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

Nurses General Nursing

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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.

I wouldn't apologize either.

Maybe by the time you are ready to apply, that person in HR may have moved on.

Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.
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.

i agree with you 100% .. you have to keep it together at all times.. you feel frustrated don't show it until you are alone..

Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

i think i would just try to find a job somewhere else.. really .. there must be lots of other places to apply.. i think i would just drop out of the picture, don't contact them again... and next job make a great impression... sometimes it's just not going to happen... good luck in your future !! this is what i would do if i were you...

Hey, you made a mistake, but at least you do have the chance to redeem yourself.

If you are able to get a manager to love you, you still stand a chance. Never having worked in HR, I could be wrong about what I'm going to say. When you interview for a position, the manager is the one who ultimately makes the hiring decision. HR can make sure your resume never gets seen, but if a manager wants you, HR isn't in a position to stop them because you ****** one of them off. Unless your drug screen comes back positive or something shady shows up in your background check, I don't think HR can touch you if you circumvent them.

Feel free, anyone, to correct me. I'm just guessing here...

Ditto what a lot of other posters said... I'm pretty sure your ship has sailed here. For a hospital HR person, who probably sees a lot of applicants, to remember your conversation means it had to be pretty impressive. I'm assuming that it was either recent or stellar. I'd suggest looking elsewhere.

Specializes in Med/surg, rural CCU.

I didn't read all the responses... but here's my experience.

When I started clinicals- I had just gotten over being VERY sick, and had no voice. I showed up to my first day of clinicals exhausted (having been up all night with 3 sick kids), confused (could not figure out where to go) and frustrated with the entire thing. While I still stick with the fact that I did not yell, I was simply making sure I was heard (without a voice)... I managed to come across so poorly the education director at the hospital called my school and came very close to not only kicking our group out- but not allowing students from my school back again.

(let me just put in anyone who knows me knows this is not me... a coworker once told me I'm so happy it's creepy- I'm a nice person)

Anyway- This was THE place I wanted to work. It was the only job I wanted. I did 2 years of clinicals there- and did EVERYTHING I could to make a good impression. I went above and beyond. I answered any and all call lights. I offered every spare minute to help others.

I've now been employed there 3 years. I was hired right out of school into their CCU. I love my job.

Noone can say if your bridges are burned. But if you do clinicals there- make a NEW first impression. Unfortuantely- it's harder to change someone's opinion of you- but sometimes it can be done.'

Good luck!

Specializes in ER, ICU, Education.

You never know. An apology can mean a LOT. For example, I once had a very similar situation where I encountered someone who behaved very badly and there was no way I would have hired that person. However, that person wrote a note apologizing profusely and explaining why they knew they were wrong. This takes a LOT of maturity. After the apology, I would consider that candidate when before that I would not have.

Specializes in Case Manager.

Well for starters... the particular recruiter was for environmental service/housekeeping and NOT for the nursing dept. as far as I know... I've also NEVER been in this hospital so I've yet to make an in person impression

And another fact is that the internship is run in the summer time so if I WERE to apologize now, I don't think it would look like I'm begging vs apologizing right before I apply for the position. And there's no way they can equate my apology being fake if I really mean it.

I also don't know where else it would be this easy and convenient to apply for an internship... as far as I know, they're the only place that I know that offers them. The other hospitals are way too far to get to without a car.

But thanks for the input.

Hell, if it's a year away, essentially, they may forget all about it.

If you're going to apologize, now is definitely the time.

In the hospital system where I work, the HR people are specialized. There are a few HR folks who only work with RNs, and there are others who deal with non-RN positions. Just something to be aware of as a possibility. Also, I agree with the poster who said that if you make a good impression to the clinical manager that it can make a huge difference. Short story, if people like you and want to work with you, the manager will be able to find a way to get you hired. Hope you have good experiences!

Specializes in drug seekers and the incurably insane..

I agree with the posts about not apologizing because it looks like begging, and believe me, you do not want to give an employer a confirmation about how badly you need them. However, in the future....never show your feelings to HR or managment type personnel. Don't give an opinion to them and do not engage in any kind of small-talk with them. Don't let them see your real personality because it can be held against you. I'm not saying to be a complete robot, but just stick to the facts with everything and don't inject emotion into it. I've been where I'm at for a little over 3 yrs. and I'm just starting to let some of the management type whom I feel are trustworthy to get to know me. Be careful and good luck:sofahider

Don't even call back. Just apply as if nothing has happened. Hopefully by then they forget the tone of your voice and the conversation. Kiss major butt lol and pray for the best. I hope the letters of recommendations redeem you of your character if not buckle up apply else where buy yourself a car and sacrifice. Nothing should be that convenient.

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