would frequent re-advertising of the same job...

[letsgoflyakite]

Put you off applying?

I went for an interview through an agency for a job but didn't get it because I couldn't start straight away, and can only start in October.

I know from the agency that they place lots of nannies with this family but none work out... I've been told its because of the high demand for medical needs which the child has. I come from a nursing background so this doesn't bother me.

I went for my interview in May, had excellent feedback aside from not starting ASAP and I really liked the sound of the job. Anyway, they found someone to start straight away and as far as I am aware, they flew out (abroad...very far infact) and started.

The job has now been advertised again. I can only presume it didn't work out with the latest nanny or maybe she didn't even start.

I'm just concerned there might be something else going on if they literally can't get a nanny to stay. I know the vacancy has been there since Feb and they've had at least two nannies in that time.

Should I re-reinstate my interest or would it be a no-no for you?

I would go for it
as i have done the same and found the job is nothing like the advert but great none the less

I would ask to see if you can have the number or email of previous applicant for a reference of the family and see what they have to say . But it does sound very odd why people would keep leaving so often , though there could be different circumstances. And then if they would not let you have previous applicants email - I would guess there is something defiantly not right.

Medical conditions can be hard to manage when you lack experience. As a parent, you are forced to deal with it, but as a nanny, I can understand how it could be too much. Without knowing this particular situation, I had a friend whose childhood was overtaken with doctors' appointments, hospital visits, physio twice a day, a special diet and enough pills to make him rattle. His condition meant that exposure to friends or family who were a little bit poorly could have made him quite sick. It was a big responsibility for his mum to deal with, but I can understand it being too big a responsibility for someone who is effectively an employee. As a family, they would also want to find the right person and it sounds like you might be it, if you can deal with medical issues confidently.

On a more everyday level, I have just had to re-advertise my nanny job for the 3rd time and not because I am a bad employer. My kids are genuinely lovely, there's only 1 to look after full time, I don't ask too much of my nannies and I do everything by the book.

Ad 1: Recruited with 2 days notice, primarily for a short term nanny to cover KIT days at work (which I took on at short notice as a favour to my employer) with a view to potentially offering a permanent position. Decided it was too much of a rush to make a decision for back to work proper and also had to hire someone who is beyond my means long term who I was confident to leave with my baby
Ad 2: Adjusted ad to recruit a permanent nanny. Interviewed a seemingly fabulous nanny, glowing references, supposedly loyal, trustworthy etc. Processed all the paperwork and contract with payroll agency and then informed nanny that actually, I'd miscalculated holiday and she'd be getting more! She replied as follows:-

Dear notsoanonymous
I'm sorry to say but I can not except your offer because I already find a job (bear in mind I already have her formal acceptance of my offer in writing). Anyway thank you very much for your time to wasted on me.I hope you will find another nanny.That's the way of life. Again sorry about it.
Best wishes
I'maficklenanny

No doubt she prefers her current situation of cash in hand and no paid hols. I am fuming at the lack of professionalism and wonder how nannies can command so much in salary when so many don't show any basic decency for employers.

Ad 3: I have now had to place my ad again, at extra cost to me, because I have only 3 weeks to find a nanny before I go on holiday and need someone to start as soon as I get back to allow for settling in time.

letsgoflyakite sorry to hijack your thread, but 24 hours later am still fuming

I would ask to re-interview. I would then go through the position with them very thoroughly and ask if they feel. comfortable explaining why they have had a spate a short term nannies.
If I were still interested then suggest a trial weekend.
Some families have very specific ideas/ needs and it can be hard to find a match. This doesnt mean they are not a good family to work for.
My current position is with a child with complex medical needs. I email/speak to the parents every couple of hours as well as providing a written diary. I currently have a parent a home. Activities are restricted due to this childs needs, and playdates are impossible. I have also had to learn some fairly grim medical procedures which need to be carried out daily. Many nannies would hate these restrictions, but I love my job, and hopeto be here for many years. So go with you instincts