Job Professionalism

CABG patch kid, BSN, RN · May 12, 2009

In this economy, I would take the job at the LTC place and keep searching for your L&D job. If it comes down to it, you can quit the LTC job in favor of what is a better fit for you; however since you haven't even had an interview with the other place yet, I wouldn't worry too much about it at this point. Just keep trying to get into the field of your choice while making money and getting experience where ever you can in the meantime. Some people may think this isn't right, but you gotta do what you gotta do! Good luck in whatever job comes around!

roser13, ASN, RN · May 12, 2009

It has always seemed to me that each opportunity has to be evaluated on its own - not in comparison to another position. Most of the time, the interviews/offers don't line up exactly right anyway. And you're not exactly comparing apples to apples - one of these opportunities is bound to excite you more than the other.

If you receive an offer before interviewing for the other position, I would just try to evaluate it completely. Does it excite you? Does the facility seem well-run? Does it fit your needs (ie, are you OK continuing to live with your parents)? Is the job market so tight that a bird in hand..... etc.?

pers · May 12, 2009

If it were me, I would tell the LTC when they called that I appreciate them giving me the opportunity and would like a few days before giving them my answer and when would they need my response. I would not mention the other interview I had lined up. Between now and Friday, I would assume both places offered me a position and decide which job I'd prefer. If I was leaning towards the larger hospital, I'd go to the interview and as it wrapped up I'd let them know I had another job offer but would prefer the opportunity to work with them and find out when I could expect to know something.

I would hesitate to take the LTC position and then interview with the larger hospital and take that job days or weeks later. You have every right to change jobs as often as you choose, but I don't like to burn bridges and quitting right after being hired is generally not a good thing from the employers perspective.

lucky1RN · May 12, 2009

My concern is this: What if the DON for the LTC facility calls and offers me the job? What do I say? I don't want to be unprofessional. Also, in this economy beggars can't be choosers and I've had quite a few interviews that didn't lead to a hire. If the LTC facility was full-time w/ benefits I'd totally take it.
I'd love to hear thoughts.

Say..."Thank you for the offer, I'm interested in the position and excited to work with you but I would like a week to think about it.". If they refuse the timeline, try to negotiate a shorter one. Then, tell the other facility that you are considering other positions and need a response ASAP (assuming you're still interested in the position after the interview).

By the way, I think you'll be better off in med-surg considering your long term goals.

Good luck!

David13, MSN, RN · May 12, 2009

I think your primary concern here is about "burning bridges". There are a lot of "what ifs" involved.

What if the other job comes through? It may or it may not.
What will the LTC facility think of me if I take the job and then quit soon after? They may, as the title of your post suggests, question your professionalism, or they might be very understanding.
Do you want to stay in your current location with your parents or do you want to become more independent?

No one really knows what the future holds. The best option, in my opinion, is to consider how the answers to these questions will impact you and your goals for the future, and then go from there.