Dilemma for CA New Grad in Norcal

Published

  1. What should I do?

    • 0
      Take New Grad Position (6 hours ONE WAY)
    • 3
      Do SNF and keep applying to hospitals
    • 0
      Hold out for something closer

3 members have participated

Hello,

I graduated late May.

My dilemma: I received an offer for an ICU New Graduate position that is 6 hours driving ONE WAY away from home. This is my ideal position but I also have a family and a 6 month old baby. Should I take this position? Or do SNF/Home Health in hopes of getting into acute care later on? I am also enrolled in a FNP program that is set to start next year.

Community, what do you think is the best thing to do? I want to spend time with my baby and taking the new graduate position so far away would mean that I would not be seeing her and my husband on most days.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the Nursing Career forum

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Bump :)

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Do you plan on moving for the ICU job? Obviously you can't drive 12 hours a day for a job....

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No I will be having an apartment there for sure. No way I can be safe having a shift and driving that far. But on my days off, was going to drive back to my own home.

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Specializes in NICU.

Have you ever driven 6 hours?You might not what I have to say but the baby is number one here not your career.Those first three formative years are very important."A child has a need for its mother greater than the need for food.Keep looking for jobs close to home.

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Driving 6 hours doesn't worry me since I've done it before. I'll be working 3 12s at the ICU compared to 5 8s at an SNF. I agree that the first 3 years are crucial. I'm just really worried that I won't be able to get into a hospital after SNF due to the competition in the Bay Area of California..

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Specializes in 25 years NICU 5 years Telephone Triage.

I would not recommend this, it's too much time away from your baby. Could your family move closer to the job?

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My husband just started his trade with a local hospital and cannot move. :( I was thinking of flying back and forth once a week. Our family (baby's grandparents) will be taking care of her the other days along with my husband on his off days.

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Specializes in 25 years NICU 5 years Telephone Triage.
My husband just started his trade with a local hospital and cannot move. :( I was thinking of flying back and forth once a week. Our family (baby's grandparents) will be taking care of her the other days along with my husband on his off days.

It sounds like you have already made up your mind. I still wouldn't advise being away from your baby this much, no matter who is watching her. They grow up fast. In my opinion, family is more important than any career.

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Thank you for your input! I am really hoping to get into a local hospital. Unfortunately I've put in over 300+ apps since graduation and have gotten nothing. I have my MSN, but went to school out of state..

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Specializes in 25 years NICU 5 years Telephone Triage.

Oh wow. I hope you find something soon!

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