Am I taking risk to lose the opportunity to be hired?

[aoobennett]

Hello...all TX nurses :-). I recently posted here asking the question about preemployment background check. I just had another interview last week while waiting for the result on the background check from the 1st potential employer which is my first choice also of where I want to work at. The second interview went well and they called me yesterday offering the job and wanted me to start today.

Anyway, as I mentioned above, the first facility that I had an interview with and still waiting to hear back on my background check is my first choice. Although I need a job badly, but didn't feel that it was right just to go in signing the paperwork, starting working perhaps few days and then quit in case the first employer calls and gives me a job. So, I decided to call the 2nd place and declined their offer

Now I'm sitting here and getting worried so much if I made the right decision. Would I possibly lose another potential employment too since there is nothing official with them yet (at all). Talked to HR and she is still waiting on my background check to return and since I am from another state so it may take longer. She also mentioned that she can't guarantee or make any official offer at this point which is understandable. Haven't heard any words from the unit manager since I had an interview with her. The orientation with this employer is supposed to start on the 15th, however, I won't be able to do that if my background check is still pending.

I know I might be a little bit over worried about this, but just can't help it because I need to have a job really bad especially in this tough time due to economy. I don't know how often should I contact the employer following up on my status or if I should even get a hold of the unit manager to find out if they really plan to hire me..I just don't want them to think that I am pushy or annoying. Any suggestions or advice?

Thanks in advance for the reply. I really appreciate it :-)

[tyvin, BSN, RN]

Well there really is nothing you can do but wait. I know you're sitting there wondering if you made the right decision ... hopefully it all works out. Even if something goes wrong you can go to the other and put the offer back up on the table. Or if it all falls through what's the worst that can happen?

I know you're beating yourself up with fantasy scenarios of what you could have been done better; should I have stalled the other offer, is there some type of conspiracy going on with HR (I thought that women didn't like me) lol ... paranoia will set in and before you know it you have written the best fiction novel ever.

Life is tough sometimes and nothing we really want comes easy. I think most of us have been in your place of waiting but as I said there's nothing you can do but wait. I will ask the universe to be kind and hurry this thing up and we all can give a little prayer (worldwide thinking gets results). Good luck to you (insert type of nurse) RN.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I really would not have declined the offer at the second place. I'll keep my fingers crossed with the hope that your first choice facility calls back in a timely manner with a certain start date. Good luck to you!

[aoobennett]

Thank you both of you for the replies :-)

TheCommuter...I didn't want to turn down the offer either but wasn't sure what to do because at the second place they expected me to sign the contract and start working today. At first, I thought of doing so and maybe quit once I've heard from the first facility (if they call, of course). But I was concerned it would put a bad mark on my record for quitting after being hired for only few days.

It was a hard decision to make...that's why I'm sitting here and being worried if I made the bad one. :-(