Is it worth it?

[sbostonRN]

I just interviewed yesterday for a RN position at a SNF/LTC center about 40 minutes away from me. I really liked the facility, the residents and employees seemed friendly and happy, and I got a decent vibe there. Of course it would be a ton of work (22 patients per nurse) but I'd have a decent orientation (1 month, more if I need it). At least, I think it's decent compared to what others have said about LTC places. I'm just concerned because it's a much longer commute than I'm used to, and it's $2 less per hour than I'm currently making in my non-nursing job. And about $6 less than the area hospitals are paying. I know it's a job and would give me a lot of experience, but should I hold out for a hospital job which I really want? Or get my year experience and then leave for the "dream job"? DH thinks I'm selling myself short for accepting the first interview I've been on, but everything I've heard and read says that the market is brutal for new grads and I don't want to pass up a chance that might end up being my only chance.

Any thoughts?

[Nurzelady]

Take this job and then continue looking for the job that you want. You're right it is brutal for new grads so you need to hold on to what you can and when a better opportunity comes along, take it

[MN-Nurse, ASN, RN]

I'm in the same boat. I know a few grads from last year who took a job at a SNF and left a couple months later for hospital jobs.

If I don't get some nibbles on new grad jobs very soon after passing the NCLEX, I know of quite a few SNFs who would hire me. I hope it doesn't come to that because I've worked in them before, but if it's my only RN offer, I'm taking it.

Good luck!