Got an offer, should I accept it?

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i just had my finals in an rn program today and passed. i am currently an lvn with 2.5 years experience. i got an offer from a hospital 3 miles from me. however, they are only willing to pay me $21.50 ($22.34 after much talk and negotiation). i am currently making anywhere from $25-50/hr. i do want the hospital experience however. the hospital is not willing to consider and give me credit for my current experience. this is the first time i have seen a hospital do this.

my problem is that i waited too late to apply to internship programs. this is the only hospital that i applied and interviewed at. this hospital is hiring me on a floor that i want, working nights (so there should be at least a $5 night differential). i just wish they would give me some credit for my experience. i don't mind driving a little further for more pay. i really would like to get into parkland, but i think it's too late right now.

so here's my question after the long explanation: would it be a poor decision to wait till may when the next internships are available at hospitals and apply then, or just take this position and hold on for a couple of years while i work on my bsn? i do not intend to quit soon after accepting any position, so i want to make sure i don't mess this up. i feel a little guilty for even thinking this way, because there are a lot of people in my class that have not got jobs yet. i just feel like i should get credit for my experience. i mean i have worked with different populations, taking care of different acuity levels, including ventilator patients.

Specializes in Cardiac Care, Palliative Care.

Apply to other hospitals to find out which one will give you the salary that comes close to what your prefer. You'll have to apply at different places to find out if the salaries and benefits will suit your needs, especially if you want to stay there for a few years until you finish with your BSN. You make alot of money for an LPN in Texas! Which part of Texas do you stay?

Specializes in ER, OR, PACU, TELE, CATH LAB, OPEN HEART.

That salary sounds normal for a new RN Grad in Texas. Some places give half credit for LVN experience and others don't. With the economy and job situation for new grads as well as experienced nursed I'd take the position, get experinece, use the education benefit to start my BSN, and be happy I wasn't going to wait a year to find work. You will do what is best for you. Look at the postings of new grads here, it is bleak in the entire US because of the economy. Something about you impressed the recruiter and manager and I'd accept is I were in your shoes. I'd LOVE to be working 3 miles from home. I have over 30 years experience and just started a new job. Been looking since Sept 2008 and this is the FIRST offer of more than 50 applications, and I do multiple specialties. Good Luck.

Even if you wait for the next round of internships you will be getting the same pay. Don't wait, take the job (or look around and find a better paying position). The sooner you have RN experience, the sooner you will be able to ask for a better salary, right? Congrats on graduating and getting an offer so quickly! Good luck!

Take it. its a way to get your "RN experience"

thanks for all your responses and your words of wisdom. i went ahead and accepted the position yesterday :yeah: i really should be (and i am) thankful that i got offered a job at the only hospital that i applied to. lpn 2005, i'm in the dfw area.

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