Haven't graduated yet, being asked to stay after I do. Need some advice

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in Family practice, Orthopaedics.

I have been working in an outpatient clinic for almost seven years, as a Medical Assistant. I am in my third semester of RN school. My employer has been very generous in providing full time benefits (while working part time) and scheduling me based on my school schedule; even offering me opportunities to work from home.

Last week my employer pulled me aside and essentially told me about their vision for my new position as an RN Case Manager working in the hospital, outpatient surgery center, skilled nursing facilities, and in patient's homes. They are requesting I sign a contract to stay. Up until this point, it was not my intention to stay. I assumed they didn't expect me to stay. I knew that after I graduated, I would have to try and get a job in a hospital setting in order to get the experience that I needed to be a skillful and well rounded nurse. However, considering everything they are doing for me now, the fact that I still need a job, the opportunity to work hands on with other established professionals, and the salary that's being discussed, it seems foolish not to accept the position. I asked for a week to review the details of the position before I give them an answer. I have an indebted feeling towards my employer because they have been extremely fair with me and that feeling is really influencing my decision making. I need some objective opinions :)

I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet but I have a couple of different questions:

1. Is it too soon to ask this of me? The thought of a contract (which by-the-way hasn't been completed yet) seems so limiting which defies one of the reasons I chose a career in nursing (the flexibility). I know they are planning for the future of the practice but I haven't even completed my third semester.

2. Considering the position may require up to a 50 hour work week (most likely more) and includes taking call and sometimes visiting patients on the weekend, what other types of nursing jobs would allow me to continue utilizing the skills I've learned (peg tube, trach, Ng tubes, Caths, IVs, etc.)? I know there is per-diem work at the hospital which If I take the position, I will apply for but, I'm looking for other alternatives I may not be thinking about or know of.

I only learned about this position on Friday, so yes, I am still doing my research. I am here as part of that. Your expertise are greatly appreciated!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU / Urgent Care.

Do what you want to do

If you want to go to the hospital, then politely decline the offer. If you feel that's too confrontational, just tell them you'll consider it once you graduate.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

What happens if you do not graduate?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What are details of the contract ? How much they offering , how long is the contract. You can ask for changes to the contract limiting hours worked

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

I don't know, it sounds like a pretty great deal to me. They must think a lot of you. And since they are creating this position, surely you can insist on a decent work week, with a reasonable amount of call. In terms of practicing your new skills, I wouldn't worry about that. Skills can be re-learned if they get rusty. The job description that you gave sounds like a fantastic opportunity for a new grad.

I do not believe you have any reason to feel indebted to your employer. Do not take this out of guilt. However, be very very certain that you can actually find a position as a new grad. Some markets are oversupplied with new grads right now.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family practice, Orthopaedics.
What happens if you do not graduate?

I thought/ am thinking about this as well. I do have the option for sitting for my NCLEX PN (now) but I chose not to at this time because I'm hopefully graduating in May. If I don't graduate, that will be my next option. I believe this particular position though, can only be assigned to an RN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family practice, Orthopaedics.
What are details of the contract ? How much they offering , how long is the contract. You can ask for changes to the contract limiting hours worked

I'm still waiting for the "contract", it will be drafted up by next week. With that being said, I would probably ask for additional time to review that and make changes if need be but as far as the salary they discussed, it is unbeatable for a new grad.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

They're offering something that most nurses have to compete for and have been very decent to you so far. I'd take it with the caveat that you also want to obtain some bedside experience to be better qualified for this position and do they see a way to obtain/provide that experience within your commitment.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family practice, Orthopaedics.
However, be very very certain that you can actually find a position as a new grad. Some markets are oversupplied with new grads right now.

I live in a very seasonal area with the busy season being from October- May. I graduate in May so I'm worried about not being able to secure a position. I'm sure this contract is going to be contingent on my passing the NCLEX RN but you bring up an excellent point because it would give me some security as well. Thanks! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sounds like a great deal if that's what you really want to do.

I am am an old school nurse who thinks everyone should work in the hospital for two years but if case management is what you want to do forever and you're sure, then take it. But if you don't do bedside now it will be very hard to EVER do it without a refresher course.

Good luck :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Seeing as how most graduates have no idea where they are going to work after they obtain their license, I would breathe a sigh of relief and take the offer if it were me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU.

Nursing is such an evolving profession. I would seriously consider the position. Hospital work is not all you may think it is right now. Every other weekend, holidays, rotating shifts, depending on the unit you would have to look at patient load. You will learn skills wherever you start. Also, what happens if you start a hospital position and decide you do not like it.

Take a look at what they are offering. Read the contract carefully. You do have the ability to make changes with this contract.

Also, why do you believe that because an RN does not work in a hospital they are not w well rounded nurse. Nurses have an amazing skill set, the ability to synthesize information and think about the overall care of a patient and their needs can be done in any setting. Inserting an IV, foley, etc or other skills do not make one an RN, they are skills. We teach families to insert trachs, NG tubes, Gtubes, give help flushes to PICC lines, these are not just specific to an RN.

This job sounds like it could be really interesting. See what they have to offer, make sure it is realistic.

Wishing you the best on finishing school and passing NCLEX!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment