I don't think this is awkward. Tell her when you talk to her who you are and when you've previously met.

It's not like she's nanny poaching since she answered an ad.

And, HIPAA laws don't prevent a doc from saying where she got her nanny. It would be inappropriate for her to discuss with former family.

Explain the current family doesn't know you're looking just yet. Don't complain about former employers, but find a reason to explain your departure.

I don't actually think this is that big a deal. I think you can be straightforward in having met her before (you're currently a nanny for one of her families).

If you're not uncomfortable considering her as an employer then it is up to her if she is uncomfortable considering "stealing" you from a family she knows. But honestly, she knows a gazillion families so she may have already thought about this scenario. She didn't try to hire you away when you were in her office w/ the family so there's nothing underhanded on her part. You're legitimately looking for another position - nothing underhanded there.

I wouldn't overthink it. Go through the process, see if this is the right fit for you and her, and be honest about having met before. I'm an MB and if I was interviewing someone who said they were looking for a new position because they needed to be paid fully and on time I would totally understand.

Getting a reference from your current family though is likely to be tough - regardless of who you're interviewing with. You can't get a reference without them knowing your leaving, so that's tricky. I would just not use them and explain to whomever you're interviewing with why they're not currently a reference. As an MB (and someone who has hired a bunch of folks in my work setting also) I totally understand why it is tough to get references from current employers. If your other references are good that's sufficient. In fact, having met the pediatrician before and having made a positive impression then you're probably ahead of the game.

Good luck!!

Anonymous wrote:I am working for a family that does not pay me on time and/or in full, so I am looking for another position. I do plan to give notice, but they do not know that I am looking. Last week a mom responded to my nanny ad and we set up a phone interview for this evening. Her name sounded very familiar, and this afternoon I realized that she is my charge's pediatrician and we saw her just three weeks ago! At the time I introduced myself as her nanny and the doctor gushed about the difference that a good nanny can make in a child's life. I like this woman, but I'm worried that my being the nanny of a patient may put her off. Should I tell her during the phone interview that we have met and the circumstances? Is there a way that references could be handled with my current family that wouldn't be too terribly awkward?

If she is laid back she won't care.


I would just continue the interview and then when you meet in person, act like you didn't recognize her name and then explain that you are looking for more opportunities. Don't bad mouth your current employers, but say you want to move on, per schedule conflict and feel it is time to move on.

Obviously she knows what HIPPA is and she can not just let the beans spill about x,y,z. So, its safe to assume if she likes you, she wont go around letting her patients know....(I mean your current charges). She will hire you and respect your reason for leaving and will give you a chance and go from there.

On the other hand, she thought you were a great nanny when you came in with the kids. So she might be eager to snag you up no matter who you work for right now...

Unless you are REALLY interested in another job, I would let this one go. It could be super awkward for everyone involved.

However, if you are truly fed up w/your current family and do not care what they think, I would just explain the situation to the new family and see what they think.
They MAY think it is a conflict of interests or they might not even care.

GL.

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't mention itunless you meet in person and she says you look familiar. Presumably you will have given her your resume and references and she can see your current family's name for herself. Truthfully she sees so many people she may or may not remember you. I would tell her why you're leavimg and that your current family doesn't know you're looking so you'd prefer she not call them unless she's sure she wants to hire you.

Do you really think her current family, who fails to pay her on time or in full, will give her a good reference when they find out she is looking?

I wouldn't mention itunless you meet in person and she says you look familiar. Presumably you will have given her your resume and references and she can see your current family's name for herself. Truthfully she sees so many people she may or may not remember you. I would tell her why you're leavimg and that your current family doesn't know you're looking so you'd prefer she not call them unless she's sure she wants to hire you.

I don't see how this is awkward at all.

How awkward. You will have to tell the pediatrician about meeting her previously. She may not choose you since she could risk losing a patient. You cannot ask your current family to be a reference if they do not know you are looking!

I am working for a family that does not pay me on time and/or in full, so I am looking for another position. I do plan to give notice, but they do not know that I am looking. Last week a mom responded to my nanny ad and we set up a phone interview for this evening. Her name sounded very familiar, and this afternoon I realized that she is my charge's pediatrician and we saw her just three weeks ago! At the time I introduced myself as her nanny and the doctor gushed about the difference that a good nanny can make in a child's life. I like this woman, but I'm worried that my being the nanny of a patient may put her off. Should I tell her during the phone interview that we have met and the circumstances? Is there a way that references could be handled with my current family that wouldn't be too terribly awkward?