Seniority

[lexyrn71]

My faculty had adopted a new policy where seniority doesn't play a factor at all in obtaining new positions. A nurse who has only been there a year has an equal opportunity as a nurse who had been there for decades for any open position. The way a new position is chosen is through a peer interview. Whoever gets the most points when answering interview questions gets the position. I was wondering what other nurses thoughts are on this?

[ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP]

But with my varied and long experience, I likely AM! And therefore, yes, my seniority SHOULD be considered as important. And fortunately, it did when I got my recent promotion. Yes, even if I say so myself, I did deserve it. I worked long and hard for it. I have seen with my own eyes when inexperienced people get promoted too soon, and it's not pretty for anyone, them or their staff. I would take an experienced person over someone without, hands-down, unless they are incompetent, which does happen at times.

I don't fathom people wanting immediate gratification and not waiting their turn. The longer you are at it, the more likely you will succeed as you climb the corporate ladder. It's just a fact.

Depends on the type of the experience. If there is an ICU manager position opened, who should get the job...the ICU RN with five years of ICU experience or the more senior nurse with 2 years of ICU experience and 10 years of med-surg? What about the RN who has been at the place less but has been more involved than someone who just has clocked in and out, year after year without taking an active leadership role?

While I agree that it *usually* the more senior person is the most qualified, it isn't black and white and the Peter principle shouldn't apply in nursing.