We'd like to offer you the position but............

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Jul 11, 2016

I've been applying for different jobs and every time I interview I get the "my only reservation is that you don't have adult experience" line. Thanks, I'm aware that's a problem which is why I'm applying for different jobs.
I can't help that my only experience is with peds and neonates. Believe me mr/ms hiring manager, I'm trying to break into a new area otherwise I would not be applying for your open position.
Just because I don't have adult experience doesn't men I'm a bad nurse and can't handle the job.

Just because someone declines to hire you because you lack experience in the field doesn't mean they think you are a bad nurse. What that might make you is expensive, in terms of having to train you, potentially provide classes for you, put you with a preceptor for an extended period of time, etc. All of that costs money. If someone else walks through the door who has a decade of experience vs. your none, and equally good references and other qualities, who do you think they will hire? And why wouldn't they?

I'd probably have a heck of a time getting hired as an NICU nurse, since I've never set foot in one. Which has nothing to do with whether or not I'm a "bad" nurse.

These are just the realities of getting hired in these times of specialization. That said, nurses are able to cross train; you just have to be the lucky one who encounters a manager who has the time, budget, and desire to do so. Get to know the managers of the unit(s) you'd like to work in at your current facility. Maybe you can get your foot in the door in that unit, which will give you the experience you lack and which will open more doors for you in the future.

Dogen · Jul 11, 2016

If this is a common issue for you then address it early in the interview and tell them why they shouldn't worry. Are you a fast learner? Have you kept up on adult medicine? Do you have skills and knowledge that may transfer to adult patients? Perhaps you have a skill that many nurses who work with adults don't have. How are you at IV sticks on small veins? Think of ways to turn your experience into a benefit for hiring managers.

AutumnApple · Jul 11, 2016

Just want to put this out as well so you can avoid sabotaging yourself too:

I've been involved in the interviewing process. On one unit, I was the responsible for making the schedule. I had to sit in on interviews when time permitted it. The manager wanted my opinion of the person as far as whether I thought it'd work out schedule wise with them and wanted me available to answer scheduling questions.

I've been told interviewing for a lot of managers in tightly run, large corporation hospitals is highly scrutinized. They are expected to do it the company's way. One thing they often have to do is bring up "I have a concern with.................".

It's like house inspectors. They have to find SOMETHING wrong. Or it's assumed they didn't even look. No person is perfect, everyone has a flaw. The manager is expected to find your (perceived) flaw and confront you with it........see what your reaction is to it.

If you become defensive or show body language the suggests you're annoyed by the question, you could be sabotaging things. Do as the poster above mentioned, have a positive response for it.

I don't want to make you nervous, just want you to know they may be saying this just to see your reaction.

aerorunner80, ADN, BSN, MSN, APRN · Jul 11, 2016

I didn't realize it may be asked on purpose. I hope I handled it well enough. I really want this job I interviewed for on Wednesday. It seemed like it went well but I haven't gotten a call yet and they took the posting down the next day. I'm just having a real bad moment of self doubt right now as I've had terrible luck with interviews for the past two years or so. I haven't been able to get out of the unit I work in where I'm miserable. I just don't know what to do. I'm sure my miserableness comes out too which doesn't help.

I guess I just need to vent right now more than anything.

NuGuyNurse2b · Jul 12, 2016

sorry then it seems like it's you, not them, if you are having this much difficulty with all your interviews. Maybe it's your interviewing skills.

AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Jul 12, 2016

oh how I feel your pain, just with the opposite problem!

ANNIE

AutumnApple · Jul 12, 2016

oh how I feel your pain, just with the opposite problem!
ANNIE

Trying to go from adult to PEDs?

From what I understand, home healthcare is more willing to give people their first shot than others usually.

Libby1987 · Jul 12, 2016

So many threads about being forced to float, can you volunteer and gain some experience to add to your resume that way?

By the way, burned out miserable nurses are easy to read, they already know their units aren't cake walks either and you may be scary them off.

HeySis, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2016

I interviewed for on Wednesday. It seemed like it went well but I haven't gotten a call yet and they took the posting down the next day.

I'd call back and ask HR if the position has been filled and in the future ask when you can expect to hear back. I always ask this along with, who do I contact with any followup questions I have?

This gives me a time frame for when to start worrying and a person I can contact to find out if it's been filled.

You could contact most unemployment offices and ask if there is someone that can do mock interviews with you and give you pointers.

Or maybe you could find a position working with adults that's not acute care to help you transition. A part time or PRN position doing LTC, or home health could be a way to show some recent work with adults.

Good Luck!! I hope someone's just on vacation and your name is sitting on their desk for a call back.

Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN · Jul 12, 2016

If this is a common issue for you then address it early in the interview and tell them why they shouldn't worry. Are you a fast learner? Have you kept up on adult medicine? Do you have skills and knowledge that may transfer to adult patients? Perhaps you have a skill that many nurses who work with adults don't have. How are you at IV sticks on small veins? Think of ways to turn your experience into a benefit for hiring managers.

Perfect ....sell yourself. Presumably, they know what your job experience is before they call you for an interview ...but they're still calling.

knurse10 · Jul 12, 2016

I had a similar issue going from primary care to hospital. Thirty applications later, I found the right job with the right manager who was more than okay with training me. It's a shame that many hospitals don't want to hire nurses unless they have two years or more of directly related experience. It's extremely frustrating.