Did I accept an unsafe job offer?

[hardkorthree]

Just want to start by saying I was a good student- 3.67 GPA, sigma theta tau, but couldn't find a job as a new grad RN in 3 months. I have sent over 100 applications out, had a couple bad interviews, so I started applying for nursing homes. So, I drove 6 hours to interview at a nursing home. I get asked one question and the rest of the interview consists of them trying to sell me to the nursing home and get offered a job on the spot pressured into signing papers as a "3rd shift floating nurse". Asked 2-3 times what the nurse staffing looks like, but they skirt around the question. I get one week of training (no experience as a CNA or RN). I accept offer a day later asking if there are any nurses to help me in gaining skills- I am then moved to second shift to work with another nurse on a unit rather than being by myself on third, but no description of number of patients.. It sounds like I was moved from 50 on 3rd to now 25 on 2nd shift

The nursing home looked decent, owner is actively involved, administrators been there a long time, no mention of floor nurse experience, good ratings online. 40 hours a week, no holidays off, overtime very possible. I worked at a factory last summer putting in 72 hours a week, so no problem as long as adequately staffed. I come home and talk to my parents about it.. I tell them about the red flags (overtime could be mandated maybe they are understaffed, job offer after a freebie question, sounds like they just hired 4 new nurses, 5 day orientation, but they say I'm being negative. I was pretty much forced to call back the next day to accept as I am being threatened to be kicked out

Questions- Are there good sites online to rate nursing homes?

Second, is it possible to get into a hospital as an RN after a year experience at a nursing home

Third, is there a risk to your license if it turns out to be unsafe? I'd be stuck for 6 months to a year with my apartment lease

Fourth, what would be an acceptable patient ratio in your mind?

[ggabri07, BSN, RN]

They are tooo desperate. The training period is a smack in the face for a new nurse

You can get a hospital job with just a min of 4 months experience working in a nursing home.

YES...there is always a risk to your license if it turns out to be unsafe......even in a hospital setting.

Nurse to patient ratio is typically based on patient acuity. I would call them and ask them to give you a firm answer. You deserve to know.

[Apedro]

I'm in the same position. HouTx posted this link about Texas BON rules and guidelines.

Rules-Guidelines for GN/GVN and the New Nurse

Basically they advice employers to provide 6 months or less (if agreed upon by employer and nurse) of supervision with documentation of expectations and demonstrated competence.

I tried to talk to the DON at the LTC about this but she seemed too busy and simply told me that it would be discussed during orientation.

My advice, look up what your BON says, print it out and bring it to your DON. My mentor said be very diplomatic and mention words like "patient safety" and "licensure". A good facility cares about these things.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Remember - the only way your license can be jeopardized is through your actions. Make you are very clear on your license requirements. If your employer requests you to to do something that is contrary to your state's nurse practice act or rules/regulations for nurses.... just don't do it. If the facility is as stable as you have described, with an actively involved owner, chances are they will not pressure you to do anything that will put your license in peril. Jobs come and go - you only have one license.