Need advice about job offer!

Hi my name is Jenny I went on an interview 3 weeks ago at a hospital in California. They had told me at the interview that the tentative start date was 3/14. I had let my cpr expire so the nurse manager said if I couldn't get my cpr done by 3/14 and I was a chosen candidate then there was an April start date also. I personally thought the interview went horrible. I rambled a lot and I was just very nervous. I walked out thinking there is no way I will get this job. The manager was very cold and we just did not click.

A few days after the interview my 3 personal references were checked. I know this because my references contacted me. I was excited because this is usually good news. But I didn't hear anything from this job. So about one week before the 3/14 start date I emailed HR just to follow up and check if they made any decisions about the position. 2 days passed and no word back. At this point I figured ok I definetly did not get it!

3 days after the email and 6 days before the 3/14 start date I get an email and phone call from HR offering me the job. I was very surprised and a little freaked out because I had not made any day care arrangements. I told this to HR and said I did not think I was going to get offer. HR apologized for taking so long and blamed the delay on one of my personal references which is bull because my personal references had been finished more than two weeks before the start date. HR hinted to me that if I didn't start on 3/14 the manager would be upset and I may lose the job.

Against all my instincts I accepted the job for the start date of 3/14. I figured I could arrange day care last minute, etc. Nope, nothing about my day care worked out. I pretty much do not have any child care arranged and I've tried everything. So the very same day I accepted the job, hours later I had to let HR and the manager know my issue and asked if I could start at the April start date.

Neither is returning my calls or returning my email. I feel like 6 days to get ready to start a job is asking a lot. If I had another job I would be required to give my current job a 2 week notice. I am currently a stay at home mom and I guess I am asking for the same treatment.

Also before Monday 3/14 they told me I have to get a physical from employee health, bring in my immunizations from my doctor, study and take a med math exam, take a cpr test, get an I D badge, fill out HR paperwork, and get a copy of my nursing diploma.

I just feel like this is asking a lot from me with such short notice. I would hate to give up this job especially in this economy but it looks like I may not have a choice. Does anyone else have a similar situation? Do you think it was unprofessional of me to call them the same day and tell them I couldn't start on their requested start date?

Thanks!!!!!
Unprofessional, yeah probably. I suspect someone else had been offered the position and then withdrew, no offense but could explain their timing. In this economy waiting could be a iffy thing. I had this issue years ago when my children were little and yes daycare is in my opinion harder than nursing school. I decided to go to work and paid outrageous sum of $$ for care until I could arrange what I really wanted/kids needed. Of course please consider I was single parent and did not have the desire to wait another month. Your situation is different, so it is a gamble either way as I see it. HR departments are not necessarily known for being fair, totally honest or totally professional..unfortunate.. Good luck with your decision.

Simply call them, and tell them that you are still working on appropriate child care arrangements and that you will need to start on the April date if at all possible. Let them know that you will be available for all of the rest of the pre-employement issues this Friday, 3/11.Do not grovel, whine or make apologies. Not ever."Hi!, this is (your name) I am unable to make adequate arrangements for my children by next Monday, and would like to start on April XX. I hope that will be suitable for everyone."Best wishes.

I don't mean this to be a slam, but the way I see it, you need to take some responsibility here as well. You may not have thought you'd get the position, but you were still hoping you would and should have been prepared for the posibility. In your shoes, I would have lined up day care just in case.

Quote from GM2RNI don't mean this to be a slam, but the way I see it, you need to take some responsibility here as well. You may not have thought you'd get the position, but you were still hoping you would and should have been prepared for the posibility. In your shoes, I would have lined up day care just in case.

You should make the next 6 days count and do EVERYTHING you need to do to be at orientation! If you truly want to work you will make it happen. If not-- you might want to keep a folder with your diploma, Certs, Physicals, references, etc. so you can be prepared next time.