Inexperienced in the job world; Suggestions please!

[MizzLizz]

Hi everyone. I'm a new RN that just graduated with my BSN this past May. I've decided that I want to go back to school for Public Health CNS. I've looked into some colleges around my home for a program, and I called the head of the department at a very reputable nursing college/hospital to get some info. She called me back, explained the program, and then said that a BSN position was open in the public health area working with a NP at a high school. (I am meeting with her later to discuss the details of the work) But here is my problem: I am self-sufficient and currently working at a hospital on a tele unit. The head of the PH department said if I took this job, there is a small chance the funding could be pulled because the state supplies the money for it. She also said she did not foresee funding being pulled. I am just worried that if I take this job, I will lose it and have no source of income (and no experience because I am a new grad) Working at this PH position will also guarantee me tuition reimbursement toward my PH grad degree. That will also be gone if the funding is pulled, because I will not be an employee of the hospital. My question is; Does anybody have any experience with programs like these? Is there any way I can research the grant or any other way I can safeguard myself? I would love, love, love to start doing this kind of work, but I don't want to be in a bind later on. Any input is much appreciated!

[llg, PhD, RN]

It sounds to me as if the woman is trying to be honest with you and tell you all the risks ahead of time. That's very honorable and she sounds like a good person to be working with. However, as she has pointed out, there are some risks in taking this position -- and no one but you can decide if you want it badly enough to be willing to take that risk.

Life is full of risk. No one is completely immune. All we can do is understand them and then make the choices that make the most sense for us. The other thing that we can do is prepare for some of the negative possibilities out there. In this case, you need to think through what you would do if the position's funding were to be cut. Think that possibility through and see if you can come up with a plan for dealing with it that you will be satisfied with.

Also consider the alternatives -- what other possible career choices might lead you towards the career you want. Are there some options that will get you where you want to be, but that include less risk? Are you likely to encounter other attractive opportunities if you let this one pass you by and get some more nursing experience before trying something new?

Then ask yourself, "How much risk are you willing to live with?" Some people are only comfortable if they are playing it really safe: risk makes them very uncomfortable. Other people can be emotionally comfortable taking a few risks IF they have an appropriate back-up plan just in case things don't work out. Still other people like "living on the edge" and are not afraid of risk. In which group do you fit?

Answering the above questions should help you to think this through so that you can make a decision that will work for you. Remember: there may not be just 1 perfect decision -- but rather, it may be that there are many different options that could work if you approached them with the right attitude. You don't have to determine the 1 right answer -- just AN answer that you can live with.