Need advice from hiring managers

[130tobe]

I have a dilemma- recently landed what I thought was my dream job in L&D - the unit was not a good fit and I left 8 weeks into my orientation. I was told I was doing just fine, but I couldn't stand the unprofessional behavior of several staff on the unit, and the training was also not structured well. In hindsight, I should have stuck it out long enough to transfer or find another job, but I couldn't do it- I was miserable. I do have a year of experience, but not in L&D. My question is should I mention the 8 weeks of training if I apply for another L&D position or not? Obviously I don't plan on putting it on a resume, but as far as disclosing it on apps, would it put me at a disadvantage or an advantage? I really did learn a lot during that time. Since it was such a short stint, and I didn't even stay 90 days, am I even required to list it as employment? I appreciate your advice.

[babyktchr, BSN, RN]

Here is how I will look at this. Orientation gives both you and your employer the opportunity to "try each other on" and see if it fits. It doesn't always fit for one reason or another. You give some valid reasons for leaving, and though it may have been a difficult conversaton, it probably would've been crucial to speak to your manager or whomever guides your orientation about your concerns. The biggest brightest mirror to any unit are the newbies. They really see what is going on...fresh eyes and ears. I always have long conversations with my new folks to pick their brains as to what they see, what they like, what can be improved. You may have done that, but if you hadn't it would have maybe been an alternative to leaving.

Personally, I would want you to tell me about the orientation. I don't know if you have to list it on your resume. I don't believe you do. I would want to know what happened, what you did, how you tried to rectify things etc. But, that is me.

Good luck to you

[klone, MSN, RN]

Good advice above. Can you expand on "unprofessional behavior" and in what way you felt the training was not structured well?

[llg, PhD, RN]

If you leave the job out of an application and they find out about it later, that omission might cause you to be fired. Read any applications carefully and make sure you are being honest with each answer. For example, if it asks you to list all of your employers for the last 5 years, then you MUST include it or be guilty of lying -- and lying on an application usually gets you fired with a "not eligible for re-hire" label that may prevent you from getting hired at other jobs down the road.

If you decide to omit it from your resume or application, be aware that specialty nurses in different institutions often know each other and talk about job candidates and staff. Sometimes, they move from one hospital to another -- and someone from the other hospital might recognize you. Also, credit checks often turn up former employers. So, it is much harder to "hide" former employment than you may think it is ... and you don't want to be caught at being anything less that honest.

I say "disclose" and be prepared to discuss.

[130tobe]

Thanks for the advice...first, I tried directly addressing the behavior with the person, who simply denied what I saw with my own eyes. I addressed this behavior with the educator, who said that she'd received a lot of complaints about the same individual and wanted me to put this along with my other observations on paper, which I did. Finally, I addressed my concerns about the unprofessional behavior on the unit with my manager, who basically stated "nurses eat their young" - I mean she literally used the phrase. I requested an immediate transfer within OB, as I felt this was not a good fit for me, and she did not allow it, stating I would have to apply for the open positions and see if I get one based on seniority. I wasn't willing to wait, so I resigned. I don't want to state exactly what the unprofessional behavior was, as I want to maintain the anonymity, but basically it was childish behavior. I am a professional and maintain a positive attitude. I was not the only one who was aware of the problems on the unit. Based on stories I've read and heard, there have been nurses who were treated much worse than I was, but I wasn't willing to tolerate it, especially when it looked like there was no end in sight regarding any changes from management. I'm just so frustrated- I am a second career nurse- I was in social work prior to this- why do we treat fellow professionals like we are in high school? I really wish I could give specific examples but the nursing community isn't that big, as the above poster mentioned! Thanks for the advice- esp babyktchr- you seem like an excellent manager- wish I could come work for you! I will mention my experience without bashing the unit- I just don't want it to hurt me, having left so soon. I will just focus on what I learned and explain how it wasn't a good fit. I'm so disheartened thanks for listening.

[babyktchr, BSN, RN]

Its a shame that your manager reacted in that way. While the "nurses eat their young" addage is true, it is not the right thing to do. You leaving because it was not a bad fit is not a bad thing. It happens and good for you for realizing it and making the changes you needed. You certainly addressed the situation, and tried to bring attentiion to something that is important. Can't fault you at all for that, and I would applaud you for that matter, and consider that a plus if you were sitting in front of me.

Thank you for your gracious compliment. In my world (in my own hospital, with my own rules) I would hire many of you here and have the greatest unit EVER.

Don't get disheartened. You will find your space. Use this as your springboard. You have some basics, just use them to your advantage and don't make them a disadvantage. Be a rockstar!!!

[130tobe]

Thanks again for your advice. I wanted to update you- I have an L&D interview next week! I did list the job on the app, and explained the situation on the phone and she still wanted to interview me so fingers crossed! :)