What's wrong with me?

arg928 · Dec 26, 2012

Same thing here, I've had 3 interviews in the last 2 months. Felt good about all of them, but they hired someone else. Hang in there, I'm trying to. I'm sure God has something better in store for us. :)

Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN · Dec 27, 2012

Lots of applicants keep applying something will come your way.

stephenfnielsen · Dec 27, 2012

If you have the guts for it, most places offer brutally honest feedback as to why you didn't get the job if they were willing to take you that far. If you ask with the right tact- honestly looking for feedback (not to complain or get another shot) it can be very helpful.

mappers · Dec 27, 2012

I thought about doing that, with the last one, but wasn't sure how to do it the right way.

docomo · Dec 31, 2012

Your post is rather incomplete in that very little of the information from your resume is provided.

First let me say that I'm also considering a career in nursing informatics, though I'm a RN with no working experience as a nurse. I also have a degree in information technology, but no experience as an IT professional either. It's easy to see where my resume would show some weaknesses as an applicant for a nursing informatics job. I've got the qualifying education, but lacking the ideal work experience.

Upon reviewing your resume, would you say you are more or less prepared than what is considered to be the standard requirements? Most agree that the requirements for a nursing informatics job are: a degree in nursing, as well as a degree in computer science or informatics, and a minimum of 2 years of experience as an RN in a hospital. If your resume is lacking in either education or experience, then you're at a serious disadvantage to those who have both.

If your resume is lacking in qualifications, the obvious solution is to get the respective education or experience needed for one to be considered as fully qualified for the position. However, assuming that you are fully qualified, then most likely all you are missing is a little polish. That means more than putting on a nice suit and smiling throughout the interview. A polished appearance means having a resume that is very well prepared and arriving at the interview already knowing your answer to any question they could possibly ask you. It's probably time to invest a little money in yourself by hiring a professional to rewrite your resume and coach you on how to do well during the interview.

Good Luck!

InformaticsRN.MA · Dec 31, 2012

2 thoughts:

Did the topic of salary come up in your interviews? is it possible that someone with less experience was hired at a lower salary than someone with your experience would expect?

Also-when you look at the specific requireements for the job, was there anything that you didn't have? For example, prior use of a certain EMR, like Epic or Cerner?

I had difficulties breaking into the field also, so feel free to contact me-

mappers · Dec 31, 2012

@Docomo: Thanks for the advice, but since I get interviews, even 2nd and 3rd ones, I'm pretty sure that my resume isn't the problem. And I've had lots of interviews throughout my career and gotten a good amount of job offers. I've also interviewed for a fair amount of positions. I'm not new to the ballgame of job interviewing.

In all of my previous work experience, if I get a 2nd interview, I usually get the job. With this informatics stuff, I get to 2nd and 3rd interviews and don't get the job. I thought that a nurse with my data experience was rare, but I guess not.

mappers · Dec 31, 2012

@InformaticsRN; Salary did come up and they told me I was "in the ballpark." I have to admit that in order to change jobs now, I want to be fairly compensated. So maybe I am higher than some others. I don't think I am out of range, but I don't want to start at the bottom.

I cannot point to specific software. At my hospital before, the software we used was outdated and has since been replaced with Epic. One job I interviewed for a few months back was for EPIC. I wish now that I could have gotten in the door with that. Where I work now, the program is very specific to oncology, so the need is not tremendous.

I'm a firm believe in the fact that if a person understands data bases, basic queries, how to set up data libraries, etc, these skills can transfer to most software. But if someone has specific software listed, I guess that makes a difference.

I still don't know why the two really good interviews I had resulted in nothing.

mydesygn · Jan 1, 2013

Not sure of the area you live in - if it is fairly competitive. I would wonder if they are holding out for that "perfect" candidate. It sounds like they may be looking harder for a perhaps clinical experience in a specific area. You can teach the technical aspects - it's harder to teach the business. If they are looking for an analyst to support software in the surgical area and you have no clinical background in surgery - I would likely hold out for someone with that specific background. The dept may have many "analysts" with strong technical experience but lacking relevant clinical experience.

Many facilities will do a consultant to hire. It gives them a chance to "try" someone out. It's cheaper to pay a consultant that you can simply contract for a few months then hire someone that really is ineffective. My suspicion is that they have contracted consultants so they can leave the permanent position open for the right candidate.

All that being said, I would find it difficult to beleive that happened to you twice particularly if you have had 2 different interviews. I would approach the HR dept to inquire the reasons why - perhaps calling the recruiter and thanking them for the opportunity to apply and interview, stating you were highly interested in any information they could give you in improving your skills and presentation. They may open up.

rnformaticsr4me · Jan 2, 2013

I had a very difficult time getting my big break into the informatics field, so I appreciate your concern. I went on 2nd and 3rd interviews without success. I have 2 A.S. degrees in Computer Programming & Internet Programming; my BSN; and working toward my Masters in Health Informatics. I was a nurse on the floor for 3 1/2 years where I served on the Informatics Committee and also worked as a Super User during upgrades. The field is tough to get into without experience. However, I started expanding my search location and eventually obtained a position as a systems analyst and worked on ambulatory care implementations. Being open and eager helped. I don't think there is a magic answer to how to break into informatics; except polish your resume, go in with an encouraging attitude, and STRESS every accomplishment---now matter how small. I began stressing how much I worked with the physicians and nurses during upgrades, don't lie but toot your own horn. These interviews are very competitive so there is no room for being modest. GOOD LUCK!

InformaticsRN.MA · Jan 2, 2013

Re salary - if I am seriously interested in a job, I try (diplomatically) to avoid naming a number, until I receive a job offer. It's worked for me in the past - I've even managed (a few times) to negotiate a few extra thousand after the job offer. is it possible they might just say that you were in the bal park and they were looking to pay less?

I have an MS in Nursing/Healthcare Informatics and found that my degree was a disadvantage at one hospital - I couldn't even get a position as a superuser (I have over 10 years experience, equally split between clinical and administrative roles). My take on that was that since their IT department didn't have a Master's prepared nurse already, some people were a little intimidated by my degree. Perhaps your wealth of experience is seen the same way.

I feel your pain - I was in your shoes until a few months ago. Good luck!