Job dilemma! Just looking for advice

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN · Jan 31, 2011

Frankly, I'd pick the job with the highest remuneration.

amymina · Jan 31, 2011

I would call and put out feelers, however, something to keep in mind is that they may not want to hire you due to the fact that you will be graduating shortly and then move on to be a nurse. I had that problem last semester. I will also be graduating this spring, and tired to get a job as a nursing assistant in the hospital system that I want to work in. I got a few calls, and even one interview. They did level with me and say that due to my graduating, they didn't want to hire me as a nursing assistant, train me to their liking, then have me moving to a different job less than a year later. Something else to think about...some places of employment require that you be in a certain position for so long before you can apply for another one.

Look into it at least, see what they say, maybe even sit down and have an interview. You never know and you may get some good info from it, whether or not you get/take the job.

HaylyAmber · Jan 31, 2011

I would call and put out feelers, however, something to keep in mind is that they may not want to hire you due to the fact that you will be graduating shortly and then move on to be a nurse. I had that problem last semester. I will also be graduating this spring, and tired to get a job as a nursing assistant in the hospital system that I want to work in. I got a few calls, and even one interview. They did level with me and say that due to my graduating, they didn't want to hire me as a nursing assistant, train me to their liking, then have me moving to a different job less than a year later. Something else to think about...some places of employment require that you be in a certain position for so long before you can apply for another one.
Look into it at least, see what they say, maybe even sit down and have an interview. You never know and you may get some good info from it, whether or not you get/take the job.

Good advice, thank you. Apparently the hospital offering the position is in need of help-- the girl who told me she could get me the position already works for the hospital system, and her boss had offered her the job knowing the situation about graduation and everything. Oddly enough, a lot of the students in my class are just getting hired in similar positions, which I found interesting as well. One of the girls from another class is being trained and will not even be able to work one day as a PCA because by that time she will have her license -- it's all about who ya know I suppose. Like I said though, the system is one that would rather hire from within than from the outside (hence the reason my friend who works for them was offered a job- and her boss asked if any of her fellow students needed a job.) It's a rather large system here in this part of NJ (Meridian) and I'm sure they could hire me as an RN at one of their hospitals when I graduate (I hope!) being that I'll already be somewhat trained on some of their stuff. I'd like to think this would give me an advantage over another new grad.

Frankly, I'd pick the job with the highest remuneration.

As far as the money part goes, I will be working the same amount of hours at either job for approximately the same hourly wage. The difference is that at my current job, I get bonused based on the policies I sell.... but again, I'm really not so concerned about the money end as I am the hospital experience and the whole "foot in the door" idea.

Thanks for your help guys!

cb_rn · Jan 31, 2011

Good advice, thank you. Apparently the hospital offering the position is in need of help-- the girl who told me she could get me the position already works for the hospital system, and her boss had offered her the job knowing the situation about graduation and everything. Oddly enough, a lot of the students in my class are just getting hired in similar positions, which I found interesting as well. One of the girls from another class is being trained and will not even be able to work one day as a PCA because by that time she will have her license -- it's all about who ya know I suppose. Like I said though, the system is one that would rather hire from within than from the outside (hence the reason my friend who works for them was offered a job- and her boss asked if any of her fellow students needed a job.) It's a rather large system here in this part of NJ (Meridian) and I'm sure they could hire me as an RN at one of their hospitals when I graduate (I hope!) being that I'll already be somewhat trained on some of their stuff. I'd like to think this would give me an advantage over another new grad.
As far as the money part goes, I will be working the same amount of hours at either job for approximately the same hourly wage. The difference is that at my current job, I get bonused based on the policies I sell.... but again, I'm really not so concerned about the money end as I am the hospital experience and the whole "foot in the door" idea.
Thanks for your help guys!

Do you know why they are really desperate for help? Not saying it is, but that could be a major red flag if they need new staff constantly because they can't keep their current ones. I'm not saying you shouldn't take it but be very alert to the fact that you may be jumping into a less than desirable position. Unfortunately some places don't treat their UAPs with as much respect as they could.

HaylyAmber · Jan 31, 2011

Do you know why they are really desperate for help? Not saying it is, but that could be a major red flag if they need new staff constantly because they can't keep their current ones. I'm not saying you shouldn't take it but be very alert to the fact that you may be jumping into a less than desirable position. Unfortunately some places don't treat their UAPs with as much respect as they could.

Good point, didn't think of that either but I can ask my girlfriend. She has worked in this particular hospital as a PCA before. I know that every floor is different, so you could be totally right. The thing I found odd is that when I go on the website and do a job search, there really are only 1-2 of those positions at that hospital. Aside from any of this, is the general consensus that it is a good idea to get into the hospital environment pre-RN license? Sounds like a silly question, but will a few months there make a difference?

CorazonDeOro · Jan 31, 2011

Get your foot in the door at a hospital. Maybe you can work one day a week and keep your current job...but definitely get your foot in the door. If you look around the boards here you see how hard it can be for a new grad with NO experience....so you might be doing yourself a huge favor come graduation time.

I graduate in May and am feeling a lot less anxious about the job hunt than many of my classmates because I am working in a hospital and have already been promoted from Nurse Assistant to Extern to prepare me for the RN role.

If money isn't a huge issue and you can afford to take the job I really think you should...especially to get comfortable in the hospital setting. I already feel ahead of many new RNs on my floor because I know how things work, where things are, policies, etc.

ellrn · Feb 15, 2011

Hello all,

I really need some help, I was offered an Cxternship for this summer 2011 at St. Josephs in Wayne ICU, Overlook and HUMC. I am having a tough time deciding on which one I am going to accept. Anyone have any advice or opinions on their RN pay/work environment?

Lennonninja, MSN, APRN, NP · Feb 16, 2011

Would they want to train a new tech that's graduating in 3 months? I wouldn't think that'd be the smartest choice of them to put in all that time training you to do a job for such a short time. But if they're willing to do this, I'd see about working there PRN until graduation along with your other job if you feel like you owe it to your boss.