first job or wait

[NurseSN45696]

Hi all. I'm getting ready to graduate with my BSN soon. I know that I want to live and work in Jacksonville, however I feel that I have a better shot of securing a job in the Orlando area. What should I do? Do I take a job in Orlando (if offered of course) and quit as soon as I am offered a position in Jacksonville? Would that be really bad to do as a new nurse?

or...should I work some random job in Jacksonville until a nursing position is available...

TIA.

[JBudd, MSN]

I am old fashioned enough to say that if you accept a job and go through training and orientation, you should stay with the job long enough to justify the investment in you. Grad nurse programs are expensive.

Leaving your first job after a short period of time indicates you aren't willing to commit to the place. Now before I get flamed for saying that, "do you really think Bigname Corporate Hospital is willing to commit to you?" etc.; I say there is personal honor involved. The exception would be finding yourself in a toxic environment, or one that is dangerous to you or your license. That is what an orientation period is for, seeing if you and your employer are a good fit.

From what many have said here, jobs are hard to find. If you really don't want to work in Orlando, I wouldn't apply. If you do, they will expect you to stay there; leaving too soon may get you a bad name in the nurse manager network. That isn't to say others have "job hopped" and come out fine, but it is a risk.

[jj224]

I'm a firm believer of doing what works best for you. If that means jumping ship, then go for it. That being said, maybe you'll love the job in Orlando. The grass isn't always greener - you may be leaving a good job with great coworkers for a toxic environment. They're taking a risk and taking a chance on you, as well as spending a considerable amount of money training you. If you have a good thing going in Orlando, stick with it for a little while and apply for a non- new grad position in Jacksonville. If the job in Orlando isn't working out - coworkers, manager, etc, consider leaving since its not in an area close to you - no need to travel to a job you may hate. Just my two cents. I was in a similar position but ended up LOVING my coworkers, manager, hospital management, & my job in general so I haven't considered leaving. I've been offered slightly better pay a little closer to home but I'm not willing to give up a good thing. I enjoy and look forward to going to work, which may not be the situation if you're not treated well by coworkers and management.