Well I'm unemployed again. This is the second job I've had as a registered nurse. Experience: about a year and a half. I quit because I was harassed and my boss did not do anything about it. My boss's boss did not do anything about it either. I felt like I could not trust the people I worked with. The working environment was very toxic for me. I have been unemployed for several months now and I fear the longer I go with out a job the harder it is to find a job. I have had a few interviews, but I always get the same answer, "We hired someone else." I have also gotten the answer, "We don't want you." I have spoken with one nurse recruiter for a hospital outside of my area because I was having trouble filling out a job application online (my computer froze and it shutdown while filling it out). She asked me if I was a new grad and I told her, "no." She then told me that I would need experience in the department I was applying for and that the program to train someone to work in that department was filled already and would have to wait till next year. Seeing that I haven't worked for months I then proceeded to tell her that I would be interested in working in the same type of unit I was previously working. She stated, "Well why did you quit your previous job?" I told her for a better job opportunity. She then stated, "Well why would it be any different here?" At that point I didn't know what to say. I could have told her that their work environment wouldn't be as toxic as where I worked before but didn't say anything. I don't know how to answer the questions, "why did you quit your previous job? Why would working here be any different?" I'm guessing telling them on the phone, on paper, and through a computer screen that I'm "seeking a better job opportunity" is not cutting it. I don't want to say that I was bullied/harassed because they will probably think that I'm a problem. I'm really frustrated because I feel like I'm not even given a chance. I have been with out work for months now and I do not know what to do anymore. I have applied everywhere in my area. Now I'm applying in other areas outside where I live and its not working. I feel like I'm hitting a brick wall. All I want is a stable job. I am trying to stay positive about it all, but I do struggle some days. Any advice would greatly be appreciated.
P.s. I did try to switch units before I quit but was not allowed to.
I find that having forum or a network of friends that are also looking for a new job helps a lot. It provides a support system, and people to practice interviewing techniques with. Practicing questions interview questions you are concerned about is a great help so you feel comfortable with handling different situations.
Home nursing or LTC is something to look into.
Also, those short cert classes are a great help not only for your knowledge, keeping you productive, but also, for networking.
AWK! Speaking from a hiring manager perspective - NEVER diss your previous place of employment. This will just splash back on you, making you seem like a whiny troublemaker blaming others for your own problems. Hey, I am not saying that this would be accurate... just the impression you would be making. No one wants to risk hiring a 'moaner and groaner' because they probably have enough of those already. Besides, that old manager may be this manager's sister in law or BFF.
You want that hiring manager to see you as someone who is smart, competent, a great team player and highly motivated to do a very good job. If you appear to be someone who has trouble getting along with others or someone who needs any 'special treatment', they will avoid you like a bad rash. Their job is hard enough without adding any additional burdens.
Acceptable answers for leaving a job include all of the old standards: "it just wasn't a good fit", "the commute was too long", organizational changes (staffing, patient population changes, etc.). You can also create a the impression that changing jobs is part of your overall plan for career growth: "I want to work with more diverse patient populations/ newer technology / etc", "I am seeking an environment that will provide more opportunities for career development", and so on.
Never, never, never say bad things about a previous employer in any type of 'public' arena, including interviews. You're too classy for that.
I understand where you're coming from. I KNOW how bad a toxic work environment can affect your work and overall life / emotional stability. Sorry that you ended up quitting your previous job. I think that health care is just tough to work in, especially 'on the front lines' period. In your case... I would 'off the record' recommend that you come up with a 'story'. A 'story' that will explain that you had to leave the job, that it wasn't your fault, and that you are not a litigious person. Like, you HAD to cut back your hrs. to '.... sad story' and it didn't bode well with your prior employer.
OP - 2 things. 1) It sounds like your first 2 opportunities were not the right fit. Please talk to people and research before you agree to any job.
2.) no matter WHO you are, when you go on a job interview, you have to prove yourself. Your experience meant something thats why you have the interview. Don't let your feelings from the old place interfere with your future place. It's when you DONT have to interview to get the job that you don't have to prove yourself -- you just knew the right people.
"Looking for a new opportunity." is akin to saying "I want to be a nurse to help people." They have heard it a 1000 times or more.
If you want to show how much you want the job, research the place and tell them. I can't tell you what to say because I don't know where you are applying. BUT
- There will be bullies everywhere you go.
- There will be people doing things unfairly bc they know the right people or know the system.
You can't quit every job you get bc of other people. Work through it. And accept positions that will make you successful.
"Why did you leave your old job?"
I thrive on a team oriented environment although I love the autonomy my job gives me with the residents/patients. Because the ratios at place X were 45:1, I struggled at being to deliver patient centered care. Here at place Y, I have read that you value your employees and even have teamwork as one of your values under integrity and patient centered care. And your 7:1 ratio seems fitting for me.
Something like that - what I am saying is spin the positives of a new place as what you are looking for. It also reinforces to them that you would be a good fit. HTH - stay encouraged. You will find something :)
swansonplace
789 Posts
I find that having forum or a network of friends that are also looking for a new job helps a lot. It provides a support system, and people to practice interviewing techniques with. Practicing questions interview questions you are concerned about is a great help so you feel comfortable with handling different situations.
Home nursing or LTC is something to look into.
Also, those short cert classes are a great help not only for your knowledge, keeping you productive, but also, for networking.