Should I accept this job?

Nurses Job Hunt

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I have a BSN with no prior experience. I have been looking for a job for 4 months. I had an interview at a skilled nursing facility and was offered the job on the spot contingent on passing background check. They are short staffed and desperately need to hire some RNs. I did not get a good vibe during the interview. I was not impressed with the manager. I passed the background check and they want to know if I will accept the position. I told them I would like a tour of the facility first. I basically need to give them an answer ASAP but I am hoping an interview I had on Friday turns into a job offer. I'm not sure how to handle this. Someone told me to accept the job but push out the start date. I don't think that is possible in this situation and I don't want to string these people along because they really need to hire someone. Any suggestions on how to handle this?

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I had a similar situation (not LTC). I had the interview and toured the facility..and like you I didn't get a good vibe from the two NM who were interviewing me. They were nice enough but I just didn't get a vibe that felt like it would be a good match for me. After the tour of the facility, again, I just got the vibe that while this was a nicely run facility, the ped patients were treated well and everyone seemed happy..I just wasn't feeling it for me. I was offered the position. My gut kept saying nope! I just wasn't feeling it. (and I was in real need of a job!). I just knew I wouldn't like it there. I declined the position.

I was also hoping the interview I had done the day before would turn into an offer. I always go with my gut reaction and declined the position, the next weekI got the offer I was hoping for.

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Specializes in L&D, Postpartum.

If you got a bad feeling at the interview then I would trust that. Accepting the offer when they are that short staffed may not turn out to be a good situation for you. There is probably a reason that they are short staffed that you will find out when you start.

That being said you do have to weigh the benefits of having a job and financial benefits etc.

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ALWAYS trust your gut. I am sure you have bills to pay but I strongly believe in following your instincts and if this isn't a match, you may very well be miserable (or in a short staffed, unsafe environment). Good luck!

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So what you are saying is that everything around you is telling you NO... your gut, your mind, your instinct, everyone on this thread... but you are still considering the job? Do you really need me to tell you what to do? NO! Trust your spidey senses.

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

It's perfectly acceptable to say, "thank you for the offer. I am interested, but I need a little time before making a decision. Can I get back to you by ____?

They may say yes, they may say Now, but usually it will buy you a little time.

Juggling the timing of actual & potential offers is always a challenge, and a major stressor. Make sure you send a thank you note to place number 2, telling them you are interested and hope to hear from them soon.

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I wouldn't. I'm still less than a year in. Out of desperation, I took a job at a SNF that is outwardly beautiful, but treats nursing staff like expendables. Hardly any orientation. They want us to do more than we can, so important things often get pushed to the next shift. I would say LTC (as long as it's decent) is better. I have a job at both types of facilities btw. Trust your instincts. Good luck.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

My opinion goes against the grain, apparently. I worked in LTC for six years. Beggars cannot be choosers in this economic climate.

Staff nurse position at the SNF/LTC facility = RN pay + RN experience

Waiting around for a "better" job offer = ZERO pay + ZERO experience

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Thank you to everyone for your feedback! Fortunately, I just got another job offer this morning for a hospital med/surg unit. It's a day shift, close to my home and in a large magnet facility. I couldn't be happier!

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Specializes in L&D, Postpartum.

Congratulations!

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Congratulations!

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