Question for hiring managers

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Specializes in NP / USAFR Flight Nurse.

Okay...here goes::confused:

I am a nursing student and I am 28 yo. It has taken me this long to decide that I want to be a nurse and begin nursing school. About 7 years ago I worked at a local hospital as a tech. I loved the job and the staff. That is what made me first decide to become a nurse.

Anyway, I was only 20 and a mother. My husband left me and I picked up and moved without letting the hospital know (I was embarassed). So, essentially, I abandoned my job and coworkers without notice. I still feel very guilty.

Fastworward to this week...I was at clinicals at this very same hospital and ran into my old nurse manager. I gave her a hug (we had a great relationship b/c her son was my age). She was very nice and asked why I dissappeared. I couldnt tell her b/c I was embarrassed.

My question is...do you think that I have burned that bridge and should forget about it, or do you think I might have an opportunity to explain myself, as it was a looong time ago (to a 28 yo) and I made a grave mistake? Im not sure of hospital policy and if it would take precident over the nurse mgrs opinion anyway.

Thanks so much guys and gals!

-Danish

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Cultivate the relationship with that nurse manager while you are at the facility. Without knowing the exact policy, I have no idea if you would eligible for rehire or not, but any chance at all of rebuilding a bridge is better than none.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

You have nothing to be ashamed of. Tell her the truth, but maybe not the personal details. The only way to undo a burned bridge is to build a new one, especially if there was a good rapport there previously.

Talk to her. Tell you you're sorry, you made a mistake, you were younger and you've grown and learned some lessons and you'd like to be given another chance.

The worst that she's so is "no, your bridge is burned". Then at least you know and can move on. The best she'll say is "I understand, we'll give you another chance."

Ask for what you want, without expectation, without trying to read her mind.

People have been given 2nd chances at jobs after burning bridges that I've seen in my career.

Good luck.

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So what exactly did you tell her when she asked you what happened? It doesn't seem as if you've grown much if after 7 yrs you're still embarassed to explain yourself. It's really not that big a deal. How will she know you won't do the same thing again if you can't even explain why you abandoned them?

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I agree with Tweety. Go speak with the manager and tell her you had a personal crisis and the only solution you could find was to take your child and leave the area without notice. You regret the circumstances that left the hospital in but felt it was your only option at the time. Tell her you now have your life back on track and are hoping for a long career as a nurse with her hospital because it was such a good place to work. If you were a good employee for her, I'll think she'll understand and be willing to give you a second chance. (The nursing shortage certainly helps your case!) Good luck!

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

You may not have to give all the details, but you will have to explain a little if you want to be given a second chance. It sounds as if the manager would be receptive to listening to you if and when you are ready to ask for that second chance.

You probably will not be able to completely hide from your past mistakes, but you can probably put them behind you and start again.

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Specializes in NP / USAFR Flight Nurse.
So what exactly did you tell her when she asked you what happened? It doesn't seem as if you've grown much if after 7 yrs you're still embarassed to explain yourself. It's really not that big a deal. How will she know you won't do the same thing again if you can't even explain why you abandoned them?

I was not embarassed to explain myself. I was embarassed back then because I had just been left by my husband. I felt terrible and like a failure.

Anyway.....

I met with her today and she was wonderful. I explained myself in detail and she said she understood. She was only worried about me because it was not like me to just disappear. She said she would love to have me back and I start back in a few weeks as a PCTII. She said it would be no problem to transition to a nurse when I graduate in October.

Thanks for all the advice and encouragement!

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Specializes in Rural Health.

Congrats and good luck to you on your new job!!!!!!

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Congratulations! I am happy to read that it is working out for you.

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