“Bad Nursing Manager Bias…”

I would say I work with one nurse every so often who is an amazing clinician. Who also invests in their growth, and puts up a killer application. But here’s the thing – they still don’t land the promotion. 

So, naturally I get curious about what’s going on…

Lets dive in… 

Meet Ellen (Fake Name)

She has worked clinically for about 10+ years. 

Building her acute and sub acute skills. 

Developed her clinical leadership, education, quality and management skills. 

Gained advanced nursing skills. 

Completed post graduate trainings. 

Has proven their skills and abilities in all facets of their work. 

They see the role advertised. They express interest and get “support” from their NUM. They apply with excellent documents. They interview well and use all the strategies. 

They sound like a shoe in for a promotion right? 

Well – sometimes this is not the case and it has a lot to do with what I like to call “bad manager bias.”

”Bad manager bias” is when they choose to mislead a candidate through the process, seemingly supporting them throughout, whilst culling them at the most critical stage after interview. 

This happens ALL the time and is a sign in my opinion that you should move onto a new workplace. 

Afterall, why would you ever trust that manager again. Why would you feel inspired and motivated to give your job 100% and apply 3-4 times again for the same job – to get the same outcome?

As a manager who has sat on panels and hear things like, “They have had their applications done for them” or “they just said what we wanted to hear ”, it infuriates me when panels give into bias. And introduce their own fears and lack of desire to work with someone who has potential – letting it govern their decision making. 

Applying for roles is a game. It’s a strategic one. The aim is to tell the panel what they want to hear. All whilst demonstrating your experience in a convincing manner. 

Therefore, why would they get pissed that you “said what they wanted to hear” – its cray cray. RED FLAG!!!

To add insult to injury, these poor candidates then seek feedback. Which, is often delivered in a disgraceful manner. Pulling people down, highlighting their gaps and providing no tangible plan moving forward. 

It’s so easy in a situation like the above, to make the “failure” mean something about your capabilities. Your human and that seems reasonable. However, what I want to let you know is that you are not at fault. 

The bad manager bias, highlights a huge problem in your manager/employer. They haven’t developed the fundamental skills to nurture, support and have honest conversations with you. This is their problem and they are taking it out on you. You should be considering a move ASAP. 

If you have experienced bad manager bias juju or just general lack of support, I would love to hear back from you! 

If you have experienced it – I apologise on behalf of these people. They are suffering and they don’t deserve you. Don’t let it stop you moving forward, you can CHOOSE to not make it mean anything about your capabilities. 

It is rare - but you should be aware of it! We say no to BMB!!!

PS you are amazing – keep doing your thing and find a new job! If you need any guidance, I am more than glad to help you out. Click here to connect!