Advice on how to leave the door open for future employment?

Nurses Job Hunt

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Though I never received an official offer from Hospital A, I formed a relationship with the nursing staff over the course of 10 month project/clinical internship. During that time, I was deliberate to establish a relationship with the hiring nurse manager and express my interest in obtaining employment after graduation. The hiring manager was open to considering me, but only after I obtained my RN license.

I have now received a job offer from Hospital B, pending my RN license. Hospital B is a smaller hospital, but competes at the level of a large hospital, in terms of patient quality and safety. I'm interested in leaving the door open for future employment with Hospital A, after I have gained a few years of experience. Any tips on how to communicate to Hospital A that I will be accepting this "bird in hand"? The nursing specialty I have entered is a small professional community, even in the large city of Chicago, and I would hate to burn bridges. I would like to leave the door open with Hospital A, as I view it as a longer-term career opportunity with growth potential. Thanks!

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

Sorry loser lol. Seriously though you just cannot keep every door open. Own your choice graciously.

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Hi there,

After 34 years of being a nurse, I believe that if handled well you can keep the door open to Hospital A. How about calling hiring manager at Hospital A and say" Hello, I am so eager to work with a reputed organization like yours. While I am waiting for my registration, I have this opportunity to polish myself at this smaller set up. I look forward to joining you at the right time with more experience" Be pleasant and keep the smile. Nothing works better that being honest and transparent

All the best,

Thankam

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Thank you for the helpful advice! I ended up reaching out to the hiring mgr/unit director of Hospital A to thank her for the working relationship and also let her know my situation. She got back to me right away! She completely understood and shared with me that in the last year, the unit has experienced a shift into having a lot of less experienced RNs join since veterans have recently retired/resigned etc. Therefore, it was borderline not safe to bring on another new grad at this time. She told me to reach back out to her in a year or two, when I'm ready to make a move over to Hospital A. Had I never reached out, I would never have known this predicament. A big lesson was learned today in terms of always remaining professional, and keeping the lines of communication open to build a network for the future. Hopefully this is helpful to new grads navigating the Job Search!

Hi there,

After 34 years of being a nurse, I believe that if handled well you can keep the door open to Hospital A. How about calling hiring manager at Hospital A and say" Hello, I am so eager to work with a reputed organization like yours. While I am waiting for my registration, I have this opportunity to polish myself at this smaller set up. I look forward to joining you at the right time with more experience" Be pleasant and keep the smile. Nothing works better that being honest and transparent

All the best,

Thankam

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