Should I tell my manager I applied at another facility?

[nlhnurse1982]

So I am finally experienced enough to interview for a top rated hospital that has a phenomenal ICU and is a level 1 trauma center. This is the place I have dreamed of working for quite awhile. I am going to be interviewing with the ICU manager and I still have not told my current manager.The issue is my current manager has made it hell for anyone to try and transfer in house and has treated other nurses who have resigned to move to another facility like crap not to mention she has lied to other managers about employees. So I figured I would not tell her I applied elsewhere unless I got a call back which I did yesterday. So I am not sure how to approach this with her. And my second question is the nurse recruiter asked me why I hadnt told my current manager and I was honest and told her that she has made it difficult for other employees to leave in the past so I chose to wait, was that a mistake? I really do not have anything good to say about my current manager or the facility to work for except that I love and will miss my coworkers so I am nervous about any questions that I might be asked about my current employer. Should I act like pollyanna and sugar coat everything or should I be try to honest without "bashing" the facility/manager. I dont want to blow this chance so any advice would be so appreciated especially from hiring managers. Thanks so much in advance!

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Wow I am so glad I came here for advice. This is my first time switching jobs since I've been in nursing and I was not sure of the etiquette sounds like CYA is the way to go. Hopefully the manager at the new facilty does not contact my current manager unless she makes me an offer. I dont want to be without a job. I didnt know that this profession was so cut throat.

ALL BUSINESSES are this way!

The application should have a spot asking if it's okay to contact your current employer. Just say no. If the interviewer asks why you just tell her that they don't know you're looking.

:)

[mustlovepoodles, RN]

So what if I put on my application that they may contact my current employer should I let her know at the interview that I prefer that she does not contact my current manager?

You can do that. BUt I'd ask if they plan to talk to the manager directly or just HR. If it's HR, I'd encourage them to call.

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

It depends on the manager and your relationship with her.

In this case, I would say a really big "No".

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

You can do that. BUt I'd ask if they plan to talk to the manager directly or just HR. If it's HR, I'd encourage them to call.

HR will rat her out.

[lamazeteacher]

The only contact allowed by current state and national labor laws, is with human resources; and the only information about you that can be given, is the dates of your employment and occasionally whether you might be eligible for rehire by your last employer.

It's always most wise to play it "close to the vest" when you're in the process of changing employers. After the offer has been made (in writing), and you accept it (in writing, mentioning the salary you were offered and the date they said you will begin), is it safe to go with your head up and mood decisive to your immediate superior to give them (in writing) your resignation letter.

Tell them as many good things you saw about working there honestly, no negative things except in an exit interview. I've had to ask for exit interviews when there were correctable problems in the facility I was leaving. Usually it's not offered.....

[jschut, BSN, RN]

I gave notice one time and the manager never let me go to the work area, he took me to his office, did the paperwork, about ten minutes worth, and I was escorted to the door, just like that. Don't give her the chance to do that to you.

No Way!!! Is that even legal?

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

No Way!!! Is that even legal?

Sure.

[jschut, BSN, RN]

Wow. I had no idea.

I'm doing a current job search, and my boss and I at my job previous to this one were not on wonderful terms. Although I left by going PRN,and then was never called, so consequently I was taken off the schedule.... I don't trust what she would say, so I think I will also use that they may NOT contact that employer.

I've always put that they can, because I thought it was pretty much a "have to" for any kind of good job...

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

calilou, you are still employed there PRN, so THAT is your reason.

[jschut, BSN, RN]

calilou, you are still employed there PRN, so THAT is your reason.

You are awesome.... thank you. :redbeathe

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

You are awesome.... thank you. :redbeathe

You are welcome.

:)

[Moogie]

And my second question is the nurse recruiter asked me why I hadnt told my current manager and I was honest and told her that she has made it difficult for other employees to leave in the past so I chose to wait, was that a mistake?

Dang, I would feel mighty uncomfortable if a recruiter asked me that. I think the recruiter put you in a very difficult position. If she has much experience as a recruiter, she should know that not all managers are very graceful when their nurses leave for any reason, even if the nurses are leaving because they have the opportunity to advance their careers.

Good luck to you---I hope you get this position and can leave your current position with a minimum of angst.