Im just so depressed over this. I graduated in Aug of 2010 with my BSN as Magna Cum Laude. I started working PRN at a PACU outpatient center. I had my DON approach me and tell me that if I need a reference she would be more than happy to speak to people on my behalf. She actually went on to tell me that Im doing much better than the "experienced" PRN nurse they hired at the same time and I. Even the FT PACU nurses will approach me and ask me for information regarding newer procedures and medications. Which I love the fact they can come to me.
However, my issue (I think) is my personality ...or lack of.
I have Asperger Syndrome. In reality my main real problems is that I often have a flat expression, have a hard time 'bonding', and have a VERY hard time with sarcasm.
I am much better with patients. I have to focus real hard on them and try to read them as well as I can. I honestly do try to be as caring as I can. Each patient at our center takes a feedback survey which we receive back. Ive never had a negative or even neutral feedback. They've always been positive. I love that job. I *may* not look like it but I really do. FYI, I had been the first new graduate for the facility and there was no real orientation. Pretty much given patients and another nurse (who also has patients) who I can ask questions.
My problem - Im pretty sure my affect and lack of personality has been the reason I havent been offered a job after my interviews. I try to force "personality" into my face, clothing, behavior, resume, ect. Im sure the falseness of my behavior can be readily detectable.
I dont know what to do. I need a FT job. There isnt a doubt I will be an excellent nurse. With the syndrome so personal I just dont know how to go about letting the interviewer know ...if I even should.
Thanks guys. I still am really torn on what direction I should head in during an interview. Ive also considered placing aspergers support group volunteering on my resume. Perhaps that will give them an idea. Im just afraid I will be judged based on my condition. I will be easy to pass on. I know of so many unemployed BSN educated nurses. Ive also thought about trying to go through NAMI for job assistance but I feel like its forcing employers to hire me in order to prevent EOE discrimination suits.
Sorry -I have to head to work I will respond the other posts when I get home.
I too would be cautious about telling the interviewer right up front about your diagnosis. What I would tell her is when she asks about strengths and weaknesses you should talk about knowing you don't project an outgoing personality, and may come across as blunt. (you can probably come up with a better example) Say you try to be aware of that about yourself, talk about how you've maintained positive feedback from coworkers and patients, and how things get easier once everyone knows each other.
I think some of your symptoms will be obvious, and those are the ones that will get in your way the most during the interview. So address them right up front, let people know you are self aware and ready to work on good relationships. If you put out the Asperger's diagnosis the interviewer is just going to look it up after the interview when you can't provide more information. They may also assume worst case situations and dismiss your application based on their reading instead of your interview.
Im just so depressed over this. I graduated in Aug of 2010 with my BSN as Magna Cum Laude. I started working PRN at a PACU outpatient center. I had my DON approach me and tell me that if I need a reference she would be more than happy to speak to people on my behalf. She actually went on to tell me that Im doing much better than the "experienced" PRN nurse they hired at the same time and I. Even the FT PACU nurses will approach me and ask me for information regarding newer procedures and medications. Which I love the fact they can come to me.
However, my issue (I think) is my personality ...or lack of.
I have Asperger Syndrome. In reality my main real problems is that I often have a flat expression, have a hard time 'bonding', and have a VERY hard time with sarcasm.
I am much better with patients. I have to focus real hard on them and try to read them as well as I can. I honestly do try to be as caring as I can. Each patient at our center takes a feedback survey which we receive back. Ive never had a negative or even neutral feedback. They've always been positive. I love that job. I *may* not look like it but I really do. FYI, I had been the first new graduate for the facility and there was no real orientation. Pretty much given patients and another nurse (who also has patients) who I can ask questions.
My problem - Im pretty sure my affect and lack of personality has been the reason I havent been offered a job after my interviews. I try to force "personality" into my face, clothing, behavior, resume, ect. Im sure the falseness of my behavior can be readily detectable.
I dont know what to do. I need a FT job. There isnt a doubt I will be an excellent nurse. With the syndrome so personal I just dont know how to go about letting the interviewer know ...if I even should.
Can anyone provide me with any advice or tips?
Thanks, Stephanie
Personally, I'd consider letting them know - in the right context.
For example, they ask something like, "Stephanie, please tell me about a challenge that you've had to overcome."
From there you could share your personal struggle, how it sometimes impacts you, how you mitigate its impacts, and even the strengths that it offers (empathy and, in some cases, an ability to focus and/or the ability to retain and process facts).
Personally, based on my interactions with a couple of folks with Asperger's I'd quite willingly hire someone like yourself.
Ive thought about doing some test runs and add an explanation of my syndrome in the cover letter, however Ive heard that few people people actually read them.
I think I am going to contact NAMI and just verify my legal rights.
I wanted to update the you all. I have 5 interviews coming up - one on Thursday, 2 Friday, and 2 Monday. All are FT positions within hospitals. They are not aware a head of time regarding my issue and I dont think I will disclose it.
Also, one of the RN's I work with interviewed with a major hospital that will be opening soon as a nurse manager. Im really happy for her - she has been very nice to me and is a top notch nurse in my book. If she is offered the position they will allow her to 'form her own team' as this hospital will be opening soon and requiring many nurses. My coworker said she wouldnt think twice about hiring me. Im estatic about it. :yeah:They said she would know within two weeks.
Are jobs generally feast or famine like this? Was some law just passed or turned down that led to this?
Anyways, I really hope these interviews lead to somewhere nice. I dont need any more sleepless nights worrying I made a poor career decision.
How is it going for you? How did your interviews go? I hope you have found a position that you like!
- Baubo516
Actually - now I literally have 2 facilities call me each week wanting to schedule interviews. I politely turn them down as now I am a happily employed ER nurse at a local hospital.
Congratulations! I am glad to hear it worked out for you. Perhaps sometime you could share how you handled this issue in an interview situation so that others can learn from your experience.
Congratulations! I am glad to hear it worked out for you. Perhaps sometime you could share how you handled this issue in an interview situation so that others can learn from your experience.
Congrats on your job!!!
The ER position I have now is because of my coworkers. Most of the nurses I work with in the PACU are also ER nurses. The one nurse liked me so well she (without my knowledge) spoke with the nurse manager at the ER about me. The NM called and set up an interview and during the interview she told me that she had already made her mind up and was going to hire me.
To answer your question about the interviews - no, I nevered shared the information about my disorder. I just had to be conciously aware to look at people in the eye the appropriate amount. Also, you need to act and feel confident in yourself. When interviewing - the interviewer KNOWS you are a new grad/newer nurse and wont know everything but that doesnt mean you are not capable of being proficient in those skills/knowledge. Especially in departments such as ED, you need to have a 'strong personality' if necessary. We get people who can be downright intimidating but we have to step-up and take charge of the situation. Nurses cant go run for the supply closet when these patients come to us.
Im excited to work in the ER. The knowledge learned there are great everyday information too.
Im not sure how but other ER's are calling me and wanting to interview me as well. I havent updated my online resume yet with the new position and I havent applied elsewhere with the position listed. From what Ive been told - with several years ER experience I can pretty much 'write my own ticket' anywhere else in the hospital.
I would advise anyone who is considering disclosing a not so obvious disability to prospective employers to only do it if it is absolutely necessary for accomodations AFTER you have received a written job offer. It is unfair but in my experience there are legal ways for employers to skate around hiring someone they consider a liability and do so every day. Imo to think that this isn't an issue or that the ADA offers any protection before employed is naiive.
Guest03/15/15, BSN, RN
69 Posts
I can get anywhere from zero to 36 hours a week.