You're Hired!......Then......

[All4NursingRN]

So I interviewed for a position in November '13, the process went unusually fast, in fact my interview with the recruiter and NM was quite informal. I was not formally interviewed (which was a nice change from the typical interrogative interview). I was only told of the salary, benefits, orientation schedule and etc... and then I was asked how soon I could start. The NM explained how orientation would be structured and seemed very excited to hire me in her expanding unit (as she said) She told me which shift I would work and said that I would get a response either by the same day or the following Wednesday, if no response get back to her because in her words she gets real busy and admittedly forgets things.

Fast foward I call the recruitment office on the following Wed and the recruiter emails me info that I would be hired for a certain shift, pending the usuals (you know reference check, etc.. etc...) I submit all required info and hearing nothing back, although the pending start date was creeping up on just 2 weeks away (mid-December)

So I call to follow up and was told that I would not be starting in December but would be waitlisted.

Now I'm thinking did something go wrong? Am I not being considered? So I email the recruiter with my concerns and she says that everything on my part is fine, the NM is just waiting for approval for the positions. So I'm thinking ok this shouldn't take longer than 4 weeks to hear back about a start date.

Now its 1 month since my original start date and 2 months since I've been offered the position. I finally last week searched for the NM's contact info and emailed her. She responded within about 30-40 minutes (which I was happy that she got back to me so quickly)

She thanked me for reaching out to her and stated that I was at the top of the waitlist and that unfortunately she does not have a start date confirmed for her positions but to keep in touch. She also seemed happy to know I was still interested in the position.

The NM seemed a bit deflated as well because she was so energetic during the interview because they are expanding their unit (lots of construction and new physicians & Procedures being added to what they do)

I've been waitlisted before in a previous job but they only delayed my start date by 1-2 weeks. Has anyone ever experienced such a delay? I'm being patient, but I just wonder how long they will waitlist before a start date? I've had another offer and some interviews but I've been wanting to work in this area for a few years now so I want to wait it out.

So many questions.... *sigh*

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

This really sucks. I would keep looking and if they want to hire you then fine. I wouldn't sit around waiting for them to make up their minds.

[All4NursingRN]

Thanks for your response prn, see I went back and forth with that in my head because in order for me to be ''waitlisted'' that means I had to be hired and I did get an offer. A no is a no and employers have no problem saying NO lol. I just wish they were more clear with a time frame, which I can understand if the NM cannot provide one, it's not her fault.

[dianah, ASN]

Sometimes the NM's hands are tied by HR, budget, etc.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

I wouldn't keep waiting and I would take a job elsewhere. Sounds like the NM got a suprise and was expecting to be able to hire staff, but now can't. This stinks!.

[All4NursingRN]

Thanks, it's just so, so hard to find anything in this job climate. Although I have put out some more applications at some other places. I'm still holding out hope!

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

It's impossible to know how long this "waitlist" will last. It sounds like the manager doesn't have approval for the FTEs to give you a position. This happens frequently. The manager knows she needs more nurses but the hospital doesn't want to hire new people because of "the budget".

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

It sounds like her budget didn't get approved. Also known as "Nevermind, you are NOT hired". Keep looking.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Back in November 2012 I was interviewed and subsequently hired at a company as a nurse that coordinates care at group homes for clients with mental retardation. My start date was in December 2012, on a Monday.

On the Friday before my official start date, one of the nurse managers from the new workplace left a voice mail message stating that my job offer had been rescinded due to budgetary issues, but to "please remain on standby."

I received this abrupt voice mail recording on Friday and was supposed to have started the new job on Monday. I basically had to tuck my tail between my legs and ask for my old job back.

As unprofessional as it is, it is what it is. Money makes the world go 'round, and if the money isn't in the budget for hiring, it's in the job-seeking nurse's best interest to keep it moving without holding one's breath waiting for the new job to come into fruition.

[tyvin, BSN, RN]

I've never heard of wait listing; is that something that is routine; how long has it been around?

What's next...

[All4NursingRN]

Its a very unusual situation and extremely unprofessional to leave someone hanging especially since I did almost everything but sign on the dotted line. This sounds far fetched but there should be some type of procedure for this. They should be honest and make something up atleast because if it weren't for me following up I would've been left hanging not having a clue. Not that I know much now. The recruiter made it seem like a minor delay 2 months ago.

Not that i had such high expectations before but I'm finding nurse recruitment/HRs in general really don't value professionalism. More and morr hospitals are not ashamed of putting their bottom line first.

[Isitpossible, LPN, LVN]

Can you work per diem for awhile, just to give it some time.. I only suggest this, b/c this is the area you wanted!! If you accept another position, that may be difficult if they call...