Nanny canceled on first day?

[Anonymous]

Our soon to be nanny canceled on our first trial that was 3.5 hours, an hour before she was suppose to arrive. She had a family emergency but did state that she would come in if I couldn't cancel. I told her it was fine and to call later so we can setup a new time. We have another trial day and two weeks before the position starts.

I can appreciate the circumstances but it does worry me a little that she asked to cancel the first day. Her references and recommendations letters spoke highly of her and especially about her reliability. Please weigh in. Should we possibly keep our eye out for other nannies or not worry too much at this point? It didn't mess up our day or anything because I am still on maternity leave.

[Anonymous]

I would give her a pass this time. It is so hard to have some emergency come up at the beginning of a new job. Try to be understanding of the fact that these things can happen at any time, and it doesn't make someone unreliable. However, if it happens again within your trial period, I'd be concerned and would keep an eye out for other nannies.

[Anonymous]

Trust your gut OP, and see how she follows up with you.

Anyone can have an emergency, so this may or may not be indicative of her reliability. But I'd definitely keep your radar up and try to reschedule her ASAP so you can get in person read on your comfort level with her, etc...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would give her a pass this time. It is so hard to have some emergency come up at the beginning of a new job. Try to be understanding of the fact that these things can happen at any time, and it doesn't make someone unreliable. However, if it happens again within your trial period, I'd be concerned and would keep an eye out for other nannies.

Thanks. She is very well recommended in my area and she has been on top of everything so far. We do understand things happen and we hope that this wont be routine. In her lay position her references spoke about how she never missed a day or work and stayed late whenever she was asked. I have faith and we really like her a lot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Trust your gut OP, and see how she follows up with you.

Anyone can have an emergency, so this may or may not be indicative of her reliability. But I'd definitely keep your radar up and try to reschedule her ASAP so you can get in person read on your comfort level with her, etc...

We have already met in person and it was wonderful. We knew right away she was the nanny for us. We clicked on every point and we can tell she was genuine in the interview. I did just write that her references all spoke well and how her reliability was stellar ( not only timely but never missed work).

[Anonymous]

Give her a chance and see how it goes.

[Anonymous]

My mother had a stroke the night before I was set to start a nanny position. Things like this can definitely happen.
I would give her the benefit of the doubt, especially since she comes so highly recommended.

[Anonymous]

Everyone has emergencies, just pay her for the day and don't bring it up again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Everyone has emergencies, just pay her for the day and don't bring it up again.

I'm a nanny and an earlier poster that said to let it go, but I disagree that she should get paid. It was supposed to be her first trial day. No need to pay her before she's even started.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Everyone has emergencies, just pay her for the day and don't bring it up again.

I'm a nanny and an earlier poster that said to let it go, but I disagree that she should get paid. It was supposed to be her first trial day. No need to pay her before she's even started.

Yea except nanny expected to make some money today, and it's not really her fault that she had an emergency. So really, MB should pay her.

[Anonymous]

Yes give her a second chance as emergencies do happen

However keep your eyes open.

Is this a trial period or an orientation?

If it's a trial she may be looking at other jobs, and having " emergencies" going on interviews etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Everyone has emergencies, just pay her for the day and don't bring it up again.

I'm a nanny and an earlier poster that said to let it go, but I disagree that she should get paid. It was supposed to be her first trial day. No need to pay her before she's even started.

Yea except nanny expected to make some money today, and it's not really her fault that she had an emergency. So really, MB should pay her.

That's hilarious. Really. NO WAY should she get paid.

[Anonymous]

Um no - she doesn't get paid for a trial day she cancelled on.

That's just ridiculous. Don't fire her for what could easily be a very human situation with an unforeseen emergency, but no payment.

I can't imagine she would expect to be paid, and if she did then that is a serious red flag.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes give her a second chance as emergencies do happen

However keep your eyes open.

Is this a trial period or an orientation?

If it's a trial she may be looking at other jobs, and having " emergencies" going on interviews etc.

This is what I was thinking too!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Trust your gut OP, and see how she follows up with you.

Anyone can have an emergency, so this may or may not be indicative of her reliability. But I'd definitely keep your radar up and try to reschedule her ASAP so you can get in person read on your comfort level with her, etc...

You need more color on this "family emergency." Gently ask what the situation is.
Is it one-off or a steady stream of ongoing treatments and episodes. If the former, fine, if the latter she should only be doing temp care or she needs to set up backup care arrangements for you right now.