Accepting two job offers then turning one down later?

Nurses General Nursing

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Does it make sense to accept two job offers if one of them is out of my province (I live in Canada). The reason I want to do this is because if something happens while transferring my license over to the new province or if the hospital decides to retract the job offer (who knows in this economy...) I would still have a new graduate nursing job lined up.

I wouldn't start the first job until September and the job I really want would start in July, pending the whole liscensure process. So I would give the first hospital about 8 weeks notice that I would be turning down the position

I just think I would feel so bad if I did this! But it would cover my a$$ because then if something goes wrong with my dream job, I'll still have a job at least in my home province. Im scared if I only accept the out of province job and something goes wrong, I'll be jobless and have to start jobhunting again after all the good ones have been taken

Any suggestions???

csm99

12 Posts

I agree with you. I'm going to through the same thing. I decided it's best to look out for myself and accept both jobs. Don't risk it.

gonzo1, ASN, RN

1,739 Posts

Specializes in ED, ICU, PSYCH, PP, CEN.

I think it is okay. Especially in this bad economy to protect yourself

Jdl2002

50 Posts

People do this all the time. Accept both.

rngolfer53

681 Posts

How would you react if the employer offered the same job to you and another person? After you were counting on the job, they pulled the rug out from under you and actually employed the other person.

My guess is you would be on these boards in a hurry, complaining about how unfair it is.

RN2B123

119 Posts

I know it is unfair to the hospital but because this involves moving OUT of province, I have to go through registration and liscensure which takes up awhile. if something goes wrong or if the hospital decides to retract their job offer, then I would be totally without a job because I would declined the second offer.

Its the same situation as a new grad in the USA moving out of state and hoping that they dont retract their job offer on you...

I have heard of hospitals pulling their new grad offers and even cancelling the new grad programs outright

The way I figure, if I decline the job offer after accepting it, I would be giving them almost 2 months notice. Im sure they would be able to find another graduating nurse that would fill the spot considering its a major trauma hospital

I could understand if I was giving them like 1 week notice but with 8 weeks I don't think they would have a problem finding another nurse? I feel bad about doing it though but I feel its the only way to guarantee Ill have a full time position in the end by the time I graduate.

greygooseuria

334 Posts

Specializes in Family Practice, Primary Care.

I plan on doing this as well, just in case.

The hospital wouldn't think twice about having to cut your position at all. Neither should you :)

BRemus

72 Posts

Specializes in LTC, Other.

you have to do what is best for you. But being as the second job wouldnt even start until september I would accept both jobs (what happens if you move start the new job in july and hate it after a month you would at least have the other job to go back to ) In this economy the employer would be able to fill the other job even with only a months notice (heck most would understand that the job doesnt start for several months and not everyone could afford to be unemployed from now until september heck most couldnt afford to be unemployed until july. I say go for it you never know your ideal job may not turn out to be that ideal. you are in a good position as a new grad to have two positions offered you that start two months apart but that is MHO:wink2:

LVAD RN

94 Posts

I know it seems very unfair but at the end of the day the hospitals will do what is best for them. I have accepted two job offers like you because everything is unstable right now. The first one I accepted told me a few months later that they are only 90% sure I still have th ejob because they have cut a lot of new grad positions & I have yet to get the official offer letter.

The second one has offered interviews to people in my class but later to find out they don't have the positions available anymore. They told me I have the job where I want but like the first one they have cut a lot of GN positions & I have NOT received an official offer letter either.

I feel bad about doing it and I consulted with my instructors who told me to give either one enough time to decline the offer. Good luck

caliotter3

38,333 Posts

I see nothing wrong with your attempts to maximize your chances at employment. I seriously doubt that the hospital that would be losing out on hiring you would have any difficulty in finding someone to take the vacancy, even on very short notice.

BabyLady, BSN, RN

2,300 Posts

Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.

I wouldn't tell a hospital that is why you are turning down the job..make up another reason.

As soon-to-be-a-grad-this-May...I don't have time to fiddle with different hospitals and their different hiring practices, times of the year, etc.

I'm applying for the jobs that I would be willing to take...and when offers come in, I may "take" more than one job...but as I get closer to graduation, I'll be making some calls and declining offers.

I want to work in some aspect of Pediatrics. However, in adult nursing, ER is my first choice. I like that aspect of the rush....I don't want to do beside adult.

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