Advice on jobs/WWYD?

[CalaMom]

Hi all, I need some perspective/advice on a job situation.

So I take my final tomorrow morning and will be done with school. Started apply for jobs about a month ago, and was invited to interview with the regional leader/manager just before Thanksgiving. Was offered and tentatively (background check, etc pending) accepted a PRN position as a Float yesterday afternoon. HR told me they’d send me the link for the background check and an associate in HR would contact me for further processing (health assessment, drug screen) by Friday. Still haven’t gotten an email with the link, okay no big deal it is nearing the end of the week. The problem with this offer is that it’s a Float position and I (as needed) will go to various locations that could be anywhere from 15 min-1.5 hour commute one way every time I work. The pay is not as good as I expected based on what I’ve been lead to believe it is-in fact no where near I was told, again not a deal breaker as DH works full time and I’d only be PRN...but would like to be able to afford just a bit more than the gas to get to and from work ya know?

Today I was made aware that there may or may not (hasn’t been posted yet on the career site for the facility) be a position closer to home with better pay and more consistent hours, by a preceptor at one of my rotations. I jumped on that train quick, without considering that I technically accepted another offer. I emailed said preceptor And my instructor and let them know of my interest and asking if they knew any other info. They both contacted said region manager/leader on my behalf.

Now I’m wondering if this was a smart move on my part, and if anyone has been in this position. If this is something to worry about as I’ve only verbally accepted the first position via phone and still have not received anything further. TIA.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

So the first job wants a new grad to work in multiple locations as a float nurse? PRN, meaning not full time or at least a decent FTE to learn how to be a nurse? Heck, nurses can't even be considered for the float pool where I work without 3 years experience! Personally, I don't think a float pool is where a new grad belongs at all.

[CritterLover, BSN, RN]

Yeah, float pool as a new grad is not a good idea ... and any health system willing to put a new grad in that position has questionable policies.

You need to look very closely at their new grad program, what kind of orientation they provide, and what kind of supports that have for a new grad in this situation. They'd better have a very well thought out plan as to how they are going to make this work (ie, support you) or you would be VERY justified to tell them that after thinking it over and talking with other nurses, you don't feel that a prn float pool position is in your best interest at this time.

Consistency is really really important for a new grad, and in a multi-facility float pool you won't have consistency in ANYTHING -- facilities, types of patients, coworkers, preceptors, policies -- nothing! That is not a recipe for success.

[Closed Account 12345]

100% agree with previous posters!

Working PRN, float, and at multiple facilities are not good options for a new grad. You don't know what you don't know, and you wouldn't even have a team of coworkers watching out for and teaching you.

Whether the new opportunity comes through or not, I would decline the first offer with patient safety in mind.

[Nunya, BSN]

You can quit most jobs at any time, even before you've officially started working. I would keep trying for the second job, and use the excuse other people have stated if you get it. If you actually start working the first job that excuse may very well turn out to be true.

["nursy", RN]

There is no problem turning down that first offer, you haven't even started yet, and they haven't invested anything into you. I would definitely go for the second position. Good luck!

[nursex23, BSN, RN]

I agree with everyone else. The second job sounds like it would be better for you as a new grad. I would even call the first job and let them know that you are no longer interested as you have found something that better fits what you're looking for. It might not be a bad idea to keep them in you back pocket as a future place to work PRN once you've settled into your career. Good luck!!