Accept this job or wait to hear from other?

[em3120]

Hi all, so I'm about to graduate in 2 weeks and I had an interview for a general adult psych RN position on 4/7. HR called me yesterday to offer me the job OR to offer me a position in the new grad psych residency program. Everything is basically the same (pay/benefits/shift) except for the training is longer for the residency program (includes 1 classroom day per week and cross-training in medical psych) and it starts in June instead of May.

Of course I'm thrilled! But I have no idea what to choose!! My gut wants to say the new grad program would be a better fit (since I am a new grad haha) but my instructor suggested I jump right in to the RN position.

And to make things even harder, I had an interview this morning for a peds psych position and loved it! The HR lady told me to let her know by tomorrow about the general psych position but now I'm feeling like I would rather work peds psych. I'm not sure how long it will take to hear back from today's interview but I also can't leave the other lady waiting.

How do you handle multiple job offers or when you are waiting to hear back from a second interview? And would it be wise to choose the residency program instead of the regular RN position?

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

A residency position IS an RN position -- but the residency may have an additional class day or meeting to help new nurses learn work place relationships, self care strategies, etc. That doesn't mean that you won't have an equally great orientation in a job that doesn't advertise itself as a residency. Many facilities now include some of those topics as a class day or a social event organized by preceptors for new employees. As for which to choose -- go with your gut. If you have trouble hearing what your gut is telling you, just close your eyes and pick one. Your reaction to seeing which one you chose may tell you a lot about which job you should actually accept.

[em3120]

I'm crossing my fingers that they will respond tomorrow but I have doubts that they will so quickly. This is all great advice, thank you!

A residency position IS an RN position -- but the residency may have an additional class day or meeting to help new nurses learn work place relationships, self care strategies, etc. That doesn't mean that you won't have an equally great orientation in a job that doesn't advertise itself as a residency. Many facilities now include some of those topics as a class day or a social event organized by preceptors for new employees. As for which to choose -- go with your gut. If you have trouble hearing what your gut is telling you, just close your eyes and pick one. Your reaction to seeing which one you chose may tell you a lot about which job you should actually accept.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I'd recommend accepting the residency over the non-residency because the residency will probably offer you more support, a built-in peer group, etc. Browse this website. Transitioning from student to RN is often difficult -- and these residencies are designed to help you accomplish this important life milestone. Take advantage of the opportunity.

Also ... the residency doesn't start until June ... and that gives you more time. If you accept the position starting in May, then it would be worse of you to withdraw if you are offered the peds job. By accepting the job starting in June, it won't be quite so bad if you withdraw if you get the peds job. The hospital will still have time to offer the June residency to some other new grad. But if you take the May job and drop out, you will be backing out at the last minute -- and that is worse.

So ... I would accept the June job ... and withdraw if the offered the peds position.

[em3120]

I'd recommend accepting the residency over the non-residency because the residency will probably offer you more support, a built-in peer group, etc. Browse this website. Transitioning from student to RN is often difficult -- and these residencies are designed to help you accomplish this important life milestone. Take advantage of the opportunity.

Also ... the residency doesn't start until June ... and that gives you more time. If you accept the position starting in May, then it would be worse of you to withdraw if you are offered the peds job. By accepting the job starting in June, it won't be quite so bad if you withdraw if you get the peds job. The hospital will still have time to offer the June residency to some other new grad. But if you take the May job and drop out, you will be backing out at the last minute -- and that is worse.

So ... I would accept the June job ... and withdraw if the offered the peds position.

I think I'm going with the new grad position. It seems to be a better fit since I'm transitioning into this role as a new nurse! I kind of wish I could start working sooner but I know I need to focus on passing NCLEX too. Plus I know the additional training can only help me :)