Unit Manager asks to cancel interview. What do you do?

Nurses Job Hunt

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  1. During an interview, a unit manager asks you to cancel all other interviews.

    • 0
      Cancel the interview and place all trust within the unit manager
    • 10
      Go on other interviews and hope you don't have to make a hard choice later.
    • 14
      Go on interview and don't accept job offer until you've seen all options

24 members have participated

Specializes in Mental Health, Medicine.

Recently I had my first RN interview on a Med/Surg unit at large urban hospital. After a nerve racking session of gruelling questions, the manager had suggested that they would give me an opportunity to work on their unit but wasn't able to officially hire me. He mentioned that the official hire would occur once my references were cleared with HR. I sorta interpret this as you're hired but just not yet. Happy and confused all at the same time. Does this mean things could change?

He also suggested to me that I don't go on any other interviews and solely work for their unit. Mind you the position I was hired for is casual, but working at this hospital was my top choice out of all my possible opportunities. After spending years living as a student, I am yearning to obtain some stability and security in my life. This means I am eager to work and pay off my debt.

Later on this month I have 1 more interview set at a busy acute medicine unit at another large urban hospital. I have spent many many months working here as a student. I know the unit like the back of my hand. This appeals to me because I know I would do a good job there. The downside of working here is the likelihood of burning out fast. The assignments are tough and there is a lack of staff to assist you. But I would learn to be a ninja nurse and it would facilitate other opportunities.

Even though I feel that I will most likely get hired, I fear that things may change and I am left without a job. By cancelling my interview, I am ultimately placing all my trust with 1 organization. Unsure what to do yet, I have not cancelled anything. I really appreciate your input or hear your experiences. Thank you again for taking the time to read my post.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Bottom line is you have nothing in writing from this manager. Unless it's it writing then anything they say is meaningless. They cannot tell you to not go to interiews and that you can work only for them. Keep your options open. If you don't pursue the other positions and then they back out where will you be then?

Best of luck with your job hunt.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Until it is in writing ... the job offer does not exist. Even if they offer you only a "casual" or "per diem" position, I would go on the other interview. If they don't want you badly enough to make a commitment to you, offer you benefits, etc. then you need to look out for yourself. Go where you are wanted. The other place (where you have worked) doesn't sound bad.

Now ... if your first choice comes up with a real offer (budgeted position with benefits) ... then take your first choice and be happy. But don't let them take advantage of you.

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Specializes in Med-Surg and Neuro.

I would not trust that. If they want your loyalty, they need to offer a job in writing. I've signed my contract for a job that doesn't start for 6 weeks yet. There's no reason they can't get it in writing... unless they're not sure they have the budget to cover you, which means they want to be able to dump you at a moment's notice. Run!

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Specializes in Mental Health, Medicine.

I have gained some perspective to this situation. Until it is in writing, it doesn't mean anything. Thank you again for all your comments.

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Specializes in Psych.

The manager may be unable to if there is a sudden hiring freeze or some other administrative fun occurs. I am in favor of taking advantage of every job interview, even if all it means is that you have more practice for the next time you job hunt.

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I always go to job interviews to see whats out there-learn about the position and then youll be able to make an informed decision between the two jobs! Also more interviews means more practice and experience!

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How would they even know if you were going to other interviews? Seems like a silly thing to ask of a candidate :rolleyes:

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

I agree with the other posters; they have yet to even confirm that they want to hire you.

Go to the other interview.

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Specializes in Mental Health, Medicine.

Hello everyone, Sorry for the late response but I just wanted to update you on this blog. After hearing your advice, I decided to go on 2 more interviews. It turns out that by doing so, I was more confident about taking the position from my 1st interview. I signed my contract in December 2014, and I begin to work on the floor later this month. I will admit, it is a bit scary to make a commitment to an agency whom you haven't signed the papers for, but they seemed to keep their word with me. THANKS AGAIN

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