[futurenp]

I just graduated with my RN in June and have been offered two jobs to choose between. The first job is on the med/renal floor of a busy hospital. I know I won't enjoy this job (full patient care with no CNA's), but I know I will learn a ton the first year and that this job will open the door to other positions within the hospital.

The second job offer is in a lap band clinic. I would be doing the fills on the lap bands (putting saline into the port to tighten the band) and doing follow up appointments with the patients. I have kids and this job is M-Th 8-4:30 and 8-12 on Fridays. This position has a lot of autonomy and I would actually enjoy going to work each day. The problem is that these skills are so specific that they really aren't transferrable to another job. It's the only clinic of its kind for miles. What if, after 5 years, I'm tired of this job and want a change? Could I get on with the hospital then? I would have lost all my skills by then.

Please give me some advice about this decision. I haven't been sleeping. THANKS!

[llg]

You sound like you have a very good understanding of your situation -- and it truly is a tough choice to make.

Usually, I tell new grads to definitely NOT take a job that they know they will hate as it will only get their careers off to a bad start and is not worth the skills they would learn. However, in your case, your alternative job is really a career "dead end" for a new grad. It would be very difficult to switch to any type of hospital job after spending much time in that clinic and in taking that job, you will be gambling that you will either like it forever (which is rare for any job) or that you will be able to find another similar outpatient clinic job when you feel the need to change.

How much will you dislike the med/surg job? Will you really HATE it? Or is it just not high on your list of preferences, but you could probably handle it for a year of two without being miserable? If you will truly HATE it and be miserable, then don't do it. But if it's just not something you'll really like, I would seriously consider giving it a try.

Is there any possibility of a third option? I like to think there are almost always other options we haven't thought of. Might other opportunities appear on other units of the hospital that you would be more interested in ... or in other clinics where you would learn more general skills? Before choosing either of the two options you presented in your original post, I would make darn sure that they were the only two possible options. Neither choice you've identified sounds very attractive to me.

[deeDawntee]

Why are you so sure you would "hate" the Renal/Med surg?? Is there a bad reputation? Lots of turnover? Are they trying to hire CNAs or is that just the way they staff? Looks like you want to be a NP by your screen name? That tells me you have a big commitment and frankly the clinic job sounds down right boring.... personally, I would have to believe that working med surg would be exciting for a new grad like you who wants to move on to an NP practice. Do you think you are selling yourself short? If no other jobs or options surface, I'd say get your foot in the door at the hospital and change as soon as you can if you truly end up hating it.

[vickynurse]

Is there a chance of combining the positions? If you don't need benefits, you could negotiate to work each on a PT basis. If the med surg job is 12 hr shifts, you could work 2 or even 3 per week and still have time time to do the other position 2 days per week. Many grads from our school work two jobs until they decide which one they like the most. Both employers would need to be flexible & cooperative. Just depends upon how badly they need someone to fill the position. Personally, I think the lap band position would get boring very fast... but that is just me

[time4meRN]

Sound like the floor would be good experience, organization etc...but be prepared for nightmare shifts. Think it depends on what you want to do later. If you want to work in an office or some such place then the day job would be good. If you want ER, ICU, OR etc,...then the floor. I would guess the pay (or potential for_ )higher [pay is quite different.

[Chantels1]

I think Vicky has the right idea. Take the job you think you will like, but also work part time at the hospital to keep your skills going. See what they have available on a part time basis.

Do what is right for your family now, but keep your eye on your goal and do what you can to accomidate your goal. You might not be able to do both of the jobs offered, but you can find another job in the hospital doing something to keep your skills going!

Good luck!!!

[catlvr]

Since it sounds as if becoming a NP is your goal, maybe taking the "boring" job would help you to achieve that faster and with less stress for you and your family. I just finished my LPN program yesterday, and intend to take an "easy" job so that I can go right back to school part time to finish an RN.

BUT - if you intend to put off the NP for a few years, then the hospital job sounds like a better opportunity, since you would learn so much.

Oye! To have these choices is a wonderful thing. Congratulations to you, and best luck deciding!