Need Advice. New Grad for Dermatologic Nursing Bay Area

[TurtleLittle, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, CRNA]

I just got interviewed for a very busy upscale Derm office in Bay Area. The doctor of the practice was the one who interviewed me. He told me that he likes hiring RN and would expect to train me with plenty of things depending on my potentials (laser hair procedure, phototherapy, injections, pre-assessment, assisting the doc during procedure, front office's duty, back office, billing, etc.). Basically everything bc he does not have MA. The only thing is he is also selling products at the clinic, I figured it was typically part of this business anyways for Derm and Cosmetic. But I did not like it very much with the idea that he'd attempt to turn me into a saleman. -.-

Could anyone tell me how much pay rate is appropriate as welll? When asked how much I would like, I told him $30/hr (for a full-time position with all the benefits). Is it overselling or underselling myself with the job market for this kind of practice in the Bay?

He said that he is interview 15 candidates and will call people back for another round of interview from his partners in crime... I meant business. ^^. I was the first one of the list of candidates, but he already referred me for a call-back right at the interview. That means he liked me and I stand a good chance right? Or all just bluffing and standards?

Should I take the position if they offer me as a new grad? Would this first job affect my nursing career forever? Never coming back to bedside nursing maybe?? This seems to be a low-stressed job and all about customer service and talking to ppl, which I like a lot. But part of me keeps wonder, is this really nursing that I wanted to do? Bc it is not purely nursing, is "polishing" ppl also the same as "helping" ppl? I am kinda on the fence on going to the second interview. My friends told me I'm crazy bc a lot of ppl are dreaming for this kind of fabulous job in a fancy happy workplace.....I feel like my peers would look down on me for "taking the easy way out".... Idk....

[Stella_Blue]

Even though it may not be ideal for a new grad job, neither was mine so I cant say much there. I didn't gain very much experience at my first job and Im still here two years later, but it pays the bills for now. On the other hand if I lived in your area and you don't want the job I would take it from right under your feet! =) lol

[gunrock]

I will say new grad jobs are hard to come by now, especially in the hospital setting.

My advice would be for you to take the job and continue to apply for hospital positions (if that's what you want to do). Just be warned that after a certain point you will no longer be a new grad and you won't have the skills for being a RN 2 in most hospitals so you'll be stuck between a rock and a hard place. You'll be hard pressed to find a hospital willing to take on a RN2 with no hospital experience (for them it would be like training a new grad).

[chot2011]

Fellow unemployed new grad here. To me the key is the "in this job market". In the Bay Area everyone knows it's extremely difficult to get a hospital job as a new grad. Because of this it's understandable that someone would take a cushier job because they need to work. You could volunteer on the side in a hospital or at a clinic, and use the dermatology office to pay the bills. I personally would not consider you to be taking the easy way out because you are doing what you need to do in this economy. Especially if you volunteer you show that your desire to help those most in need continues.