Hostile work environment

[cometothecradle]

I recently left a job, the reason was because of a hostile work enviroment, would it be a bad idea to put that on a job application for the "reason for leaving"

[Shamrock, BSN, RN]

Ummmm, yeah, probably not a good idea, but guess it depends

on how much you want another job.

[redshiloh]

I don't think so..just be prepared to explain that at your interview in a calm and rational manner. DO NOT bad-mouth the other facility, that just makes you look bad.

[colleen10]

As someone who used to be a recruiter and did a bit of hiring I would say that you should not put that on any application or mention it in an interview.

It would be better to say that you are looking for new opportunities or had learned just about all that you possibly could in your last job, ie. got bored.

I have interviewed people who, when asked why they left their last job, responded that they had this or that issue with their co-workers, etc. and have passed them by every time. It sends up a red flag. True, you may have had the co-workers from you know where, but it can make an interviewer think that you are not a team player, nit pick over little things,

have trouble getting along with others, etc.

My advice is that it's best to not mention it at all.

[SirJohnny]

Cometothecradle:

- Never-Ever put down negative comments as to why you left a previous job.

- The reason you see this "reason for leaving" box on applications is due to the fact that recruiters see that as an easy "red flag" to catch you with.

- As Colleen10 mentioned, ANYTHING negative about a previous employer shows you are a team player. Therefore, do not put anything negative on resume/on application. And do not say anything negative about previous employer at intervirew.

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- That being said...how do you cover your heinny/butt/rear-end?

1. You need a story -- and you need to practice your story.

Example: You left to pursure other opportunities -- usually good enough excuse.

2. I would look at interview texts at bookstore (don't need to buy - just look). Find some good "stories" to cover your rear-end.

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Regarding legal issues:

- Most (if not all facilities) will give dates of employment and that's about it. Most will not elaborate due to legal issues.

- Make sure you have good references. Not sure how hospital industry works -- but in computer profession, references never seem to get called.

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- Important thing. Your question, while valid, is not something to loose sleep over. So don't let this issue hold you back. If you feel you are ready - then jump back into the game.

- And in reality...that's all a job search is...a game.

Good luck,

John Coxey

[merrynurse]

I agree with Colleen, don't mention it if you don't have to

[ceecel.dee, MSN, RN]

All of us are looking for positive, problem-solving employees...so, no...I'm not sure you could put a positive spin on "left due to hostile work environment".

[Marty1]

I wouldn't mention it either , you never know when or if you have to go back to where you came from but rather simply say your looking for new opportunities for growth and learning.

[Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN]

I have written "poor working conditions" on applications as my reason for leaving a particular job. When the interviewer asks me about it, I use that as an opening to ask about working conditions, nurse : pt ratios. etc. at the perspective new job. I've found this to be helpful, and have not been passed over for jobs.

I stayed at the particular job for only three months. I know that doesn't look good on an app or resume. So, I give the true and honest reason I left the job: poor working conditions.

If employers are freaked out and put off by the phrases "poor working conditions" or "hostile work environment" on an app, maybe they have their heads in the sand as far as the real reasons for the nursing shortage, and are not concerned about working conditions, retention and issues in nursing. I don't want to work for employers like that.

[renerian, BSN, RN]

I would not mention it either. People could think you were trouble.

JMHO

renerian

[angelbear]

What ever happened to honesty being the best policy? I agree we should avoid being negative as much as possible but when asked tell the truth for pete sake. I did in my interview and do you know why? Because if they were like my former place I did not want to work for them. In these times nurses generally at leaste in most places can pretty much afford to be choosey. Why leave the frying pan for the fire. BTW I got the job and am still there 2 yrs later.

[mattsmom81]

Good point Angelbear. When we hedge too much, we also allow these poor working conditions to proliferate. Nurses tend to say nothing, just leave 'on a good note' and the problem never gets addressed.

Trouble is, if we speak up honestly and assertively we are often crucified for it....which creates the passive aggressive nurse behavior we see in so many today.

Just this week one of my excellent coworkers received 'bad attitude' marks on her eval. The reason was because she was raising staffing and poor care issues to this manager, who obviously did not want to hear about it....these types of managers get their revenge when we are honest.