Potentially great job while in nursing school "unoffered" because of HR

[linzjane88]

I have worked at our local hospital for over 4 years now in a few departments, most recently as a Unit Secretary on L & D. While I LOVE the people, what we do (who doesnt love having babies?!), and how exciting it can be I don't really love my job. I would rather work on people not paper. :). Since I have my CNA license I was hired on in the department with the understanding that I could work on Pediatrics as a CNA after my secretary orientation as the manager managed both floors. Well shortly after I hired, Peds joined with Med/Surg and working my way in wasn't so much an option anymore (not easily anyway). I have been wanting a patient-care position since I started, especially since I am starting the Nursing Program in January.

So two weeks back I get a call from the manager of the E.D. asking if I was interested in a position as a Tech, as I had applied back in February and they were just now looking at applicants. HECK YES!!! It would be less hours per week, 12's (ideal), and some awesome experience in an area I am interested in. The manager said I came with great references and hired me after a phone interview. Eventhough I don't have the

"required" 1 year experience she said it was fine with her because she knew I would do great and learn quickly and she also said I was the best of the other applicants even without the experience. She also said she had talked with HR about my experience but got the go-ahead when she told them why she wanted to hire me.

I went out and bought new scrubs and shoes like the excited future tech I am (LOL!) only to be called today by HR. The all wise all knowing HR consultants found out that I didn't have the experience and put the kabash on the plans. They informed me that the job description states 1 year and that is non-negotiable whether the manager wanted to or not. They told me I didn't qualify and couldn't have it.

So after being over the moon excited about my new job and the new manager (she is really great!) I get unoffered the job by HR and their magical paper and book of rules. The paper says I don't fit into their box so they say no. I have always had excellent reviews, never any disciplinary actions, and am completely eager to do new things but get turned down by people who have no knowlege of my learning abilities or personality. Its frustrating!

I have never formally complained about anything, but I am tempted to write a letter to HR addressing my dissatisfaction with this process. Deep down I know I should just let it go, but after being a hard working employee for the last few years it feels a little like a slap in the face.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

go ahead and write whatever you want, if it makes you feel better, but do not send it. put it away for a minimum of three months, then...tear it up and forget it. this falls under the category of "no burning bridges." the nm by now knows what happened, can guess that you feel terrible about it, probably feels terrible about it herself, will be more careful in the future, and (and this is important) may, someday, be in a position to help you out.

the fact of the matter is that the nurse manager was not authorized to offer you the job, the criteria were what they were, and you have learned a valuable lesson:idea:: don't count your chickens before they are hatched. never believe you have landed a job, any job, until you have it in writing from the hr department, with a salary and a start date. this happens more often than you can imagine.

i'm sorry this happened to you but now, having learnt that valuable lesson, you will be sure that it will never happen again. and when you are in nursing school, and have more experience, you'll have another chance.:)

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

If you were going to contact anyone, I would e-mail the ER manager just to tell her, nicely, that you are sorry to lose the opportunity, maybe express how eager you were, and say that you would still be interested once you have experience.

[linzjane88]

Thanks :)

I really do want to thank the nurse manager. She went to bat for me and tried her hardest to win them over. She felt really bad about the whole thing.

Thanks for the advice--no letter sending for me. I guess making charts for the next two years won't kill me. I will be elbow deep in poo and blood in no time!

[Pia Mater]

Aw man! What a bummer! I would be really upset too. I can't imagine how it must have felt to get that call from HR. I can totaly understand the bad taste it must have left in your mouth. I mean, you worked for them for years with great performance, and they can't make an exception for you.

I agree, don't send a letter to HR. I would do what a PP suggested, and maybe email the manager in the ER and express your gratitude.

Sorry this happened to you. Good luck in school!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

This is pretty much a very well known rule for hiring managers... any qualifications that are listed in the job description must be applied to all candidates. That's why experienced managers normally list items as "preferred" if it is negotiable. e.g., "BSN preferred",

Don't blame HR, they are protecting the organization. If they ignore a rule or make an exception, it opens them up to claims of discrimination -- "she didn't have a year of experience and you hired her, but you won't give me the same break... it must be discrimination".

[llg, PhD, RN]

Good advice in this thread. Don't make HR out to be the "bad guys" here. They didn't make the mistake, the ED manager did.

But either way ... don't burn your bridges with anyone. Write the note to the Nurse Manager and tell her how sorry you are that it didn't work out this. Express your hopes that maybe you will be able to work with her someday in the near future.

I'm sorry you got your hopes up for something that didn't work out.