the more convenient one.

woody62, RN · Aug 30, 2007

I'm sorry but this potential employer doesn't owe you even the time of day. Until you get a written offer of employment or until you actually start working, this employer owes you nothing. Even in a state where there are unions and contracts, employers have probationary periods. And you can be terminated without cause during that time period. I am sorry for your situation.

Woody:balloons:

holdensjane · Aug 30, 2007

I'm sorry but this potential employer doesn't owe you even the time of day. Until you get a written offer of employment or until you actually start working, this employer owes you nothing. Even in a state where there are unions and contracts, employers have probationary periods. And you can be terminated without cause during that time period. I am sorry for your situation.
Woody:balloons:

if I sign the offer of employment does that seal it? or do I have to actually start working?

Music in My Heart · Aug 30, 2007

Have you called and asked them about where the paperwork went? That should be your next step. If they can't tell you right away or allow you to go there to sign, I'd call the other place as your backup. If the more convenient job does come through even while you're on orientation you can leave that and go to the more convenient one.

I agree with the first half but I think taking the alternative as a backup and then bailing out during orientation for the other job is unprofessional.

Even if you have a signed offer sheet doesn't mean that they can't rescind it or terminate you right after you start (unless you've got a contract to the contrary) so if you question the stability of that place, I'd not go there to begin with.

woody62, RN · Aug 30, 2007

if I sign the offer of employment does that seal it? or do I have to actually start working?

I don't know. I would call either your city, county or state bar association and ask for the names of three attorney's, in your area, that practice employment law. For a small fee, you are entitled to their time for one hour. An attorney should be able to answer your question in that amount of time.

Woody:balloons:

Selke · Aug 30, 2007

A written job offer is not binding. Usually an offer is contingent on passing the preemployment physical and drug screen. If you have restrictions placed on you by the person doing your physical the manager may decide to un-hire you. HR can also take a very, very long time to process paperwork.

teenycar · Aug 31, 2007

Interesting to say the least. I have a similar story. I went in and interviewed on a MICU two days ago. She offered me a job. I told her I had one more interview to complete and I would give her my answer afterward. She agreed to hold the job for me until I completed my last interview 3 days later. She called yesterday to tell me she decided to fill the position. Is she obligated to live up to her word? Not really. It was disappointing, but she seemed concerned about filling the job by the end of the week and I can see her concerns if I decided not to take the job. On the other hand, do I really want to work for someone who can't live up to her word over a simple situation? Not really. I guess what I am saying is, you might want to consider this as an insight into how the people above you operate. I think a simple call would give you some answers to your questions. Good luck.

blueheaven · Aug 31, 2007

if a hospital offers you a job, leading you to turn down other job offers, but then rescinds the decision claiming whatever reason, what can you do? Are they legally bound to you once they make the offer even if they haven't sent you any paper work?

No, they aren't. Almost all facilities have an "at will" clause in their applications. This happened to me too. When our community hospital closed, I had to go on unemployment until I could find another job. So you KNOW that didn't pay the bills. This one hospital interviewed me and gave me a tour of the facility. They told me to go ahead and apply for state licensure (which all totaled cost $200. which I really didn't have) and to call back to set up orientation. When I got my license, called them and they told me that they decided not to hire me. I asked why and they wouldn't give me a reason. Another local hospital did the exact same thing!!! My work record was fine, the only reason I could think of was my credit was in the gutter at that time.