Hi Everyone! I'm an LPN and newbie at allnurses.com and in real life nursing. In fact I am having a hard time deciding which offer to accept.
URGENT CARE, per diem position, 8 days/month 8hours per day. $20/hour
LTC, full time position, $23/hour
I would like to work in urgent care because I think I would be able to improve and learn new skills, possibly see different things that aren't in LTC. I prefer to work in a non routine environment. The thing is I have student loans and rent and bills to pay so I feel like I have no choice but to work in LTC. I thought of working at both places, however the schedule conflicts and it just won't work since LTC schedule is 4on/2off and so on. Urgent care requires 2 weekends and some nights per month which is fine since I would be able to use my days off from LTC job.:confused::confused::confused::confused:I am getting so stressed over nothing I think. Everyone's telling me I am lucky to have choices specially in our present economy but I have no clue what to do. Feels like I'm stuck... Sorry guys for venting but I really need help from you all wonderful experienced nurses out there.
I'll beat the dead horse. No way I would world less than half-time for less money per hour to boot! That's not even getting into benefits. If the opportunity for PRN work to fit your schedule pops up later, that is great. Same for FT in another field you want to give a try, but you will starve on $1280/month pre-tax.
Specializes in Acute Spine, Neuro, Thoracic's, LTC.
Well I think it depends on your end goal. If you really want to work in acute care/hospital setting then it may actually be better to take the per diem job. Hospital experience will help you get future jobs in a hospital setting.
BUT it depends how bad you need the money. Are you living alone off your own income?
I was in this exact same situation a few years ago. I ended up taking the LTC full time job over a per diem position at the hospital. I actually ended up enjoying LTC . But I must tell you that have wanted to work in acute care this whole time and am now, 3 years later taking a per diem position at the hospital to get my chance. People I know that took per diem positions 3 years ago now are working full time. I can't help but think that if I had only made that choice 3 years ago I would be where I want to be now...... However at the time I was in a desperate situation financially and I made the choice I had to make.
My Point?
If you are secure financially at the moment ( married to a husband thats making good money, living at home, or a spoiled rich kid) then I would follow your heart and take the per diem position. You are always going to wish you did if you didn't
If you are struggling financially then you do not have much choice but to go with the LTC full time job.
Have you toured at both places yet? How do you like the physical environments? How do you like the interaction between nurses and patients? If paying bill is not urgent, I would take the per diem job. Like others said, hospital experience will get you hospital jobs later.
Well I think it depends on your end goal. If you really want to work in acute care/hospital setting then it may actually be better to take the per diem job. Hospital experience will help you get future jobs in a hospital setting.
BUT it depends how bad you need the money. Are you living alone off your own income?
I was in this exact same situation a few years ago. I ended up taking the LTC full time job over a per diem position at the hospital. I actually ended up enjoying LTC . But I must tell you that have wanted to work in acute care this whole time and am now, 3 years later taking a per diem position at the hospital to get my chance. People I know that took per diem positions 3 years ago now are working full time. I can't help but think that if I had only made that choice 3 years ago I would be where I want to be now...... However at the time I was in a desperate situation financially and I made the choice I had to make.
My Point?
If you are secure financially at the moment ( married to a husband thats making good money, living at home, or a spoiled rich kid) then I would follow your heart and take the per diem position. You are always going to wish you did if you didn't
If you are struggling financially then you do not have much choice but to go with the LTC full time job.
Life eh?
well... then I guess I have to go to LTC... I hope something opens up soon and be in a similar situation you are in now! :) I will get my RN down the road and hopefully work in the ER (end goal) :) thank you so much for your input! :) guess everyone that voted for LTC is right since my financial situation won't allow me to do otherwise.
thank you everyone for your input! it means a lot to me! :) i guess for now since my being broke won't allow me to go with the per diem position i will have to go to LTC
#1 why do all the new grads entering the workforce do so with this perception pertaining to LTC somehow being sub-par? "Not the cool place to work ?. You are only adding to the problem of creating a stigma. You should also feel lucky to be offered any position full time.
#2 where is a new grad LPN being offered $23.00hr in LTC?
I hated LTC with a passion when I was a student. I had clinical rotations at nursing homes for the uber rich, and rotations at homes for the people who didn't have much and had a hard life. They were both the same (horrible!!!), the pts got treated the same (AWFUL!!), I came home every day from school crying.
Once I graduated I interviewed at 6 places (5 nursing homes,1 doctor office) I recieved 4 offers. 3 nursing home positions ranging from 18/hr-20/hr 2nd shift full time, and the doctors office position 15/hr part time. It wasn't a tough decision...I'd be poor but happy. My job was still stressful being a new nurse, and I continued to look for months after....eventually I found a job I love. So unless the money is reallllllly what you are weighing your decision on, you should pick where you would be the happiest. You may love LTC, everyone is different. I hope whatever path you choose, your enjoy it. Good luck, and of course CONGRATS!
#1 why do all the new grads entering the workforce do so with this perception pertaining to LTC somehow being sub-par? "Not the cool place to work ?. You are only adding to the problem of creating a stigma. You should also feel lucky to be offered any position full time.
Why does everyone keep telling us that we need acute care experience for one year?
Specializes in Acute Spine, Neuro, Thoracic's, LTC.
Two questions,
#1 why do all the new grads entering the workforce do so with this perception pertaining to LTC somehow being sub-par? "Not the cool place to work ?. You are only adding to the problem of creating a stigma. You should also feel lucky to be offered any position full time.
#2 where is a new grad LPN being offered $23.00hr in LTC?
FYI A new grad LPN making $23/hr is not uncommon at all in Canada. Actually when I was a new grad LPN I made $26/hr working night shifts in LTC
#1 why do all the new grads entering the workforce do so with this perception pertaining to LTC somehow being sub-par? "Not the cool place to work ?. You are only adding to the problem of creating a stigma. You should also feel lucky to be offered any position full time.
#2 where is a new grad LPN being offered $23.00hr in LTC?
wow... there is a reason why LTC isn't my first choice, do you mind knowing why first before you get mad? I just don't like routine work and expected outcome. so it's not about "the not cool place to work" issue. just want something different. I did my rotation in an ltc when i was in school, it was depressing... CAN YOU BLAME ME?
$23/hour is not uncommon. my classmate got offered $25 plus night differential with full benefits as a new grad
:confused:
I hope something opens up soon and be in a similar situation you are in now! :) I will get my RN down the road and hopefully work in the ER (end goal) :) thank you so much for your input! :) guess everyone that voted for LTC is right since my financial situation won't allow me to do otherwise.
caliotter3
38,333 Posts
Full time will pay your rent. If the other is part time now, it will probably be part time two years from now.