I had an interview this morning with a long term care facility in my area--a decent one by reputation.
I had sent in my resume about a week ago, and was so happy to be called for an interview. I have been out of nursing for 20 years, am looking to get back into long term care. Took a refresher in the fall. Passed NCLEX this Spring. Hid nothing on my resume, including when I graduated and the last year I worked in nursing.
My interview lasted about 7 minutes and mainly consisted of the DON telling me that not only would I not get a job at her facility, but I wouldn't get one anywhere that provided skilled care. She softened up a bit then, and said that she was just being honest, and that maybe I COULD do it, but it would be really hard, and she would be setting me up for failure if I were hired. She suggested I try to find a day program or assisted living to work my way back into the field.
Since my resume is very clear about my experience, I'm not sure why she bothered to call me in. Needless to say, my confidence is pretty shaken as this is my first interview out of the gate. I'm wondering if I made a mistake in even trying to do this. I do need to find a job with benefits, and maybe just wasted my severance period in school and studying for NCLEX.
Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.
I took 10 years off to raise my kids. I went on interview after interview and was told "you've been out of the business too long"...okay but I graduated at the top of my class, took classes for 10 years yada yada.
Finally I went to a facility where the supervisor was open minded. I got the job as a staff nurse on a very busy subacute floor....jumped in with both feet. I stayed a year....then moved on to manage a very busy short term unit.....moved up and up and now I'm the DNS. So HA! to all those nay sayers. You'll find a place which appreciates you.
I don't understand why she bothered to interview you. If she didn't like what she saw on your resume that's her option but to waste your time is just awful. Don't let her opion bother you. I know it's hard finding jobs right now and you probably had your hopes up but it will happen. Good luck!
She may have committed age discrimination. I don't care how honest she thought she was being, she should be reported to the EEOC immediately.
She called you in after reading your resume. All was there for her to see in black and white. Once there she tells you that you are unemployable. Wrong, wrong wrong. She did not like what she saw, made a judgement she couldn't back up and hung herself. Unless you were filthy, illiterate, or non English speaking, this was bogus. Please report immediately. Do not pass go, call right now. Good luck and keep us posted. Peace!
You did not make a mistake. You need a lawyer. You have the same rights as every other person who earned their RN and passed the NCLEX. I have a feeling this is an age issue, which is why I say you need a lawyer.
In this day and age, many people who were out of nursing went back. It is your right and mine to work doing other jobs or not working. I do not think it is any prospect employer's business why you or I do what we do with our lives.
This person either was mad because you left nursing or just woke up on the wrong side of the bed.
See this is what is wrong with nursing. Many nurses think they are all that and they think they rule.
I would write a letter and keep a copy and send it to their corporate office. Thier legal department may not be happy.
Do not give up. Keep looking. The right job will come along. I have a huge story to tell but have to be careful due to confidentiality clause.
My interview lasted about 7 minutes and mainly consisted of the DON telling me that not only would I not get a job at her facility, but I wouldn't get one anywhere that provided skilled care. She softened up a bit then, and said that she was just being honest, and that maybe I COULD do it, but it would be really hard, and she would be setting me up for failure if I were hired. She suggested I try to find a day program or assisted living to work my way back into the field.
I think I worked for her twin! Be thankful she did not hire you, she is the type that "eats her young". You took the refresher AND passed the NCLEX, at the very least you would be marketable as a New Grad. She sounds like she was running out of tails to chew at her facility and decided to expand her horizons.
CapeCodMermaid, RN
6,092 Posts
I took 10 years off to raise my kids. I went on interview after interview and was told "you've been out of the business too long"...okay but I graduated at the top of my class, took classes for 10 years yada yada.
Finally I went to a facility where the supervisor was open minded. I got the job as a staff nurse on a very busy subacute floor....jumped in with both feet. I stayed a year....then moved on to manage a very busy short term unit.....moved up and up and now I'm the DNS. So HA! to all those nay sayers. You'll find a place which appreciates you.