How to deal with hiring prejudice

[berniemcr]

I am having a difficult time dealing with two HR reps who are the sole gatekeepers for both externships and new grad hiring in the major healthcare facility in my area. I applied for an externship last summer as I was entering my last semester of nursing school in September adn did not have any clinical experience other that clinical time. I requested any evening or night positions they may have. I was not asked why nor did I offer that I would still have to work part time at my day job so I could keep the job through N4. I don't know about anyone else, but all through nursing school it was stressed that we could not work and pass. I worked full and part time all through school, but kept that information to myself. I felt it best not to advertise that I would also work another job as the recruiter stressed that this was full time and I would be very busy. I was never hired and never knew why.

I applied to the new grad program at this facility and was never called for an interview. Numerous phone calls and emails went unanswered until I was finally called for the two days of mass interviews. It was a terrible interview--approximately 15 minutes and a few snide remarks from these 2 individuals. I knew my resume was going nowhere. I spoke to classmates and their interviews were 45-50 minutes. Three days later I received an email that this woman sent to a manager of one unit I applied to and she accidentally copied it to me. It stated that she would not recommend me to work at XYZ Hospital. She had interviewed me for an extern position last year and my desire to work night led her to believe I wanted it so I could do less work. She did not think I could handle the work nor would I be motivated to. I sent a very upset email back and within minutes she attempted to recall the email, called my home, emailed me and called my office.

She said, I guess I made a faux pas (spelling) and she was sorry that I saw that email. She didn't feel I was qualified because I had no experience (this IS a new grad program) and I never did an externship (thanks to her). She would give my resume to a department at one of their other hospitals.

I don't know what to do. My family feels I cannot work for that hospital as for one year I would be working with these4 two people as the liason b/t the nurse managers and me. They were to be my advocate and help me. My family feels it would be a terrible match and if I was hired they would be an advocate of me going out the door and I really can't say I disagree.

I have always wanted to work for this hospital and wanted that externship. These are the only two people who deal with it.

Sorry this is so long, but any advice out there?

[jimthorp]

I applied to the new grad program at this facility and was never called for an interview. Numerous phone calls and emails went unanswered until I was finally called for the two days of mass interviews. It was a terrible interview--approximately 15 minutes and a few snide remarks from these 2 individuals. I knew my resume was going nowhere. I spoke to classmates and their interviews were 45-50 minutes. Three days later I received an email that this woman sent to a manager of one unit I applied to and she accidentally copied it to me. It stated that she would not recommend me to work at XYZ Hospital. She had interviewed me for an extern position last year and my desire to work night led her to believe I wanted it so I could do less work. She did not think I could handle the work nor would I be motivated to. I sent a very upset email back and within minutes she attempted to recall the email, called my home, emailed me and called my office.

I would take that email to the EEOC or anyone else that will listen, (even the local newspaper) and file a civil complaint for unlawful hiring practices or something like that. You may want to find a labor attorney.

You may not get hired but you can make some noise and be a thorn in their side for this kind of nonsense. Employers like this need to be taught a lesson. Hit them the only place they have sensory neurons...the pocketbook.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I would not take jimthorp's advice on this matter unless you are willing to risk never getting a nursing job in that town again. If you make a big public stink about it (particularly without trying to resolve it peacefully first), you will ruin your professional reputation and may find yourself unwanted by all the hospitals in the area. You'll be labled a trouble-maker and no one wants to hire a trouble-maker.

I would take all of your evidence to the supervisor of those 2 people and ask that person to assist you in resolving the situation. Be polite, pleasant, etc. Reinterate how much you would like to work for that hospital. Recognize that by not telling them of your other committments last year, you opened the door for them to speculate about your motivation. You did nothing wrong, but it led to speculation that has hurt your career. Set the record straight. Clear up any misunderstandings. Show a willingness to accept an apology and some assistance with your career.

In short ... Help them help you.

Immediately blowing up and seeking revenge in a big public splashy way might feel good at the moment .... But in the long run, it will make you enemies that will might hurt your career. Talking with their supervisor and asking for his/her help in resolving your situation will give the hospital a chance to "make it right" for you .... while simultaneously bringing the bad behavior of those 2 people to the attention of their boss.

Good luck,

llg

[berniemcr]

Thank you so much for your responses. I have decided to wait until after my NCLEX (2/8 think of me)until I do anything. I tend to lean toward a reprimand for them so they do not continue to do this as I have heard from other grads that their reception was less than warm and inviting. I tend to think they have their own problems that they are displacing.

I will let you know how/if it turns out but any advise is welcome. This has bothered me very much as I have wanted to work for this hospital especially due to the new grad program.

[Jo Dirt]

I'm also facing hiring discrimination in my area, and it looks like I may enf up having to drive 70 miles to Nashville just to get a hospital job. From what I can see around these small town (hick...who are you related to?) areas, the hospitals tend to be very clique-ish. I hate to refer to these people as hicks but essentially that is what they are proving themselves to be. They run ads in the paper for a postiton and when you go apply they act like they don't know why you have come in.

This even occurred in a nursing home here. I've been blacklisted for some unknown reason. Turns out this was a good thing because the place is a dump and is falling down and I was told by an employee who left if you value your license don't go there, anyway.

I'm just sick of trying to deal with them. In the end it's their loss, because I am a very motivated worker.