Taking a job until I can start this other one...

[Peppermint_RN]

Hypothetical question, since I do not officially have a job offer from either place. Just not sure what to do if I get one (planning ahead!)

I'm pretty sure I will be getting a position at the VA hospital near my house, but the nurse manager had mentioned it might take a few months before they are able to get new grads in. For example, she has a new hire they brought on in April that still wasn't on the schedule in late June ("It's the government, honey, everything takes forever to get things done" is what I was told). I had applied for this position a month ago but wasn't selected since I had not gotten my license by the time the job posting closed. The nurse manager called last week to tell me it will reopen next week & she wants to make sure I apply (hence the reason I'm pretty sure I'll get the position.)

Here's the dilemma:

I have an interview on Tuesday at a LTC/Rehab facility. The woman sounded really interested in me on the phone when asking if I wanted to interview. I really need a job and cannot afford to wait months to get on at the VA.

If LTC/Rehab offers me a position, would it be wrong of me to take it for a few months until I can get on at the VA?

Should I tell the LTC I just want to be PRN, or let them know I'm looking for somewhere else?

Is it possible to start full time at the LTC and possible go to PRN once I get on at the VA? I wouldn't mind working both jobs.

I feel bad taking the job just for a few months, don't want to screw anyone over in the end...

If LTC/Rehab offers me a position, would it be wrong of me to take it for a few months until I can get on at the VA?

Should I tell the LTC I just want to be PRN, or let them know I'm looking for somewhere else?

Is it possible to start full time at the LTC and possible go to PRN once I get on at the VA? I wouldn't mind working both jobs.

I feel bad taking the job just for a few months, don't want to screw anyone over in the end...

So I'd love to tell you to be open and honest, and stick out the LTC position for a couple of years if you take it.

Unfortunately, as our society and economy continue the mad plunge toward 'every person for themselves' and wealth consolidation, I think you need to look out for number 1.

If LTC/Rehab offers me a position, would it be wrong of me to take it for a few months until I can get on at the VA?

Well yeah, kind of... but nobody's going to applaud nor reward you for doing the right thing and you may never get another chance.

Should I tell the LTC I just want to be PRN, or let them know I'm looking for somewhere else?

If they're recruiting for PRN then sure, tell them that. If they're recruiting for full-time, though, do not tell them that you "just want to be PRN" or they will simply skip over you for someone who more closely matches their need. And for sure, DO NOT tell them that you're looking elsewhere. They already know it but you don't want to emphasize it for them.

Is it possible to start full time at the LTC and possible go to PRN once I get on at the VA?

Perhaps... but not likely. Either way, though, the time to have that discussion is AFTER you have the VA thing all sewed up, not before.

I feel bad taking the job just for a few months, don't want to screw anyone over in the end...

I hear you... I really do, and I would also feel bad about it but that's just the sad state of affairs that we've collectively created for ourselves.

Beware, however, that by so doing you will likely be burning a bridge and creating a liability. So long as things work out at the VA for a few years, it won't be a significant issue. If you find yourself job hunting again, though, you may end up screwing yourself.

You should do whatever you think is in your own best interests while trying to be as professional and helpful as you can.

[wooh, BSN, RN]

VA job in the bush. LTC in hand. Take LTC. Take it like you're taking it forever. If VA works out, THEN consider what you should do.

[Peppermint_RN]

Thanks y'all for the advice! :)

[ocennia]

I agree. Take the job now and then take the VA job when offered. There's plenty of people looking for jobs so they'll find someone - font you worry about that!! Look out for yourself because no one else will

[Isitpossible, LPN, LVN]

agree, take that LTC job... you could wait a lifetime for the VA--- and you will gain experience during that long wait!

[avaloncar, BSN, RN]

That sounded like my situation where I was working with an Agency to get a position but I had an interview with a hospital a few weeks later. And at the same time, I got both positions. I started working with the agency and a month later I was finally cleared to get the job in the hospital. My agency knew from beforehand that I was trying to get a full time position so they were understanding. Good luck.

[LindseyRN86]

Take the LTC postion. When and if you get offered the VA position take it. It's a dog eat dog world out there and you need to look out for yourself!! Good luck!