interview from hell

[grv68]

I met up with the Nurse Recruiter at a facility north of a major city. I am reminded how much the job hunt sucks and why I refer to Human Resources as Inhuman Resources. Many of my classmates are struggling to find jobs. We are all ASN nurses and the reasons vary from timing of the next orientation (please come back later), or not accepting new grads (we are full), or you need a BSN (you need a BSN or a year of experience before applying here). Many of us are discouraged but we keep trying, and as you read you will see I try to have a sense of humor about it all. I don't know if it is my city but the hospitals we have encountered are for the most part indifferent to us, and in some cases downright rude and dismissive. Outside the state many of us are receiving interest and the red carpets and one of my classmates took a position outside the state (an option for the single and unattached). I understand folks are busy and have job stress but the rudeness is uncalled for.

My handler was this ruddy faced guy who had to clear piles of paperwork from a chair so I could take a seat. The rest of the office look like it belonged to a government clerk with unprocessed stacks of triplicate forms, although he had two nice amateur photographer Italian scenes on the wall that hinted some sense of civilization and culture, or a momentary enthusiasm of a hobby long dead. I am not sure why he wanted to see me because when I had applied for a med-surg position I was told by him and his colleague at an affiliated location that all their new grad positions were full and possibly not opening up again until October. He invites me anyway and I look at this as an opportunity for interviewing with a chance I could be placed on a future incoming list.

I should preface this by saying I am a career changer and have dealt with HR before. My approach with HR types is to smile, keep my answers short and concise, and simply let them run their charm since they usually have a scripted line or two of how wonderful their place is to work for and how you are so fortunate to be selected because of your numerous skills and talents. I always research the facility's mission statement and history and try to ask important questions. A good "fit" is important to me.

I park it in the chair and the phone rings.

He answers. He is fifteen minutes on the phone with intervals of his mouthing "Sorry" several times to me like he is a goldfish deprived of air. He then explains to me that their orientation is 8-12 weeks, run during the days, and it is a union hospital so I would have to join the union. No problem for me. He informs me that he has no openings at the moment except some odd night positions, and the facility runs orientation every other week. He is glad that I am interested in full-time because the facility has a strict policy that new grads work days and 40hrs weekly because that makes them a good nurse. He also says new grads are not allowed to work twelves. I uttered one sentence that I am indeed interested in full time. He says he is happy because he is exasperated by new grads that only want to work 24hrs weekly.

Phone rings again. Another few minutes but not as long. I am thinking of the slain gladiators that probably were on the floor of the Coliseum looking out to the Palatine Hill in his wall photograph. Ave cæsar! Morituri te saltamus! (Hail Caesar! Those of us about to die, salute you).

He returns to his captive.

I ask about ratios and retention. He responds that ratio is all dependent on acuity. Fair enough. As for retention, he adds that nurses are so happy that they stay forever and a day (his words).

Phone rings. It is clear from the conversation that a nurse had given notice and the nurse manager is hyperventilating on the phone for a replacement. Lets put this way if I can hear it from three feet away she was hyperventilating.

I am smiling and looking pleasant. He asks me if I am interested in an oncology floor position on Floor X. Uh, (thinking to myself) this must be the nurse leaving. I mentioned I had some modest oncology experience (200hrs as a Student Nurse). I asked about the ratio and how many OCNs are on the floor. He tells me it is a heavy floor with 6-7 patients sometimes 7-9 per nurse and that I would still have orientation on days and they can work (just for special me) an orientation at nights with an experienced nurse. I continue smiling. He adds that the floor sometimes has psych and med-surg overflow. I nod in understanding. The position is nights: two twelves and two eights.

Phone rings again. 3 minutes.

Starting rate is mid twenty per hour and change that goes up a dollar at the end of next month per union contract and then there is the shift differential for nights (11-7) and every other holiday/weekend requirement adding another small increase.

Phone rings again. 5 minutes.

He said he will talk to the nurse manager about an interview with her and let me know some time next week. Whatever.

I was polite and civil but certainly didn't feel the love. There were too many contradictions between the "corporate line" and the reality l can infer between the lines. My gut instinct tells me orientation would be a mixed bag from days to getting used to a regular night shift.

5 phone calls him, two to three sentences, me.

[mom4josh]

Well, if nothing else, I got a good laugh from your detailed description of your interview! Hope you have a better experience next time.

I can guarantee that if you lived in Central Texas, you would have a job already!

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Wow.

I know you would be hired in a heartbeat in an LTC, but I also know that isn't what you want. And in this rural area nurses are in such short supply you could walk into any hospital and get hired.

Good luck. That really bites.

[goshin706]

lol, sounds like you would be just as good at writing as you are at nursing. that story was very descriptive, i felt like i was sitting next to you....good luck:monkeydance:

[GingerSue]

it would have been nice if he had put his message receiver on while he was interviewing you,

but, he didn't (it's nice to have someone's undivided attention)

- and because of that, the information about the need for an oncology position became known - possibly an opportunity for you

[shotnbum]

When I read experiences such are yours....it makes me cringe! I have worked in HR for the past three years. However, I am a RN and have worked in the HR dept as a Nurse Recruiter. I really try to help fellow nurses find a unit/position that will be a good fit for them. Also, since I am a nurse, I feel I understand at least some of the things that are important to each of us as nurses.

I hope you have a better experience at your next interview. Personally, if I were treated as you describe, I would think it was a good indicator of the type of facility it is and move on.

Good luck in your career search. Not all Recruiters are as inpersonal, unprofessional and rude as the one your ran into!!

Leah

[Dolce, RN]

Hey, if nursing doesn't work out you can always become a writer! You have a great writing style--keep up the good work.

Now, about the job. If I were you I would post my resume online (Monster.com, absolutelyhealthcare.com, Careerbuilder.com, etc) and let the recruiters find YOU. You may be surprised to learn that there are many, many, many places in the country where new grads are not only desired, but highly sought after and valued! Keep your chin up, you'll get a job.

[jjjoy, LPN]

Great description! I hope you continue to share your nursing experiences in writing.

[nurz2be]

Come to central Florida, heck Florida in general. They can't graduate enough nurses here to keep up with the patients. I am a new student nurse, I graduate spring 2009, I already have a job lined up. Meaning the hospitals come ASAP when a new group starts and you sign a conditional contract. I mean the local hospital here has postings for almost 50 RN jobs, 1 hospital. This state is overcrowded and getting more everyday. It is strange for me to hear how hard it is for people to find jobs in nursing when the whole country is basically crying for nurses. Anyways, sorry you had the interview from hell. Seriously, move to Florida. You will find a job and be working in a week.:balloons:

[Crux1024]

I did enjoy your story! It was nicely written, if you cant get a job at the hospital, submit a resume to your local newspaper!! :)

good Luck!

[AngBthatsme]

Move to central Florida, you can have your pick of where you want to go as a new grad. Its scary!!

[RN1121]

"He is fifteen minutes on the phone with intervals of his mouthing "Sorry" several times to me like he is a goldfish deprived of air."....quoted by grv68...........................:rotfl: