Ghosted After Your RN Interview? Here’s What to Do Next (Without Spiraling)

You prepped. You showed up. You even nailed the “Why should we hire you?” question. But now… radio silence. No call. No email. No update.

Being ghosted after a nursing interview is frustrating - and it’s more common than you think. I hear from new grad nurses all the time who pour everything into an interview, only to be left completely in the dark.

Does it mean you bombed it? That you’re out of the running? That the recruiter secretly hates you?

Nope. Not necessarily.

Here’s exactly what to do (and not do) when you’ve been ghosted post-interview.

1. Give It Time - But Know the Limits
Most hospitals and healthcare systems are not known for speedy communication. Between layers of approvals, multiple candidates, and shifting schedules, it’s not unusual for decisions to take 1–2 weeks (or even longer.)

Here’s a general timeline for YOU to be checking back in.

Within 24 hours: Send a thank you email.

If you haven't heard back within the designated timeline (maybe they told you 2 weeks) - and you're at the 2 week mark, send one more email to check in on the status of the position and reiterate your interest in the role.

You’re not being annoying by checking in. You’re being proactive. And that’s a good look.

2. Follow Up the Right Way (Without Being Pushy)

Craft a brief, polite follow-up email that shows you’re still interested and respectful of their time.

Here’s a template you can use:

Subject: Following up on RN Interview

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to follow up regarding the [unit name] RN position I interviewed for on [insert date]. I really enjoyed speaking with you and learning more about the team.

I’m still very interested in the opportunity and would love to contribute to your unit. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything else from me as you move forward with the hiring process.

Warmly,
[Your Name]

Pro tip: Keep it short and positive. No guilt-tripping, no “I thought I did really well…”—just confidence and kindness.

3. What Ghosting Might Mean (and What It Doesn’t)

Ghosting doesn’t always mean you’re rejected.

 It could mean:

• The position is on hold due to a hiring freeze
• The hiring manager got pulled into a staffing crisis and hasn’t made final decisions
• The recruiter is on PTO and hasn't had the chance to offer you the position
• There is one more person to interview and it's scheduled next week
• Someone left the hospital, and your file is in limbo

In other words—it’s not always about you.

4. What to Do if You Get No Response at All
If you’ve sent a follow-up and still hear nothing after a week, it’s okay to send one final check-in email. If there’s still no response, close the loop for your own peace of mind and move forward.

Remember:

• You can still apply to future positions at that hospital
• You don’t owe loyalty to a job that hasn’t even hired you
• You deserve communication—and if they can’t offer that now, consider it a red flag

5. Use This as a Learning Opportunity (Yes, Really)
Rejection—whether confirmed or silent—stings. But it’s also a chance to grow.

Ask yourself:

• Were there any questions I struggled to answer?
• Did I highlight my strengths clearly?
• Did I research the unit and hospital thoroughly?
• Was my follow-up strong?

And if you’re not sure how to evaluate your interview performance, that’s where I come in. Inside The Nurse Navigator Membership, I offer tools like:

⭐Interview scripts and templates

⭐Behavioral question breakdowns

⭐Mock interviews through The RN Interview Lab

⭐Support in handling ghosting, multiple offers, and everything in between

Final Thoughts
If you’ve been ghosted, I see you. It feels personal, but it’s not a reflection of your worth as a nurse or a person. Stay gracious, stay grounded, and stay ready—for the opportunity that will come.

You’re not alone in this.💗