I graduated from nursing school almost a year ago with BSN. Its been a tough year finding a job in NJ. No-one is willing to hire new grads. I have numerous amount of applications out there. Fortunately for me, the last 2weeks have been wonderful because i got couple of job offers. So this is where the problem start;
1. The first offer is at a reputable hospital in Northern NJ. They are offering $33/hr part-time on a med-surg unit. 8weeks training.(12hrs shifts)
2. The second one is at Dialysis center . They are offering $33/hr full-time 12hrs shift. (10weeks training).
Unfortunately, i cannot take both offers because their training time clashes. i have to drop one.
If you were in my position, which of the offers will you take and why? Please help.
I graduated from nursing school almost a year ago with BSN. Its been a tough year finding a job in NJ. No-one is willing to hire new grads. I have numerous amount of applications out there. Fortunately for me, the last 2weeks have been wonderful because i got couple of job offers. So this is where the problem start;
1. The first offer is at a reputable hospital in Northern NJ. They are offering $33/hr part-time on a med-surg unit. 8weeks training.(12hrs shifts)
2. The second one is at Dialysis center . They are offering $33/hr full-time 12hrs shift. (10weeks training).
Unfortunately, i cannot take both offers because their training time clashes. i have to drop one.
If you were in my position, which of the offers will you take and why? Please help.
Thank you.
I worked in dialysis and med/surg (among other jobs...).
While it is true that you will have a foot in the door with med/surg and you may be more flexible and get a more comprehensive training there is also something to be said for dialysis.
Dialysis is very specialized and technical. Training is comprehensive and if you are energetic and have a thing for all things technical it can be a great field. Also, once you have some dialysis experience you can also look into applying for acute dialysis jobs in the hospital or apharesis jobs/ similar.
You can get specialty certified and there are also possibilities to advance. There is not only in center dialysis - the market for in home dialysis and PD is getting bigger and those are also modalities you could be interested in.
Dialysis is one of those "love it or hate it" job where some people love it and (many) others give up after some months and hate it.
It is all heavily regulated. The jump into dialysis as a new grad means a lot of reading and learning. The 2 major companies have great orientation programs.
If you need a full time job consider dialysis. There is also always an option of picking up extra days or half shifts.
Specializes in clinic, ortho/neuro, trauma, college.
I have a friend who just transitioned from dialysis nursing to ER nursing. So moving on with limited med-surg experience is possible. You can always take the full-time job and attempt to get a PRN med-surg position somewhere to keep options open?.
I would love to be part-time because it seems like they ALWAYS need help on all floors, then you look like the HERO when you sign up for extra shifts :) But you're really just paying rent, haha, or really, you're just working to a full-time status without actually being full-time. This makes your work schedule more flexible and your vacation schedule!
Specializes in med-surg, IMC, school nursing, NICU.
That's a tough spot. Like others have mentioned, unless you want to work dialysis forever, taking the HD nurse position may limit your abilities to transfer to another specialty. It won't be impossible ---any experience is good--- but if you're looking for a more well-rounded experience that will translate to many other jobs then med-surg is the way to go.
That being said, I am a realist. I know if I were in your position I would take the HD position in a heartbeat simply because most of us cannot support ourselves on only part-time pay. We need retirement, health benefits, paid time off, etc.
Let us know what you do. You may wind up loving HD. Or you may take the m/s position and a full time spot will open up.
Where I work, you may be hired PT but you absolutely can work FT hours (and then some...). Before I started working as a nurse, I didn't see the value of m/s experience but now I do. It will be a good foundation for you.
If it were me, I would take the varied experience of med surg to start. Dialysis nursing is a highly specialized, technical niche which may be limiting for you at this time. I suggest reframing concerns about supporting yourself as a part timer. First, it's easier to get a job when you have one; the cold, hard truth is that employers look at employed people differently. Your starting rate is good, better than many. Instead of rejecting a job for financial reasons, see what cost saving measures you can employ to get experience and live within your means. Working at the hospital will give you the entre to pick up more hours there provided you are reliable and grow successfully in your knowledge and practice. Join committees in house and network; this helps you keep an ear to the ground for opportunities you may miss. If the dialysis center liked what it saw in you, there will always be opportunities in those settings later on. Good luck and congrats on landing not one but 2 offers!
I'd take the med/surg job. More variety of experiences and learning opportunities. Plus there are ALWAYS shifts to pick up to increase your hours! Congrats and good luck on your decision!
Take a look at the pros and cons of both positions and then decide what you want to do; Dialysis is a specialized job that can transition to Critical Care; Med Surg is a specialty in itself that can open doors of you want to switch specialties as well.
Also peruse the forums here in Med-Surg and Dialysis and find out more about both to help with your decision.
nutella, MSN, RN
1 Article; 1,509 Posts
I worked in dialysis and med/surg (among other jobs...).
While it is true that you will have a foot in the door with med/surg and you may be more flexible and get a more comprehensive training there is also something to be said for dialysis.
Dialysis is very specialized and technical. Training is comprehensive and if you are energetic and have a thing for all things technical it can be a great field. Also, once you have some dialysis experience you can also look into applying for acute dialysis jobs in the hospital or apharesis jobs/ similar.
You can get specialty certified and there are also possibilities to advance. There is not only in center dialysis - the market for in home dialysis and PD is getting bigger and those are also modalities you could be interested in.
Dialysis is one of those "love it or hate it" job where some people love it and (many) others give up after some months and hate it.
It is all heavily regulated. The jump into dialysis as a new grad means a lot of reading and learning. The 2 major companies have great orientation programs.
If you need a full time job consider dialysis. There is also always an option of picking up extra days or half shifts.