Post interview jitters. It's long, I'm sorry...

Published

Specializes in OB (with a history of cardiac).

I'll just lay it on you all: I'm like the girl who goes out on a first date and is sitting by the dang phone waiting for him to call, and reading into every comment, every gesture, every smile and hoping it was a good sign. Bad for the mental health, yes.

I applied for an internal position in postpartum- as I indicated in an earlier post, after a year or so on tele, I can pretty well say that while it's fascinating, I've learned a lot, it really broke me in good...it's not my thing. I never thought OB/Maternal Child would be, but it has evolved into something I'm really fascinated by, such that I've taken independent steps to learn more, joined a couple of nursing organizations, and have started on the path to becoming an IBCLE.

My interview seemed to go really great- I had brought my resume to the nurse manager in person prior to even being invited to interview, as well as followed protocol for the online steps. She told me she was so happy I brought my resume in person, she had highlighted a bunch of stuff on my resume and cover letter. She said she really loved reading over it, said she could tell I really had a desire to learn the specialty. She also liked that when I was an LPN I worked with many of the MD's who rounded in the nursery, she knew them all. We had a lot of great things to talk about, and she said "you sound like a great fit, and I'd love to have you come to work for me, you'll be hearing from us by the middle of next week (and this was last Friday, therefore this would be right around that time, and I realize she may well say that to every person she interviews).

Now, I have nothing to hide- but here is where I get nervous. I gave her a list of references- quite a few of which were the aforementioned pediatricians and PNP's that I worked with and knew very well (one of whom had suggested when I was an LPN that I become an RN and work in OB or NICU). This pleased the manager lady- I mentioned that if she had trouble contacting any of them to let me know. She said "oh that's fine, I'll also be calling so and so, and so and so (my current nurse managers) too."

I have nothing to hide, in fact I just had my yearly review wherein my manager said she was proud of how well I was doing and how far I had come. I didn't mention to my manager that I was already looking elsewhere...I was actually strongly advised on this forum to NOT do that. I fear that this might reflect poorly on me now- that and the fact that my manager feels that clocking in at 2301 is considered tardy and goes on record- therefore I've been tardy 13 times in the last year. Okay, okay, I'll clock in at 2259 from now on! Lesson learned. I just fear that my manager will speak ill of me- I didn't inform her that I was looking to transfer, I've been tardy 13 times (that sounds so HORRIBLE! I'm on the floor getting report at 2240 like clockwork- I have witnesses!) What I'm getting at is, can managers say negative things. Can they speak ill of you? Can they advise the other nurse manager to not hire?

Specializes in Emergency.

Within a system Nurse Managers surely can talk and do. Hospital to hospital they usually don't.

Normally, if you are going from hospital to hospital I would advise not to tell your NM. Within the hospital, it is usually a good idea to do so...on our internal transfer requests there is a box that asks specifically if you have told your current manager. All Managers I have worked with have always been pretty supportive when I said I was looking to do something different. In fact, my old manager alerted me to my present job, right after she had given me a raise.

I would not worry about things just yet. THe only thing about the tardies is if there has been any sort of written warning-disciplinary action taken many places will not allow you to transfer.

Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Yes, of course they can. And will, if they have something ill to say.

Just like with dating...you'll have to wait and see. If they are into you, they'll call. Good luck.

Specializes in OB (with a history of cardiac).

Well apparently I had a cute smile or something because I got offered the job today. The recruter called to give me the offer, and then 5 mintues later the nurse manager from Postpartum called to tell me she was really excited to have me come work with them. Of course I realize I have nothing in writing...AN has taught me real good on not getting all hyped up yet. I won't have anything in writing until they talk to my current manager about when would be a good exit point for me, considering my schedule is set through the end of the month. Then they'll send me the offer letter with the details...so...partial yay for now.

Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Congratulations!! That is very exciting and a great opportunity.

Specializes in Med/Surg, Rehab.
+ Join the Discussion