I needed advice on something. (Sorry, this is long!)
Prior to going on leave from my job, I expressed interest to my DON in a particular field of nursing. It came up several more times in meetings and during conversation, with the DON being the one to mention it (which lets me know that he was clear on the fact that this was something I would be interested in pursuing). At the time however, there were no more positions open as they had just offered the only open one to one of my co-workers. This particular co-worker had no interest in the position initially and was only interested in a change of schedule when the DON offered it to her and began her training immediately. She has since taken it and is glad that she did.
I was made aware today, that another of these positions opened up (and I would love to be considered for it) so when my DON called me, I was sure that that was what it was for, however, he just wanted to offer me a regular staff nurse job on a different shift. Needless to say I was pretty disappointed. I was speaking to one of my co-workers and she was pushing me to just go speak with the DON and express my interest in the position, and request to apply for it, but I feel a little embarrassed.
I know that the things we want don't just fall in our laps and that if you want something you should go after it, but I really feel as though if they liked me for it, they would have made some type of mention about the job, the same as they did with my co-worker (who had made no mention of the job). I have worked my tail off at this job, giving them blood, sweat and tears and they KNOW i am a reliable employee. I also feel that they KNOW I am interested in this job for multiple reasons and the DON has even made comments like "hey sweetbabylpn, maybe when you get back we'll have something open for you in ____" without me having said anything to incite the comments. I'm even registered (on the company's dime) for the seminar that would certify me for this position but have yet to take it (and he KNOWS this, because I need the company's approval).
I guess my question is, should I call him back and express my interest in this specific job? Part of me feels like it would hurt my pride to do so. Like if they wanted me, they would have asked, so the fact that they haven't means they're not interested. But on the same note, everyone keeps saying that if I want it, I have to make that clear, not just assume they know and wait for them to offer. But isn't it fair to assume they know? Even though I didn't ask for that specific job (it wasn't available at the time), it's a general understanding among us all that I am interested in going into that particular field of nursing. I guess i'm just afraid of rejection as I associate it with embarrassment and so I try to avoid that feeling. What should I do? I should add that I was considering leaving this facility and if I don't stay in this capacity, it's likely that I will be seeking employment elsewhere.
I agree, you should approach him privately and let him know. All he can do is say NO and IF he does - it'll give you the opportunity to ask WHY. He may have a very valid reason.
I had a job once that I wanted a promotion and when my manager hired someone from outside the company, I asked WHY. It wasn't really a "professional" job, but he was very blunt about the reasons why - mostly bc he thought I was too young and wouldn't stick around and/or take it as seriously as required. I was peeved. He told me to step it up and prove to him over the next couple of weeks that I wanted it - and I did.
At least if you don't get it, you'll know what you need to improve on and what others may perceive as a weakness.
Approach him and let him know you want the position. Show him all the work you put into getting to where you are now and what you will do to excel in the new position.
What is the worst that can happen? He says "no, you're not fit for it" and you return to work as usual or leave your current position as you planned in the case things don't work out for you. Or he says "I thought you would never ask!" (well maybe not that enthusiastically but he would appreciate that you put in the effort and made a run for it)
Best of luck in your future endeavors. Never stop reaching your goals.
Well I guess it's a no brainer then huh? Lol! You guys have all made very valid points and I appreciate all the responses. Because I tend to freeze up with these kinds of things, I'm first going to prepare in writing why I believe I deserve the position, what I have done to prepare and what I will continue to do to show what a valuable asset I am to the company.
My only setback (I believe) is that I will have to have this awkward (for me) conversation over the phone as I am still on LOA. I think the conversation will be awkward because I (reluctantly) semi-agreed to the staff nurse position today when I spoke to him. We both know it's not set in stone, it was more of a casual "well, you know I was thinking I might do this . . . ", but now I will feel weird calling him back tomorrow with something new.
Any ideas on how to get around this?? Also, any other suggestions on how to make my case?
If it were me, I would approach it semi-casually. You said you are a tight-knit group and he knows you well or well enough. I would call and just say, "Hey, you know we were talking about the staff nurse position yesterday. I've been thinking about it, and I would really like to apply for the X position - it's something I've wanted for awhile now. How do you feel about that?"
As nurses we advocate for everyone,.........except ourselves.
Good luck with pitch to the DON. Remind him you are already poised to take
the certification seminar. Sounds like you are ready to grow as a professional,
so let him know when you are ready to start;)
(Think Milton Berle with the giant powder puff---------makeup!)
Sometimes you just have to sock it to em!
Hey thanks a ton for the message. I'm not allowed to PM yet but I wanted to thank you for making me smile! The clip was hilarious! When you first posted I didn't know who you were talking about! Lol. That was too cute though. :)
I agree with the others who said just ask him. Think about it, the worst he can say is no, and if you don't ask, you probably won't get it. Go for it!!! :-)
I wouldn't be too upset if he says "NO" because it could be an "ole boy network" if you know what I mean! Maybe look for something else where the manager is more fair. Just saying, after years of many nursing jobs.....
You have to be confident. You seem very nervous and timid. You have not mentioned what this position you want is but if it is anything related to charge, management, ect you need to toughen up a bit. I was always a very shy person and still have that tendency but I have learned over the years that you don't get anywhere that way. You have to stand up for yourself, say what you want, even fight for what you want. What are your fears about asking? The worst that will happen is you will be told no and you will still have the same job you have now. You are not in a worse position just the same. You can then ask why, improve yourself and apply when it opens again. Don't ever wait to be offered things. If you want it persue it!
I only read the OP, and had a little trouble "getting it." If the question is should you speak up and ask to be considered for the position, the answer if emphatically yes. What I don't get is why that is even a question, b/c it seems strange to expect someone to offer you a job you haven't applied for. It happens sometimes, but generally speaking people are only considered for jobs they put in applications (or in this case probably a transfer request) for. I must have missed something, so sorry if I am misunderstanding an important piece of the puzzle. Good luck.
backatit2
368 Posts
I agree, you should approach him privately and let him know. All he can do is say NO and IF he does - it'll give you the opportunity to ask WHY. He may have a very valid reason.
I had a job once that I wanted a promotion and when my manager hired someone from outside the company, I asked WHY. It wasn't really a "professional" job, but he was very blunt about the reasons why - mostly bc he thought I was too young and wouldn't stick around and/or take it as seriously as required. I was peeved. He told me to step it up and prove to him over the next couple of weeks that I wanted it - and I did.
At least if you don't get it, you'll know what you need to improve on and what others may perceive as a weakness.