potential job conflict

summerscoopy26 · Sep 6, 2008

By reading the specifics of the situation, all I can say is follow your gut instincts. If the situation does not feel right, listen to yourself....it maybe sensing something deeper. I don't mean to sound "hokey". Good luck with the situation.

Joan Z · Sep 6, 2008

Don't do it. Why is your program director "hounding" you? It is common for programs to want to know jobs and salaries, but that is for the program, not for a "good friend". This is business. You do not want to get to be a blabbermouth in this business.

ANPFNPGNP · Sep 6, 2008

OK, I am going to vent here. I have been working on securing a position with a hospitalist group after graduation. The response has been favorable and they are currently looking at the feasibility of adding another practitioner within their group (they already have one). I did my clinicals with the group and had an absolute blast! Learned tons and the folks were so kind in letting me make mistakes and learn. It was great. Well my program director wants me to give the job information to her so she can pass it to one of her "good friends". Somehow, this doesn't sit well with me. She is hounding me to give the information to her. I keep trying to avoid her emails and have said I am uncomfortable giving the information knowing I would be handing my competition information. Any thoughts?

I would tell her that her friend will have to contact the hospital, b/c you don't know the specifics.

lifelong · Sep 7, 2008

I guess I am struggling because my program director knows how much I want to end up working with that team. I have a real shot, did clinicals with them, kept in contact with them and they appear interested in me as well.

In one hand I want to be a team player and help others...but am I suppose to relinquish information that places a competitor in a favorable position?

I guess I am just offended and trying to think of how to divert the pressure of the "hounding". All of your comments were helpful. I just didn't expect it at this point in the program, 2 months till graduation. Her "friend" apparently has "tons" of experience and will likely eliminate my chances, there is only one job. Hence, my issue. Thanks for the feedback and thoughts.

allnurses Guide · Sep 7, 2008

I'd tell her "hey, this one's all mine, but I'd be happy to notify you of any future positions". What a cheek to even ask you!

Joan Z · Sep 7, 2008

I want to be a team player and help others...but am I suppose to relinquish information that places a competitor in a favorable position?
I guess I am just offended and trying to think of how to divert the pressure of the "hounding". All of your comments were helpful. I just didn't expect it at this point in the program, 2 months till graduation. Her "friend" apparently has "tons" of experience and will likely eliminate my chances, there is only one job. Hence, my issue. Thanks for the feedback and thoughts.

Issue 1--the program director, by using your school information to benefit a "good friend", is behaving in an unprofessional manner. Plus, she is trying to undermine one of her program's graduates? Also unprofessional.

Issue 2--"hounding" is NEVER professional. Unless maybe for used car salespeople.

Issue 3--the clinic knows you, and knows you are just at the early stage of your career. Do not assume that someone with more experience will necessarily be a better fit. You will come up to speed very quickly. They need to know they can work with you.

Issue 4--which team are you playing for? Yes, we need to be team players. That does not mean we work against ourselves in the process. Your program director needs to figure out which team she's on.

My employers have asked me not to discuss my compensation package with local NPs and others in the area, although they knew I told my school what I'd be doing and receiving in turn--and this information is confidential. When people ask I answer with "so sorry, I don't discuss that" and move on. Good luck.

Trauma Columnist · Sep 7, 2008

Great answer Joan! I totally agree that is very unprofessional!

ANPFNPGNP · Sep 7, 2008

I guess I am struggling because my program director knows how much I want to end up working with that team. I have a real shot, did clinicals with them, kept in contact with them and they appear interested in me as well.
In one hand I want to be a team player and help others...but am I suppose to relinquish information that places a competitor in a favorable position?
I guess I am just offended and trying to think of how to divert the pressure of the "hounding". All of your comments were helpful. I just didn't expect it at this point in the program, 2 months till graduation. Her "friend" apparently has "tons" of experience and will likely eliminate my chances, there is only one job. Hence, my issue. Thanks for the feedback and thoughts.

I'm amazed that your program director knows that you want that job and yet she wants to help her friend get it. What's even more amazing is that she's actually trying to get you to give her the details. I don't blame you for being offended, I would be furious!

Thank goodness you're graduating in 2 months and won't have to put up with her! Believe it or not, a lot of times employers aren't interested in hiring someone with tons of experience, b/c they may want to train that person to do things their way. They've already trained you, so even if this person applies for the job, they may not even consider her for the position.

If the director asks you about the position again, tell her that her friend needs to contact the Human Resources Department at the hospital and they can provide all the details.

lifelong · Sep 8, 2008

All I can say is thank you for all the responses. I am pretty upset and hurt and honestly can't believe I have to deal with this. I think I am going to respond with the phrase, "Are you asking me to give you information to better place a candidate in a position that I would be competing for?" Or maybe I should say something like--okay, probably not this one, but I would like to, "You can't honestly believe me to be stupid enough to give competitive information to another candidate?"

My husband says I should say, oh, I forgot...you know pull the forgetful element. I would rather cut it off from the get go.

Seriously, I am not confident she has an ethical bone in her body. I agree, I am unclear as to the team she is playing on...but one thing is clear...she's not looking out for my interest.

My only concern is for her to hold a grudge and/or retaliate...which she has been known to do. I have been fortunate enough to have stayed under the radar screen for the entire program. I only have 2 more months (4 papers and a comprehensive test), but then my butt is outta there. I can only wait for the day.

Thanks again!

core0 · Sep 8, 2008

All I can say is thank you for all the responses. I am pretty upset and hurt and honestly can't believe I have to deal with this. I think I am going to respond with the phrase, "Are you asking me to give you information to better place a candidate in a position that I would be competing for?" Or maybe I should say something like--okay, probably not this one, but I would like to, "You can't honestly believe me to be stupid enough to give competitive information to another candidate?"
My husband says I should say, oh, I forgot...you know pull the forgetful element. I would rather cut it off from the get go.
Seriously, I am not confident she has an ethical bone in her body. I agree, I am unclear as to the team she is playing on...but one thing is clear...she's not looking out for my interest.
My only concern is for her to hold a grudge and/or retaliate...which she has been known to do. I have been fortunate enough to have stayed under the radar screen for the entire program. I only have 2 more months (4 papers and a comprehensive test), but then my butt is outta there. I can only wait for the day.
Thanks again!

I think that your husband is correct. They can always hurt you more. Just put it off. If she keeps hounding you simply tell her that you don't have their permission to forward the position since they are still developing it. Tell her you will be happy to pass it along for all your classmates when they post it. She probably doesn't know enough about who to talk to in the group to go any farther. You just need to put it off for a couple of months until you graduate and hopefully have the job. Each episode of "forgetfulness" or "I need to ask them if its OK" is usually good for 1-2 weeks.

You also have to protect yourself. Write all this down. Make a copy. Put it in an envelope and get it notarized with the date (across the seal). If you suddenly start failing papers (for example) you need ammo that this isn't about your grades but that the problem with the grades occurred after you refused to give her the information. Most likely if you go above her (or to the student ombudsman) the problem will disappear. This assumes that you go to a brick and mortar school with a real code of conduct. Otherwise YMMV.

Good luck

David Carpenter, PA-C

lifelong · Sep 8, 2008

Thanks David,

It's hard to stay objective when you're the one in the fire. I have class today and will see how that goes. I appreciate all the comments and support.

Tracey