Job advice

[Skwidward]

Hi

So I just graduated from a BSN program. I've been an LVN for 8 years.

Im looking at job options. I was offered a job at the LTAC I used to work at...It's a good hospital with high acuity patients and it's in the med center. I've been applying at the other big fancy hospitals here, too.

My my problem is, a lot of the big hospitals will only hire me as a new grad in one of their residency programs. Meaning, they pay new grad pay. The difference between new grad pay and the offer I got from my old LTAC is like $5/hr. However, I'm not sure what to do.

LTAC Pros/Cons:

Pay is good

Good staff

Med Center location

Experience there as an RN is respected in the big hospitals

6 patients and basically a med surg floor

Big Hospitals pros/Cons:

Big fancy prestigious hospitals...world renowned level 1 trauma centers, etc

Looks awesome on resume

Awesome experience

Straight into ICU with residency year-long training

Crappy pay ($5/hr less than above for a year guaranteed)

Any advice?

I'd jump at the opportunity to work somewhere like an ICU in a level one trauma center, but I have school loans and a lifto live.

[GM2RN]

There's no hospital that I know of that gives consideration for LVN experience when hiring RNs. You also need to consider what you get in benefits from each facility and what your contribution will be. It also sounds like you will get a pay raise when you finish your year of residency.

It also sounds like you think you don't need further training because of your LVN experience. If that's anywhere close to true, you shouldn't be so quick to dismiss the opportunity for what amounts to paid training, where I'm sure you are bound to learn something.

If you can afford to cover your monthly bills with the lesser paying job, you should take it. If not, then there really isn't a question here.

[Skwidward]

There's no hospital that I know of that gives consideration for LVN experience when hiring RNs.

Memorial Hermann Houston will consider 1 year of LVN experience as 1/2 a year of RN experience when calculating pay rate, even if starting in the new grad residency program.

Houston Methodist Hospital emailed and had me arrange a time for the telephone interview. When they called, they told me I had too much experience to be considered for the new grad residency program and that I need to apply for an RN 1 position.

It also sounds like you think you don't need further training because of your LVN experience.

I'm not sure where you pulled this from, but you are mistaken. I think the fact that I am considering the new grad residency programs despite paying $5/hr less than my old job and the fact I listed the experience and program itself as a pro above indicate that I appreciate the training provided in such a program.

The situation I described above with Houston Methodist was not me thinking I don't need any further training. It was, in fact, me applying to a nurse residency program and setting up a telephone interview only to be told they were sorry, but after looking at my resume, I have too much experience for the program. They said the program was for new grads, and that I am not a new grad (as far as they are concerned).

So, I guess I need to throw a third option into the mix--getting my license and applying for regular RN positions. I will do this anyway, even after accepting a nurse residency program. If the former offers more, I will take that figure to the residency program and see if they will match it. The difference is: the ability to take a position straight out of school in the ICU and have the back up and support and training, etc. to provide a nice, confidence and skill-building transition into such a critical and intimidating field.

If you can afford to cover your monthly bills with the lesser paying job, you should take it.

Thank you