First new grad job: mixed feelings

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Hello! This is my first post. I recently graduated with my BSN and haven't taken my NCLEX just yet. I was offered a job in the NICU, with a 3 year contract and I said yes today. Well, I'm not as happy as you would think. First, I wanted nothing more than to be an L&D nurse. That was what excited me. I loved my clinicals and loved studying OB. I did my preceptorship in L&D, I was the only one in my cohort to do the preceptorship in L&D!. Long story short, I interviewed for the L&D position and did not receive it! I was so upset and confused! I though I did everything I could to get this job! I said yes to the NICU job with the hopes of getting into L&D after the 3 year contract, but I'm almost thinking about saying no, and getting another job until they hire for L&D again. Don't get me wrong, I loved the NICU too, but I longed to be on the L&D floor. I love the babies and I love helping them but I'm just afraid I'm going to be bitter watching other classmates do the job that I wanted so bad and was their second choice. I'm afraid of loosing my assessment skills on adults.

I'm just so heart broken I'm not sure what to do and I need some advice!

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

3 years is a long time to be unhappy. A lot of NICU's would hire you without requiring a contract that long. If it's a field you think you would like, look for a position that will not make you sign such a long contract.

If it is a specialty you think you will not like, then definitely do not sign a 3 year contract. Find something else.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

You're committing yourself to a specialty that you're not 100% sure of, and you're doing it for a long time. Plus if yo break it, you may be on the hook to pay back any advances, bonuses, etc.

A year contract would have been a different matter. But if you're not all in, definitely do not sign a three year one.

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