So... have I burned my bridges with this hospital or can I recover?

[Spikey9001, BSN, RN]

Long story, about a year ago, I had applied to over 20 positions (housekeeping, food service, etc...) at the hospital only to get rejection after rejection. So I called up there and was frankly frustrated and wanted to know what was it about me that said "do not hire this dude." They basically told me that I had a "jumpy" work history which basically consisted of just big box retail jobs. I then refuted with the fact that I KNOW people that have significant less work history than me and still get hired. Either way, the conversation had an "angry" tone to it.

I was upset but hey, at the time (and now) I didn't have a job or that much money and was in desperate need of both... so that only helped the frustration.

Well, I just called today to ask about a position I had applied for and they basically told me that they still remember that and it's a "black mark" against me.

Now the thing is that I start the nursing program for my school next week. Each summer, this hospital offers a summer internship for RN positions. This position is contingent on letters of recommendation, GPA, and academic accomplishments... as well as good references etc... Also, if you do get this position, they'll pay off all your tuition in exchange for 2 years of work.

Provided I do really good and get all the above accomplished, do you think they'll reconsider me for a summer internship as a nurse in the hospital?

Some facts.

-I don't have a car to travel around to find jobs so easily.

-I don't have any medical experience as of yet.

-Oh yeah, the hospital is literally a stones throw away from the college and I like an hour walk from my house or 10 minute drive by car/bus.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

That part that you just called and they remembered you is your answer unfortunately. The only thing I can think of is, if you know the name of the person you had that heated convo with, you could write a very professional apologetic letter and see what happens. I would not expect much as there are so many people to choose from these days, an employer will reject so many for less.

[Spikey9001, BSN, RN]

Well that sucks... I will consider writing a formal apology letter. And I'll be starting clinical rotations at the same hospital next weeks so I don't know if I can change my impression with them then.

[BluegrassRN]

You must be stellar in your clinical rotations at that site: offer to help the nurses when you have down time, do a great job in your rotation, be prepared, appear professional in dress and mannerisms at all times, never be seen sitting with nothing to do...this could help you when you apply for internships or a job with them in the future. If you are able to use current employees as references, in addition to the previously mentioned formal, professional apology letter, it might repair any previous damage.

[Spikey9001, BSN, RN]

You must be stellar in your clinical rotations at that site: offer to help the nurses when you have down time, do a great job in your rotation, be prepared, appear professional in dress and mannerisms at all times, never be seen sitting with nothing to do...this could help you when you apply for internships or a job with them in the future. If you are able to use current employees as references, in addition to the previously mentioned formal, professional apology letter, it might repair any previous damage.

Well of course this was in my mind from the start. I mean I've spent thousands of dollars out of pocket to get ready for this program, studied for MONTHS to pass the entrance exam and to be admitted and taken out loans. So therefore, this is NOT something I'm going to take lightly. Basically what I'm saying to myself in my head is this...

"The odds are stacked against me... the only way I could POSSIBLY have a fighting chance is to not slip up one time, keep a positive attitude at all times, accept criticism, put all your blood, sweat and tears into making sure you do well. This may be your only chance to make it out of a rough neighborhood and to stop being poor... network your butt off at this hospital, build bridges instead of building walls... let your actions prove them wrong and show them that you're not what they think you are."

[foreverLaur]

I hope it all works out for the best. I had an internship give me a bad review (accidental - they were looking at the wrong person's records) and it haunted me for years. I finally got the company to call back and change my review due to the mistake, but it STILL shows up as a red flag on my account and every application gets instantly rejected and I can't even get anyone in HR to talk to me. I hope you have better luck!!!

[Spikey9001, BSN, RN]

More advice would be appreciated.

[itsmejuli]

Eat some humble pie, go to the HR department and explain yourself. Everyone has bad days and if you go in person to apologize you will make a better impression than if you were to send a letter. People tend to remember faces and voices, not necessarily names and letters.

[Leelee2]

Are you sure you really want to work for this Hospital is the first question.

Turn the tables , how serious they are about staff retention?? Depending on your age, a "jumpy" work history is not always a mark against you. On the positive it says you are unafraid of change, you think outside of the box, and you know what you don't want!! Also could be you just haven't found what is the right fit for you yet. Maybe you should consider an employer that is a bit more open minded.

[cb_rn]

My answer might not be the one you want to hear...

Employee references from the nurses on the floor aren't going to help that much if someone in HR is blocking your application because they aren't happy with you. Try the apology and try to network with the manager of the floors you do clinical rotations on. Hopefully I'm wrong but I think the only real chance you have of slipping in the door of the hospital is bypassing HR and having a manager directly consider you for a position. You could try to find out who makes the internship choices and try and make a favorable impression on that group. If not, maybe that manager you made an impression on could offer you a position after you graduate.

You probably already know this but I can't help but reiterate: I know you were frustrated when you had the particular angry conversation with HR but in the future you cannot afford to show your frustration and act unprofessional in the least, especially given the current job market. You want to be memorable but not for that kind of incident.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

I dunno....I think that your chances with this facility are very slim. And to be considered for an elite position...slim to none.

From a manager's perspective, they will likely consider your first few encounters with them as the "true" reading of your character. Of course, when you really need them, you will be apologetic and scraping the floor in your bows of apology. My guess is that no matter what you do, you will not be able to overcome your first impressions. Your example of why this opportunity works for you (no car, convenient to your home, etc.) does nothing for them and only illustrates why you may be putting on an apologetic face.

Best advice: Unless you're the only applicant for the internship, focus on other opportunities.

[buzkil]

I agree with roser. I would also add that if I were you I would not contact HR at all and I would not apologize. Like roser said they will think you are begging now that you need them.

I would apply for the position and hope that the nursing applications are looked at by a different group.

It's worth a try even if it's a long shot.