Did I make the right choice?

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Hello,

I recently got hired by the nursing agency for long term care facility. My experience is only in the hospitals as clinical placements and I have not yet worked as a nurse. I asked them if i could have a shadow shift to see how it is like in LTC and they said that they are working on it but a shadow shift would not be guarenteed. Instead, they would provide 2 hour on spot orientation prior to starting shift. They called me today to do the night shift, i agreed but few hours later I declined because i felt uncomfortable.

My question is, did I do the right thing? Should I try it once and see how its like or should i tell them that i will not be working with them...? The manager called me and said that it is very hard to find a shadow shift and all their staff do not have an official orientation.

Thank you

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.

Can you afford not to take the job? That's a thinking question for you.

I wouldn't be comfortable with a two-hour orientation anywhere but that may be par for the course in your town. Best of luck!

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Wow a 2 hr orientation and none of their staff has an official orientation. Sounds like school nursing! LOL! Since you said you have never worked LTC and not even as a nurse on your own yet then I don't blame you for not wanting to do that. I don't understand what they have to lose by letting you shadow for a shift. Maybe they don't want to pay for that. Maybe you could volunteer your own time to see? I'm kind of surprised an agency hired you without any actual real experience but I don't know much about agencies. I don't think you didn't do the wrong thing.

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Specializes in school nurse.

New nurse, no experience and starting at a SNF on night-shift with two hours orientation? Bad idea. Really bad idea.

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Stop using agencies to find a job. Agencies are for those with experience. You were hired for that SNF as a warm body. No one would hire a new grad without some sort of orientation unless they really didn’t care about safety or quality.

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Thanks for the reply guys

It was supposed to be 45 minute orientation actually...until I called HR about the shadow because I really had a bad feeling about it and then I spoke with the manager in charge and she made it to 2 hours next time they call me for a shift.

The only reason I went for agency is because I am unable to find jobs. I have been applying for months and next month will be 1 year since I got my license. I really do not know what to do.

Edit: what is SNF?

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SNF and LTC are the same thing. SNF is skilled nursing facility.

I would have not taken the job.

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1 hour ago, Blue_Moon said:

I don't think you didn't do the wrong thing.

I tried to edit this horrible English but it wouldn't let me. Thanks autocorrect! I meant to say I don't think you did the wrong thing! Lol! I'm sure you knew what I meant though!!

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Wow! All they are offering is a 2 hour orientation before you start on your own? I would not work for anyone who is not going to give you a good orientation (at least a few weeks) because it is your license on the line. If you make an error, they won't stand behind you. Follow your gut.

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Out of curiosity... what kind of jobs have you been applying for this past year? When I wanted to get hired by my local hospital ( I had applied multiple times before with no response or phone calls) I found any person that I knew who worked for them and had them put in a good word for me. This is what finally worked and I finally was employed by them. They receive tons of applications and you need to "stick out" some how. Even though I applied on-line, I took paper copies and tried to seek out the managers so that I could introduce myself. I am an introvert, so this was so difficult for me but I did it!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

When looking for jobs, I'd keep your eye out for "open houses" and hiring events. Many hospitals near me have them at least once or twice a year. Especially if you 'hit it off' with someone. Can be better results than simply sending in the online resume to HR.

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18 minutes ago, amusedRN750 said:

Out of curiosity... what kind of jobs have you been applying for this past year? When I wanted to get hired by my local hospital ( I had applied multiple times before with no response or phone calls) I found any person that I knew who worked for them and had them put in a good word for me. This is what finally worked and I finally was employed by them. They receive tons of applications and you need to "stick out" some how. Even though I applied on-line, I took paper copies and tried to seek out the managers so that I could introduce myself. I am an introvert, so this was so difficult for me but I did it!

I have been applying to hospitals, ltc/nursing homes and clinics. Unfortunately in Canada where I am living, most of the organizations here require online applications only, no in-person applications allowed.

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