I want to curl up in a ball and cry

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I posted earlier this month asking for job advice because I received 2 offers for full time RN positions on my first attempt at finding an RN position out of college. I took a SNF job at a major hospital in my area. The woman in HR told me they would run my information after i was "marked hired" and no news was good news and wait for them to call me. So i did. For 2 weeks. Finally a week before my orientation i heard nothing, so i called. HR said i was never "marked hired" and to talk to the woman who hired me. So i called her. 15 times. Then she called back and said she didn't know what was going on, and would figure it out and call me back. I called another 30 times over the next 2 days. She called back to say her secretary who "marks hired" was on vacation for the week, that HR didn't know, and she would get a hold of the secretary at home and call me back. that was last Thursday. My orientation was the 26th. Never heard back, never got an answer. So i called the job i turned down, and very humbly asked to still be considered for another position on the unit that i applied for that day. So i just keep filling out applications, and trying. I had 2 offers, now i have nothing. AND i wasted 3 weeks. I busted my little butt to pass my boards before the rest of my class did so i wouldn't be competing with 70 other new grads for jobs.. and now i am.

I want to curl up in a ball and cry.

I think they reverse the hiring process because how would they break the news to you after marked hired you tested positive for drug or poor background. I think it makes more sense to offer the job first without marked as hired until you are cleared.

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Jennifer I am sorry this happened to you. If you were offered the job you were offered the job, I would have thought I was hired to. Now I have learned something knew today. I wish you all the best in your job search.

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alas, alas, it's not real until it's on paper. handshakes should be good enough, somebody's word should be good enough, but it's not like that anymore we hear this story so often. new grads, never, never, never celebrate until you have the letter in your hand that uses the words "date of hire," gives you a rate of pay, and tells you the day you are expected to appear for orientation. there are no exceptions to this rule. i don't care if it's your mother who's the head of hr, it's not on until it's on paper.

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Specializes in NICU, Pediatrics.

I'm so sorry that happened to you. I can't stand it when employers jerk you around! The waiting is already excruciating when you really really want that special job, but to be told you have it and then be ignored is just rude!

And I'm tired of people saying new grads are entitled and expect to be handed a job. I have not seen that to be true at all. Just because she expects not to be lied to and have her time wasted makes her spoiled and entitled? Please...

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maybe there's no lying going on here. maybe it's just good old-fashioned snafu, bad communication, and her bad luck to be there that day. maybe "marked for hire" or whatever that is means something different to an hr person than a new grad. when in doubt, always, always ask. it is perfectly understandable how she feels. but let's not go attributing to malice what could be just plain error.

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Specializes in NICU, Pediatrics.

I don't think they were maliciously toying with her, no. It probably was a mistake or the fault of poor organization. But they told her she was hired when she was not and they wasted her time and possibly cost her her backup job as well.

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.

Well, the good news is that you have two managers in a large hospital who both like you.

After you have yourself a good cry, straighten yourself out of that little ball, get up, and write each of them a very polite note explaining something of what happened and reiterating how much you'd like to work there. Also include a comment about contacting them from time to time to see if they have any openings. Also tell them that you'd be happy to pick up PRN shifts, short-notice call, day-to-night shifts, etc. You might also tell them of your plans to get ACLS, etc while you're waiting for another opening.

Things should work out for you. You must be an excellent candidate if they both wanted to hire you.

Whatever you do, don't criticize HR or anybody else. Stay positive in your communications.

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Specializes in ICU.

It could be anything from poor management on their part, or maybe they actually have another nurse in mind (from internally) who wants that job, and they are waiting to see about their staffing at this particular time. You passed the tests, and apparently passed the interview, too, so this isn't about you. You were fine. If you haven't already, maybe sent a "thank you" letter to the manager of that particular department, thanking her/him for the interview and their time. Include your phone numbers, etc. You never know, you may still get that call back! This happened to me once; I was notified I had the job on the second day that orientation started, so I missed the first day. Keep the faith.

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I am going thru this as well and am not a new grad. However when I got my 1st job after graduation..they basically told me I was hired on the spot and they told me orientation dates. I didnt hear anything from them for a mnth and then finally I called prior to orientation and they told me that my orientation dates were full so they moved me to the next. I was disapointed I had to wait another mnth...altogether it took 3 mnths and I got a letter in the mail from HR saying I was accepted for the position and my starting salary about 2 mnths after the interview. Right now I was basically promised a job as well and am playing this waiting game and it is getting me me but it is what is is. You are not alone!!

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I appreciate everyone's comments and kind words. I have dusted myself off, and have started my search over. I have learned from it, and will be more cautious next time before I go turning down offers. I got those 2 interviews and subsequent offers in the first 1.5 weeks i was looking, so i feel like I am a good candidate, I interview well, and I KNOW I will get something else soon. I have my heart set on this particular hospital, both because of the progressive medicine they practice there, and the amazing starting salary, so I'm going to keep applying there for now, and a few other hospitals. I was given some advice to contact the supervisor of the Nurse Manager who "lost my paperwork" or whatever happened, but i decided not to. Healthcare in this area is a small world and I'm not about to get branded trouble maker. Especially if I'm already branded "the girl who called 1,000 times"!!

Any advice on how to ask for an offer in writing if i get another verbal offer? I don't want to sound like I don't trust someones word anymore, but honestly, I don't.

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Specializes in General Internal Medicine, ICU.

Any advice on how to ask for an offer in writing if i get another verbal offer? I don't want to sound like I don't trust someones word anymore, but honestly, I don't.

After my manager offered me my current position, I asked her for a letter of hire (I told her it was for record keeping on my part and that I liked to be organized). She then printed me a temporary one while I waited for the official one to come through the mail.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

OP, sorry, but all things happen for reason....keep your chin up, something better could be just around the bend!:nurse:

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