Kindly Unspoken

Note: I wrote this bit a little over two months ago. I think many would be able to relate to this. Di lang mga new RNs.
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     Today I set forth to my journey to be a volunteer nurse…or so I thought.

     First stop was this hospital affiliated to one of the universities in this province. I was dressed to kill/impress—whichever you prefer. I had my game-face on and I brought all my guns blazing.

     So I got there and talked to the person I was supposed to talk to. In all fairness to her, she was nice enough to accommodate me even though she wasn’t on duty. She was actually preparing to leave when I got there. She asked to see my credentials and she even asked me a few questions including: “What university did you graduate from?” I was able to answer her questions despite the headache I’ve been enduring since I woke up. Then, she told me that I should talk to the human resources officer of the university that they were affiliated to. My heart sank a bit when I heard that. However, the trooper that I am, I was still like, “Ok. I can do that. Thank you ma’am.” Until now, I’m still unsure if she heard a tinge of disappointment in my voice.

     Ok. So, trooping on, I left and went straight to the aforementioned university to talk to the HR officer. She was on the phone when I got there so i was instead accommodated by one of her minions.

     The first question I was asked, mind you, was: “Saang university ka graduate?” Now, I was expecting many questions. Not that I wasn’t expecting THAT question, but certainly, I wasn’t expecting it to be the first. I had to answer so I said, “I’m from University X.” Then, ‘lo and behold, she followed up with a remark that blew my smart and witty mind. She said, “Wala bang base hospital ang university niyo?” I was dumbfounded. My jaw dropped for a split second or two, unable to answer right away. I know that she knew the answer to that question. Syempre meron. When I finally got my senses together, I told her that I haven’t been there to apply…with a smile of course, sheepish it may be. With that, she stood up and went to the office of the HR head. Moments later,(I was still reeling from our earlier banter) the minion approached me and said, “Bumalik ka na lang next month. Marami pa kasing applicants. Wala pang available na slot.” My heart sank further and I’m very sure that the disappointment was visible on my face. “Pwede po bang mag-submit na lang ako ng credentials today—“ I was saying. But she cut me off and said with an almost insulting smile on her face, “Ay hindi. Dalhin mo na lang yan next month pagbalik mo.” So I stood up. I thanked her. And I left.

     I honestly thought that affiliated hospitals and universities were above “prejudice”. I thought that competition was only among the students. Ha! I was only kidding myself. This is not an isolated case.

     Seriously people! “What school did you graduate from” shouldn’t be the first question that you ask an applicant. It shouldn’t be the sole basis of rejection. In fact, it should never be a basis at all! It’s discriminating! Yes, I understand about the school pride. Yes, I understand that the application process is functioning on a “first-come-first-serve” basis. I get that. When hiring, an employer should start hires someone, the first question shouldn't be about the school from which the applicant came from. his/her preference should be based on skills and other credentials needed for the job; not because he/she’s from the university or company that you are affiliated to or because s/he knows and was referred by someone  of higher rank.

     What happened earlier, no matter how kindly unspoken and discreet, was (in my opinion) a bit prejudice. I don’t mean to offend. I only mean to rant.

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