Deciding on a Path

[hope1024]

Okay, so I am a new graduate RN. So far I have had two interviews, both of which I did not get the job. I have recently received a job offer in a Long-Term Care facility. However, I also have a foot in the getting hired for the next new graduate residency program at the hospital I currently work at as a CNA. This job would start around the end of February.

---Pros of taking LTC position:

Guaranteed job setting

start immediately

Cons:

not as much experience with skills

---Pros of waiting for new grad position:

will have a hospital job

Cons:

jobs isn't 100% set in stone

won't get to start working until the end of February (May graduate)

I am really conflicted on what to do. Any advice??

[Peppermint_RN]

A guaranteed job as a new grad versus a not guaranteed one? Easy. Go for the LTC! You'll learn a ton, probably more hands on skills than you're expecting. I have friends who graduated with me who work in LTC and can probably run circles around me if they came to my unit at the hospital!

[Nonetheless]

Don't worry. If I were you, I would continue to discretely apply to a bunch of new grad positions and then if no one bites, become an RN at the LTC in February!

EDIT: Okay I thought you were a CNA at the LTC I was so confused!

Okay my new idea:

Take the LTC facility job, and if you can, continue to do part time as a CNA? Then you have your foot in the door but also will get RN experience.

If you can't do both, take the LTC job and then continue to network at the hospital you are at. This depends on what kind of facility it is and how they view you working at an LTC until you start working.