Accept job offer, but later decline due to new offer

[bsarver]

Hello,

I am in need of some advice. I am a new grad nurse offered a position on a Gen Med unit in a Nurse Residency Program. It was a skype interview, so I have not actually seen the facility. I have been informed that I will not have to sign a contract and I have until next week to make a decision. I would be starting orientation in Aug/Sept.

The only problem is, my ideal job would be in the Operating Room. I have 3 interviews coming up in two weeks at different hospitals, 2 of then being in the OR. My question is, would it be okay to accept the position on the Gen Med unit, but then later decline if other opportunities arise that are more of what I am looking for?

Thanks for the advice!!

[llg, PhD, RN]

The worst thing that could happen (if you accept ...and then later withdraw) is that you will never be offered an opportunity in that hospital again. You could be declared "ineligible for re-hire." It sounds as if this hospital is not located near you and it sounds unlikely that you will ever be applying for a job there again. Also, your start date is so far away that they will have no trouble filling the position should you withdraw in the next couple of months.

If my impressions (stated above) are true, then I would recommend going ahead with your plan of accepting the position ... then withdrawing if a better option becomes available.

However ... if any of the following is true, then I would be hesitant to do that.

1. The med-surg job hospital is local to where you really want to live and you may find yourself wanting to work there sometime in the future.

2. The people at the med/surg hospital may be in contact with other hospitals in which you may want to work.

3. You won't be able to give them at least 2 months to replace you when you withdraw.

[bsarver]

Thanks for replying! I live in Wisconsin and the hospital I have been offered a position in in Virginia. I have been applying all over the US for residency programs. I will be having 2 interviews in Iowa and another in New Hampshire in 2 weeks.

I am so grateful to be offered a position with the nursing job shortage, but it is stressful deciding on what exactly what to do.

[bsarver]

Anybody else have their own advice?? Much appreciated!

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

I'm agreeing w/ llg Congrats on the offer, and lots of good wishes for your upcoming interviews!