I just got this job part-time at a smaller hospital (160 beds) at the end of November. Short orientation, I'm already on the floor. I really like it, I'm with a great preceptor, and they bend over backwards for my school schedule (going back for my BSN) It's a Medical Telemetry Unit. I drive an hour one way for this job, and it is 8hr shifts. So I have to drive 6hrs a week just to get 24hrs of pay. If I were to get a full time position it would be 10hrs of driving! Did I mention I hate paper charting?
I went for an interview last week (after my first week on the other job) at a (800+ bed) hospital with a New Grad program that doesn't start until February. I would be on a monitored Nephrology unit. I have to sign a 2 year contract after working 5 months, if I want to continue in the New Grad program. The assistant Nurse Manager seemed a little hesitant about working with my school schedule. Today they extended a job offer. The unit is newer and on 12 hr shifts, but they rotate and are kind of sporadic, according to what the manager said. Some days and nights in the same week.
It's so much to weigh, I have no idea what to do. ugh.
I don't want to move to the town that the smaller hospital is in, there just isn't anything there for me. It would be cheaper to live in near the larger hospital, and I have a brother that goes to the university there.
The school schedule issue would only be for about 2 months of employment (March & April) I'm taking the last two prerequisite classes for an online RN-BSN program. The last three semesters of the program are online. This hospital is the flagship hospital for the university providing my BSN.
She didn't seem "hesitant." I may have used that for lack of a better word. She just said that they work their best to fit in peoples schedules. I believe the unit does self scheduling, like the one I am already working on. It just wasn't the same reaction I got from my current place of employment.
Thanks for all of your replys... and reading all of this. lol.
If a place makes you sign a contract saying you'll be there for 2 years, that's a red flag that there is a reason they NEED a contract to make you stay for 2 years.
If a place makes you sign a contract saying you'll be there for 2 years, that's a red flag that there is a reason they NEED a contract to make you stay for 2 years.
I had to give a verbal commitment to work on my unit 2 years and it's one of the best units to work on in my hospital.
We have been open for 3 years and so most are past their 2 year mark but no one is leaving unless they've moved out of the area. It makes sense to ask for a commitment If one thought like a NM to avoid turn over and having to waste money training someone just for them to leave in 6 months.
I had to give a verbal commitment to work on my unit 2 years and it's one of the best units to work on in my hospital.
If it's a good hospital/unit, then a verbal commitment is all they need. When you have to sign a contract, that's a red flag that there's something going on that makes people leave if they don't have a piece of paper and monetary commitment keeping them there.
Is EVERY contract a bad thing? No. But it's definitely something that would make me dig a bit deeper.
If it's a good hospital/unit, then a verbal commitment is all they need. When you have to sign a contract, that's a red flag that there's something going on that makes people leave if they don't have a piece of paper and monetary commitment keeping them there.
Is EVERY contract a bad thing? No. But it's definitely something that would make me dig a bit deeper.
I see your point that puts things in a different perspective. It would be worth it to do some detective work and get the scoop on working conditions.
The hospital is very reputable. Its the only level I trauma center in this part of the state, and employs 1,200 nurses. They only have the 2 year commitment for the new grad position. They say it is because they invest so much time and education into your practice that you have to give something back. They offer bonuses to experienced RN's but they owe 2 years if they want the money, I guess it is how they keep from using staffing agencies so frequently.
Has anyone heard of the PBDS, they require taking that exam before employment. I could have sworn I passed the NCLEX...
The hospital is very reputable. Its the only level I trauma center in this part of the state, and employs 1,200 nurses. They only have the 2 year commitment for the new grad position. They say it is because they invest so much time and education into your practice that you have to give something back. They offer bonuses to experienced RN's but they owe 2 years if they want the money, I guess it is how they keep from using staffing agencies so frequently.
Has anyone heard of the PBDS, they require taking that exam before employment. I could have sworn I passed the NCLEX...
Yes at my hospital all new hires take the PBDS whether a new grad or 20 years experience. The PBDS isn't multiple choice/NCLEX type, they are situational/case study questions. What I was told was that the results were used as a tool to see if you have any weak areas to work on. I was told I did 'great' and never heard another thing about it. It's not anything to get stressed over. I highly doubt anyone would fail it as it's quite simple. If you paid attention in NS and can critically think it's in the bag.
Jules A, MSN
8,864 Posts
Sounds like you have already made up your mind.