Question to all Nurse Recruiters/Hiring Nurse Managers out there

[RNRAC]

This isn't actually a plea for jobs (although sometimes I think that might be just as effective as what I have been doing so far ) but more of a procedural question...

I am a new graduate living in a hard to find a new grad job area. I had an interview for a great job that I think I would LOVE. Nurse Recuitement called and set me up with an interview with the nurse manager on the floor for next week. All this is great news and I am both excited and trying not to get my hopes up at the same time...

I hope I will do OK on the interview, and I will make sure to do all the things that you are supposed to do (like dress professionally, research the hospital beforehand, find out what they may ask and prepare for some standard questions etc.) but I am still worried that I may not get a job offer. Partly because i always kind of assume the worst, and partly because I do have logistical issues (I cannot work every night or day shift for religious reasons) and I am concerned the NM may not love this (I would totally understand why not, it does make life more difficult. But I can work extra shifts on other days or work something out. I have friends in similar situations who make it work. I really think I would be a pretty decent nurse ). Now to my actual question (I always did have long prefaces...): If this offer does not work out, is it OK to call back the original nurse recruiter to possibly see if there is another job on another floor in the facility? Or does not being hired on one floor kind of kill you for the whole facility?

Thank you for taking the time to read and hopefully answer!!

[itsnowornever, BSN, RN]

I do know for those of Jewish faith, the Rabbi can give you an exemption to work on those days if need be. My husbands partner was Jewish, and police officers are a 24/7 job same as nursing, BUT his Rabbi gave him an exemption if need be, however, the major department they work with have been GREAT about working around his needs! I loved it when hubby worked with him, I always knew on Friday nights there would be no over time and he'd be home before dark!

[llg, PhD, RN]

1. Yes, it is OK to talk with the Recruiter and let them know that you are very interested in any job within their facility that might be a match for your qualifications. And yes, it's OK to talk with them after (if) you do not get this particular job.

2. It is a VERY good idea for you to explore the possibility of getting some sort of exemption from your clergyman (or whoever is appropriate within your faith) to work on days that people of your faith don't usually work. People do it all the time. At least talk with them and find out your options BEFORE you do your interview. Your ability to compromise or work something out to meet the employer's need at least half-way may be the difference between you getting this (and other) jobs -- and not getting it.

I wish you the best of luck in your job search.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

True, an employer can't discriminate against you based on your religion. However, they can pass you over as a candidate if you are unwilling/unable to meet their staffing requirements--and if you wanted to fight it, the burden would be on you to prove that it was in fact religious discrimination. Facilities have weekend staffing requirements: most require that you work every other weekend or every third weekend.

I also like everyone's idea of talking to them as well as applying for an exemption from your clergy. And like llg said, be willing to compromise in order to increase your chances.

Also consider selling the fact that there are days that you could work that others can't. If you're Jewish, sell the fact that you could be there every Sunday when the Christians are more likely to take off, or on Saturday nights (well, after sunset anyway) when many people want to be anywhere but at work, or on holidays like Christmas. If you're Christian/Muslim/whatever, change the days but use the same strategy. If the thought of having to work one day every weekend bothers you, consider it the compromise you have to make for getting that other day off for worship. Or you may have to consider looking for jobs outside of acute care but with more traditional hours.

Good luck.