Dilemma for new grad

[SerenityKris]

I got my nursing license in March, and I happened to already work at an ALF that hires only LPNs, though in more of a clerical type position. I agreed to work there for the salary of an LPN even though I'm an RN because it was better than nothing at all. They knew it was only temporary until I found something as an RN.

I applied at every hospital within an hour's drive of my house with no luck.

I ended up applying at a SNF with rehab and because of my background in medical coding and clerical work at my old facility they offered me a position not on the nursing floor but as the RN case manager. I'm sure it helped that the LTC community here is very small and my references all happened to be very good friends with the ED and they gave me raving reviews.

I started in the position and I absolutely love it. Everyone is telling me how amazing it is that I got this opportunity as a new grad and that they are willing to train me with no prior experience. I feel valued and like I can really make a difference and I haven't really felt that way since I started nursing. I even had been questioning if I chose the right career.

One week after starting I got a call from the hospital to interview for their novice nurse program. Everyone is so adamant that you need hospital experience that I am so torn about what to do.

Long-term I don't want to be a floor nurse. I want to go into management of LTC. I start the bachelor's program in August.

I just wish there was an easy answer to this. I'm afraid if this job doesn't work out the hospital may never give me another chance if I turn them down this time.

Any words of wisdom out there?

[AOx1]

If you are happy and challenged in your current role and wish to move up in that practice setting, I would stay put. I don't believe that a nurse is not a nurse unless they have/currently work in a hospital any more than I believe a physician is less talented because they work in private practice vs a hospital. I really wish nursing would stop saying "The only way you can be a great nurse is 1 year of med-surg in a hospital" foolishness. Med-surg is a great way to learn how to be a med-surg nurse. Not all nurses want that, nor should they. It is more important to be a competent nurse who loves going to work and makes a difference caring for the population they enjoy most.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Take the Case management position....interview for the novice nurse. IF you get offered the novice nurse position then you have a dilemma. I do think bedside experience is important but not an absolute necessity in all cases.

Case management is the big and growing part of nursing. It IS an amazing opportunity! Clearly you are good at it and loving your job is rare. I say Case management.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

If you do not want to be a floor nurse, go with your gut.

I have been a licensed nurse for 8 years (4 years of LVN experience and 4 years as an RN), and have never worked in an acute care hospital because the pace of that environment would clash with my blase personality.

If you want to go into LTC management, the RN case management position is a perfect starting point in your career. Contrary to popular notions, LTC is a lucrative and rewarding field for RNs. I spent my first six years of nursing in LTC, and after being away for a few years, I plan to return within the next month in a managerial role.

The acute care hospital is not the exalted diamond that everyone portrays it to be. There's something for all of us in nursing. Good luck to you.