Do I hold out for the job I want?

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Specializes in Corrections, Surgical.

Hey everyone,

I hope in these times everyone is staying safe. I have a difficult decision that I was hoping I could get some advice on. I'm a new graduate and have been offered a position in corrections that I am supposed to start very soon. It's far but I do not mind relocating. I had an interview for an O.R position that is also far away and have to relocate but that's my passion, even in nursing school I knew that's where I wanted to end up. The interview went well, I shadowed a nurse and was able to observe a surgery and went to see administration. Administration said I was a strong candidate. I know with Covid-19 the hospitals are canceling non essential operations and I'm sure there focus right now is shifted away from hiring new nurses.

Should I wait and hold out for the O.R or take the correctional job? I asked the recruiter for an update but with everything going on I'm sure H.R is busy. I know I can always go back and apply for an O.R position once I get some experience under my belt but its so hard these days to transition to the O.R.

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
29 minutes ago, bluescrubs said:

Should I wait and hold out for the O.R or take the correctional job?

Bluescrubs: "A bird in the hand..."

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Specializes in Corrections, Surgical.

LOL my age is showing. I had to look up a bird in the hand meaning ?. But you're right, I know a lot of people say just take whatever comes first to get your foot in the door and transition later. A lot of my cohort that hasn't taken their NCLEX yet can't take it now because of the lock down and some are still looking for a job so I should be grateful .

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It wouldn't surprise me in the least if they put a hiring freeze on certain departments that are seeing low numbers.

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Specializes in PICU.

Take the job. You can always transfer later.

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Specializes in Corrections, Surgical.

Yes a hiring freeze would make sense as I know the E.R and ICU are getting slammed right now and the O.R is not. I contacted the recuiter for an update on my application status and I will keep praying that they call me back this week so I can have time to decline the other offer, if not I will not wait on them. I've been out of work since November and God knows I need the money. The correctional job actually has the most benefits so far: highest pay out of all the jobs I've been applying to, no 2 year contract, no on call and I have a family member that lives in the area so I do not have to find my own apartment and deal with the expenses of furnishing. I just have to look on the bright side during these dark times.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

It would depend on where the hospital is in the hiring process. If the surgical department actually hires you with a start date pending because of the department slowdown go ahead and accept if you want the job and can afford a delay in an actual start date.

If you are in a financial position of needing to work and you have zero guarantee that you'll actually get the OR job you want take the offered position. At least that's a sure thing.

Whatever you decide is best for you at least you are in a decent position as a new grad. Sadly other new grads misfortune in these times could work to your advantage. No new graduates are sitting the NCLEX for at least a couple of weeks and there are many seniors that don't even know yet if their graduation will be as scheduled or delayed. Those poor students will have a ton of red tape to cut through before they even get their authorization to test must less are able to schedule the NCLEX. Since you already passed and have a license in hand you definitely have a bit of an advantage as the current new grad pool is depleted for the moment.

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Specializes in Corrections, Surgical.

I don't know where I'm at in the hiring process now since I haven't been able to speak to the recruiter yet. I do not know if this hospital is still doing non essential surgeries. When I interviewed for the position the virus was not as bad as it is now and they had regular cases. Right now I'm living off my tax return so I'm close to desperate for a source of income. For the surgical position it doesn't start till may. My parents can't afford to help me out financially so I planned to take out a small loan to be able to have the deposit and first/last rent for the apartment. I know there is talk of giving citizens $1k but who knows if and when that will happen. Financially the correctional job is the best bet since I will be working fairly soon and will have some income. I know I'm lucky and have an advantage with already having my license so there is that.

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Specializes in NICU/Mother-Baby/Peds/Mgmt.
27 minutes ago, bluescrubs said:

Yes a hiring freeze would make sense as I know the E.R and ICU are getting slammed right now and the O.R is not. I contacted the recuiter for an update on my application status and I will keep praying that they call me back this week so I can have time to decline the other offer, if not I will not wait on them. I've been out of work since November and God knows I need the money. The correctional job actually has the most benefits so far: highest pay out of all the jobs I've been applying to, no 2 year contract, no on call and I have a family member that lives in the area so I do not have to find my own apartment and deal with the expenses of furnishing. I just have to look on the bright side during these dark times.

Just remember, even if you get it "last hired, first fired".

Oh, and I know a former correctional nurse who used to tell hilarious stories online, he's a great fb friend now. So there's that....

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Specializes in Corrections, Surgical.

God I hope not ?. I’m so ready for this virus to be a thing of the past.

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I really think you need to take the corrections position. Your situation is tenuous at best.

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Specializes in Corrections, Surgical.

Yes, I was just talking to my mother about it and she said that I should take it.Other family members are actually discouraging me from moving away so far but where I am at the competition is crazy, too many nursing schools and its not realistic that everyone will get a job here. The O.R is still my dream and I'm sure one day I will become a nurse in the operating room.

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