New Grad- Landed job, but it got rescinded due to physical

Published

I am having a hard time dealing with landing a dream job, and then getting it taken away. I was just wondering what other people would have done in the situation?

I had a job interview, it went perfect. I got the job offer and everything was fine until I had my physical. Everything went well, or so I thought. After I left they called me back. They brought in a NP to evaluate me. The main concern was my hands were shaking a little. The minute the NP said something about it, they got 10 times worse. There were two people bombarding me with questions. Asking if it was medications, or normal. I told them that I have a fine hand tremor, but the medication I was on was effecting it right now. I also told them that the concentration on my hands were making it worse. I had never had a problem in clinical because I adapted to it. All my clinical instructors knew. I even included my hand tremors in my interview with the nurse manager. The questioned my skills, and had me practice several things. First was to recap a needle- what we were always told never to do. That didn't go as well as hoped because I never do it. Then they asked me to draw up fluid from a bottle with the needle. I put the needle in and it bent. They said that was because of my hands shaking. With a new needle I did it fine. The other things went okay with how nervous they made me and all of their comments. The NP told me it wasn't a big deal, but I would get a call the next week. Well, the next week I got the call saying the rescinded the job offer.

Being a new grad, and getting a job and then it being taken away for something that was never an issue is just upsetting. I am curious what other people's opinions were?

My clinical instructor said I should have brought them my clinical documents and shown it wasn't a problem (didn't think of this till a month later.) Someone else said I should of told them it was discrimination. But, my approach was to try and let it go and keep applying to other jobs. I didn't feel that I wanted to work for a hospital that didn't want me.

I am hoping after getting opinions and later on when I get my first job that I can officially let this go, but as of now it is still very upsetting. Thank you everyone :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

SO sorry that this happened to you, how frustrating =( Will they reconsider with your documentation from clinicals? I hope something works out for you soon!

However, whoever told you that what they did was discrimination needs to be smacked and directed to actually learn the definition of discrimination. SO tired of hearing this word tossed about when people really have no clue what it really means!

I am having a hard time dealing with landing a dream job, and then getting it taken away. I was just wondering what other people would have done in the situation?

I had a job interview, it went perfect. I got the job offer and everything was fine until I had my physical. Everything went well, or so I thought. After I left they called me back. They brought in a NP to evaluate me. The main concern was my hands were shaking a little. The minute the NP said something about it, they got 10 times worse. There were two people bombarding me with questions. Asking if it was medications, or normal. I told them that I have a fine hand tremor, but the medication I was on was effecting it right now. I also told them that the concentration on my hands were making it worse. I had never had a problem in clinical because I adapted to it. All my clinical instructors knew. I even included my hand tremors in my interview with the nurse manager. The questioned my skills, and had me practice several things. First was to recap a needle- what we were always told never to do. That didn't go as well as hoped because I never do it. Then they asked me to draw up fluid from a bottle with the needle. I put the needle in and it bent. They said that was because of my hands shaking. With a new needle I did it fine. The other things went okay with how nervous they made me and all of their comments. The NP told me it wasn't a big deal, but I would get a call the next week. Well, the next week I got the call saying the rescinded the job offer.

Being a new grad, and getting a job and then it being taken away for something that was never an issue is just upsetting. I am curious what other people's opinions were?

My clinical instructor said I should have brought them my clinical documents and shown it wasn't a problem (didn't think of this till a month later.) Someone else said I should of told them it was discrimination. But, my approach was to try and let it go and keep applying to other jobs. I didn't feel that I wanted to work for a hospital that didn't want me.

I am hoping after getting opinions and later on when I get my first job that I can officially let this go, but as of now it is still very upsetting. Thank you everyone :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Education.
SO sorry that this happened to you, how frustrating =( Will they reconsider with your documentation from clinicals? I hope something works out for you soon!

However, whoever told you that what they did was discrimination needs to be smacked and directed to actually learn the definition of discrimination. SO tired of hearing this word tossed about when people really have no clue what it really means!

Nope - not discrimination ... in terms of Federal labor laws. If there is pre-employment evidence that the individual cannot perform all the work that is included in the job, the applicant is not "qualified" to perform the job. If the problem is due to a documented (and covered) "disability", then the employer would have to show that the could not accommodate the disability without placing an undue burden on the employer. In this case, fine motor skills is a bona fide occupational qualification for performing the job. The burden of proof is on the OP - to show that her nervous tremor would not affect ability to do the job.

Discrimination can only be claimed if you are a member of a "protected class" based on specific demographic information. Then, you would have to prove that the actual reason that you did not get the job was due to that demographic - such as age, minority status, religion, etc. This is extremely hard to prove. Successful cases are usually based on aggregate information - e.g., no one over 50 has been hired in the last 10 years.

Unfair labor practices is a different category - usually due to one of two issues... either they used a different selection method for you than everyone else who applied for that job or they used a testing method that was not reliable, valid and bias-free for all applicants.

Just a thought - I know that people who suffer extreme performance anxiety are sometimes prescribed low doses of a beta-blocker to control physical symptoms. Maybe the OP could discuss this with her physician?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in HIV, Psych, GI, Hepatology, Research.

I also have fine hand tremors. I don't take anything for it. Some people notice and chalk it up to nerves. It's not nerves but it also never hinders my nursing abilities. I do wish that I could prevent it from happening but the more I focus on it the worse they get.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Oh. I'm so sorry Krystal2008.

That must have been a very uncomfortable experience, especially since it was your first position as a nurse. The first job is daunting enough as it is.

Keep at it and don't let this first experience hold you back from finding the right position for you.

All my best.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

So sorry this has happened to you -- however, every job offer I've ever received over my career in nursing has been contingent on passing the pre-employment physical. Don't pass the physical, no job offer after all. That's standard, in my experience. You didn't really have a job (yet) to be taken away.

Best wishes for your next opportunity!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you everyone ! And I decided to start the beta blockers even though it hasn't been a problem before. Elkpark, yes I do agree it being contingent on the pre-employment physical but I never thought I wouldn't pass the physical since it was never a problem before. The good news is this past week I had a phone interview, and today I had another interview for a psych hospital. I am hoping to hear from the first one, but any will do :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in pediatrics.

can i ask what state you're in?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I live in Maryland :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I like how you are keeping a positive attitude. This was a devastating thing to happen to a competent new grad nurse. Your perseverance and outlook are inspiring. The hospital doesn't know that they're missing out on a great nurse. Wish you the best :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion