Misled during job interview, realized after being employed for several months

ktwlpn, LPN · Dec 3, 2007

during my interview (and in advertisements that the facility is posting currently) i was told that there was education for nurses and opportunities for professional growth.
i am a new grad and that what sealed the deal for me (i had one other job offer that was further from my home). after being employed for several months there is no education, no mention of classes available at other facilities, and no mentoring. i am dissappointed and discouraged...i always have questions...either there is no one available (the charge nurse leaves the floor to have a smoke or is rude to me when i do have a question and more often than not i get an "i don't know" or different answers from the nurses). there is no one i feel that is a role model or has enough expereince that i can feel confident in them.
i want to quit, but can't find another job.
any feedback would be helpful, whether it be about my experiences or thoughts on being misled on interview.

contact your hr department for info on tuition re-imbursement.that is probably what they are touting in their ads.they have to provide a certain number of inservice hours annually for each nurse-you'll hear about that soon because they have to remain in compliance.as for professional growth they probably mean first bid on other job opening within the facility.are you a nurse or aide? learn where your policy and procedure books are-when you have a question look it up-this will help you reatin the info.i also carry a small notebook with the most often used p and p for quick reference.good luck

pagandeva2000, LPN · Dec 3, 2007

Most places will advertize or exaggerate their best assets in order to attract or retain nurses so this is no surprize to me. I would try and remain at this place for a year, unless you are totally miserable so that you can use their name on your resume. I also suspect that this may be a tuition reimbursment offering. Also, inquire if they have on line access to obtain CEUs.

Natkat, BSN, MSN, RN · Dec 3, 2007

For places that offer tuition assistance, you usually have to be there six months before you qualify. Then you pay for the class and they reimburse you after you can show that you passed the class. I've gotten a lot of classes under my belt that way.

santhony44, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 3, 2007

You'll know in the future to ask more detailed questions about exactly what they mean by education and opportunities. They're going to put as positive a spin on everything as they can, so you have to ask pretty detailed questions.

For example, with tuition reimbursement, ask if you have to be there a certain length of time before you can get it, how much you can get, and what kind of commitment do you have to make to the institution. I've worked places that had X amount of dollars available, period, so it might be divided by however many people were requesting the reimbursement. Or, it might be given out on a first-come, first-served basis and you could be left out altogether. Most places also require a time commitment; for example, if you leave within a year of getting the $$ then you pay back a prorated amount.

Ask questions about classes, too. They may offer certain things but only once or twice a year.

Unfortunately these are the kinds of things we often learn through experience.

allnurses Guide · Dec 3, 2007

You need to go to HR and get things clarified. Make an appointment today.

steph

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 3, 2007

Some of the more unscrupulous hiring managers will say and do anything to get enough warm-bodied nurses hired, so that the facility's staffing needs will be filled at that point in time. They'll embellish on the supposedly good aspects of working at the potential place of employment by using buzz words with positive connotations such as 'education,' 'support,' 'mentoring,' and 'growth.'

However, the hiring manager will never in a million years mention the negative aspects of working at the facility such as 'high employee turnover rates,' 'low morale,' 'no teamwork,' or 'uncompetitive pay.' After all, their job is to get you hired and sold on the place. Once you're an employee, anything goes...

S.T.A.C.E.Y, LPN · Dec 4, 2007

Did you not clarify exactly what those vague recruitment phrases actually were going to mean to you as a new grad?

"education for nurses and opportunities for professional growth. "

I think every hospital I've ever seen recruiting has said that, but when you actually ask what that entails you get answers from across the spectrum. I think you need to call HR, and talk with a recruiter. Pretend you're looking for a job there, and would like to know exactly what these statements mean, and what opportunities they offer to new grads. Then make an appt to speak with your manager, or go down to HR to make sure you get exactly what they are offering. Tell them the deal you've been given is unacceptable, and the reason you came to work there was because of the opportunities you were told they would be offering you. Ask them how they plan to get these for you.

ASSEDO · Dec 4, 2007

some of the more unscrupulous hiring managers will say and do anything to get enough warm-bodied nurses hired, so that the facility's staffing needs will be filled at that point in time. they'll embellish on the supposedly good aspects of working at the potential place of employment by using buzz words with positive connotations such as 'education,' 'support,' 'mentoring,' and 'growth.'
however, the hiring manager will never in a million years mention the negative aspects of working at the facility such as 'high employee turnover rates,' 'low morale,' 'no teamwork,' or 'uncompetitive pay.' after all, their job is to get you hired and sold on the place. once you're an employee, anything goes...

the commuter said it loud and clear. facilities will mis-represent the truth just to get a nurse hired. after you are hired, you learn the real truth. hospitals know it difficult financially, and emotionally draining to change jobs.

Valerie Salva, BSN, RN · Dec 4, 2007

During my interview (and in advertisements that the facility is posting currently) I was told that there was education for nurses and opportunities for professional growth.

Did you ask about the specifics of the education and growth opportunities in your inteview?

These are things you need to actively pursue in any job; they won't just fall into your lap.

That being said, the primary goal of nurse recruiters is the same as that of military recruiters, and used car salesmen- luring people in.

Agnus · Dec 4, 2007

during my interview (and in advertisements that the facility is posting currently) i was told that there was education for nurses and opportunities for professional growth.
i am a new grad and that what sealed the deal for me (i had one other job offer that was further from my home). after being employed for several months there is no education, no mention of classes available at other facilities, and no mentoring. i am dissappointed and discouraged...i always have questions...either there is no one available (the charge nurse leaves the floor to have a smoke or is rude to me when i do have a question and more often than not i get an "i don't know" or different answers from the nurses). there is no one i feel that is a role model or has enough expereince that i can feel confident in them.
i want to quit, but can't find another job.
any feedback would be helpful, whether it be about my experiences or thoughts on being misled on interview.

it is time for you to go to your manager and ask. tell them this was the thing that made you choose this over another position.