Shocked and now questioning things

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When I first started working on my current floor I was hearing lots of gossip among the other nurses about each other, and was told that the floor had a reputation for being the "you know what" floor. I am per diem and the manager lately has been scheduling according to a full census (which happens maybe once a month), so I have been getting canceled or put on call for weeks at a time, while being scheduled full time.

This led me to pursue a staff position elsewhere, because there were none available on my floor. I interviewed, was informally offered the job on the spot, and was told when HR would be contacting me, because the position needed to go through the internal posting process before they could offer it to me. I went through the process, gave my references' emails and the emails went out for the employees to fill out the "anonymous" online survey. I received a call Friday that they were no longer moving forward with the application process due to my references being "unsatisfactory."

There were three reference replies, two of which are current coworkers. I have a clean employment record, have never participated in the "gossip," always help my coworkers, cover shifts for them when needed, and have always been pleasant. I know I am someone who is easy to work with, and I know that I am someone who is helpful and skilled. I feel as though I've been a victim of workplace bullying, and I chose the wrong references.

I am dumbfounded and truly in disbelief that this happened. I even emailed the manager and explained to her that I feel as though my references portrayed in inaccurate picture of me as a professional and a nurse. Not sure if that was crossing a line but at this point what do I have to lose? I believe that I deserved that position, and I am sure that had I chosen difference references and the process were not "anonymous" that I would have been contacted for an offer, rather than a rejection. Has anyone else out there experienced anything like this?

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

I usually utilize performance evals at current positions; I try not to use current references, especially if a floor has that "specific" reputation; rather, if you have a very good professional relationship with management, then I use them as references; I use references at positions where I had more longevity :yes: .

I don't think of it as workplace bulling-it's sabotage, plain and simple.

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I usually utilize performance evals at current positions; I try not to use current references, especially if a floor has that "specific" reputation; rather, if you have a very good professional relationship with management, then I use them as references; I use references at positions where I had more longevity :yes: .

I don't think of it as workplace bulling-it's sabotage, plain and simple.

It's sad really, I think we should all look out for one another rather than drag one another down. I don't know where along the lines it all became so competitive between nurses. We are all supposed to be a part of the profession for the same reason. If it isn't an issue of patient safety or quality of care, and it isn't an issue of not being a team-player then why sabotage someone else's professional growth?

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
It's sad really I think we should all look out for one another rather than drag one another down. I don't know where along the lines it all became so competitive between nurses. We are all supposed to be a part of the profession for the same reason. If it isn't an issue of patient safety or quality of care, and it isn't an issue of not being a team-player then why sabotage someone else's professional growth?[/quote']

The human condition has NOTHING to do with being a nurse.

We can be a team player when the focus is on patient care...or not...

I have leaned the same issues a patient has my manager and coworkers can have; that's the reality.

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Specializes in Gerontology RN-BC and FNP MSN student.

Sorry that happened to you. (((Hugs))) Dust yourself off and persevere. Maybe you have the best job ever coming up and that one would have prevented you from getting it. :nurse:

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That's what I'm hoping... Trying to stay positive and optimistic... Biggest thing is that I won't let it make me bitter or turn me into that kind of nurse... It's not what I stand for. I am proud of the nurse that I am and the caring I have for both my patients and coworkers

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