I have an interview in a level 1 trauma center, need advice!

Specialties Emergency

Published

Hello everyone

I am currently facing a dilemma and I need some guidance. Today, I received a phone call to go in for an interview next week for a staff nurse position at a level 1 trauma center ER. I can't even say I am a new grad because I will graduate this May (they are aware of this) but my point is that I feel lucky to have been called for an interview this soon and this could be a once in a lifetime chance as this is also a magnet hospital and they will open a brand new 84 bed ER next year. The only BIG problem I have is that they are offering me to work the night shift and I really don't know how I feel about working nights. I have never worked nights before so I don't know how I will function. I asked about eventually switching to day shift and they said there is a wait list for that.

What should I do? This is one of the only two level 1 trauma centers in town and the other hospital will not consider new grads, they only hire nurses with at least 1 yr of ER experience. Would I be totally crazy to pass up this opportunity just because it's the night shift?

Seriously?

Posting from my phone, ease forgive my fat thumbs! :)

Specializes in ED.

Yep, you'd be crazy to pass it up. If ER is what you want to do, then you should jump on this opportunity. The chances that you'll find another ER job that's day shift is probably close to zero. You're a new grad, you'll almost certainly have to do a few years on nights. I've been a nurse for 4 years and I'm on the "waitlist" for dayshift still.

Yes you would be crazy to not take this job!

:-)

Most nursing jobs are night shift. (For new grads) day shift is coveted.

I wish they let people know this during school.

Most people don't like the idea of working thirds but you need to know, no matter where you are, the market for employment is tight.

If you think you're going to be given a day shift job, doing what you want, then go ahead and be picky.

Just know it's pretty common practice to 'earn your keep' in nursing, any specialty, to third shift.

Also, just keep in mind, it may be sort of a 'burn your bridge' if you're offered the job and turn it down. Will make it harder to get into that hospital (or hospital system) after that.

The majority of new grads work night shift to start; that is if they are lucky enough to get a job! You are extremely lucky to get an interview in an area of interest prior to graduating nursing school. I'm sure there are plenty of new grads who would be willing accept any shift to get a job! Good luck finding a day shift position!

Thanks for the replies!

I am fortunate to live in San Antonio where the nursing job market is amazing, I don't think my classmates are having a hard time getting jobs either. I work at a PCU as a CNA where I've been offered a position as an RN already and I was also recommended to apply for an MSICU and a tele floor position for another hospital while doing clinicals there, all these would be day shift jobs. My problem is that I do not want to work on the floor, I want to work ER. There are other ERs in town of course but this one is the only level 1 trauma center I can work at because the other one is not even an option for me at this point. So should I sacrifice a level 1 trauma for a lower level ER that can offer me a day time position? Maybe my issue is committing, the start of my nursing career is a big deal.

Specializes in Pediatric Cardiology.

Go for the level 1 trauma ER. You state you have never done nights, maybe you'll love it! I just think it would be crazy to pass up a job, your *dream* job because of the shift. I am very fortunate and found a rotating position that is mostly days but I would (even now with experience) take a position on the night shift if it meant getting where I wanted to be.

Specializes in ED, trauma.

Ummm. I'll take the night shift if you won't! I would love nights in a Level 1 trauma center. Working ED/TICU/Burns ICU/SICU, that would be amazing to me. I have been dreaming about the job you are being offered for 7+ years.

You can always leave if you don't like it, but you can't go back in time!

Yea.. Pretty nuts to not take that opportunity because its a night shift!! take it and if it really bothers you .. You can make a decision after .. My dream job was the ER.. & unlike most of my graduating class , I not only got a job, but I got the ER as a graduate nurse.. I found out that for my personality it wasn't a good place to start .. I was too hard on myself as a new nurse ! But at least I took the opportunity & I learned a lot from it! I think you'll be surprised and love it.. I mean.. If you don't want to be on the floor ..& want the ER .. Then level 1 trauma is where you should be! Like CP2013 was saying .. Many people work hard for years to get the opportunity you are being handed right out of school! ROCK IT!!

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