Seniority or Job knowledge and experience!! Who should get the job??

[Chuckie]

We

[Ted]

I enjoy working with people who are either motivated and experienced in their field, or who are motivated and have a keen willingness to become experienced in a particular specialty.

Anyone who has to go through a grievence process to get a job, and have demonstrated a lack a motivation and willingness to grow and learn, shouldn't get the job.

Ted Fiebke

[fiestynurse]

It sounds like seniority was only one factor that was considered when hiring into the position. You clearly stated that "skill, experience, and knowledge" was also looked at. This grieving nurse better have some good arguments as to why she should get the job over these two other individuals, just on the basis of seniority. She's obviously angry that she didn't get the job. Hopefully this will work itself out. She has a right per union contract to have the situation looked into--that's what they are there for. Doesn't sound like she will have much luck!

[Mijourney]

Hi. Rather difficult question Chuckie. I guess I would need to know if the job opening was for a promotion or lateral move. I agree with fiestynurse in her assessments. But, I have to tell you that in my last couple of jobs, promotion was by and large based on merit. Therefore, the employer would use your job evaluation to promote you. Seniority as well as experience would also be taken into consideration but was not necessarily a deciding factor. More than anything, people are hired on their bases of teamwork. If the nurse with seniority is not a team player and does not have a positive attitude toward her current job, and it's documented somewhere, it won't be impossible, but it will be difficult for her to move elsewhere. In particular, administrators and managers want alot of flexibility in their employees, and your posts implies the nurse with seniority does not offer that.

[Stargazer]

Seniority should NEVER be the sole determinant for getting a job. In fact, it should only be considered if all other factors are equal. Clearly, that was not the case here.

I hire for a nursing position requiring very specific ER/critical care background. Despite detailed descriptions in our website posting of experience needed & duties involved, people tend to think the job is a cakewalk that any nurse should be able to do. When I send very polite "Thank you, but no" letters in response to unqualified applicants, not infrequently in return I get indignant letters, e-mails and phone calls from nurses who just can't believe they're not qualified for this (or ANY) nursing job.

Several very unpleasant nurses have called me and argued with me about the job qualifications or about their own experience. One nurse abruptly asked me what my own background was, and when I told her I was a former ICU nurse, said nastily, "Oh, I see. So that's why I'M being shut out." No, sweetie, you're being "shut out" because you're A)unqualified for this particular position---DEAL, already!, and B) 'cause you're a psycho. Have a nice day, now.

Some people REALLY don't get it. I'm just trying to develop a thicker skin and not take it personally. But I guess there will always be people like the IV nurse in Chuckie's original post who think the world owes them a living--or a raise, or a transfer, or a promotion--just 'cause they bother to show up every day.

[Chuckie]

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