Job Offer...Help!!!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Hi Everyone. I want to first let you know about myself as a candidate. I'm a new male nurse just graduated from an Accelerated BSN program (2nd Career guy). I'm registered in PA, live in NJ. I have an equal interest in Peds and Mental Health - actually, if I had to choose, I would choose Peds.

I have a dilemma. I was offered a PT position in Psych at a Jersey hospital. I had an interview with a specialty Peds hospital for a PICU position in TX. I'm waiting to hear back about the PICU position. I'd prefer that one over the PT Psych one. My question is, what should I say to the recruiter regarding the offered Psych position? It's the weekend, too, which is awful! They want a decision by Monday morning. If I said yes, as it's my only offer as of now, then the TX PICU position offered me something, wouldn't it be highly unprofessional to bounce on the NJ hospital? Should I call the TX hospital Monday morning and say something along the lines of, "Am I a viable candidate still?? Because I don't want to give up this job that's being offered if I'm not going to be considered for the PICU position".

Sorry if this was confusing. It's 4AM and I'm torn! haha. Any advice would be great.

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Yes, call (or email) and ask the hospital in TX about the status of your application. Is relocating to TX a factor in your decision at all?

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Thanks for your input, Cloverly. Relocating to TX isn't a factor at all! I'm actually excited about that possibility. The fact that it's the weekend is driving me crazy too because I'll have to get in touch with TX early Monday morning since the NJ hospital wants an answer at that time.

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Specializes in Medical Surgical/Addiction/Mental Health.

Dassit82,

Generally speaking, many hospitals have cut their orientation start times. What I mean by that is many hospitals are having orientations once a month to help with costs. With that being said, you could accept the Psych position while still buying time for the TX position. If the TX position is extended to you, then you will have to decide which position better suits your needs/desires. In my opinion, I don’t think the Psych hospital would frown upon you for backing out of the offer BEFORE orientation starts. However, I think it would be frowned upon if you were three or four weeks into orientation, then decide to make the change. I’ve only been a nurse for three years, but from my limited experience, you are perceived in a better light if you inform HR or your manager early in the process that the position may not be a good fit. By doing so, you will not have wasted a lot of resources for the organization.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Thanks ParkerBean! You make a really good point and I didn't think about that. My main concern has always been not to burn bridges, so it feels like I have to be very careful about how I approach this. I'm feeling much better and less stressed today! haha.

P.S. - Please tell me you're a fan of Ms. LaTRIIIIIIIIIIIICE!!

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Specializes in Medical Surgical/Addiction/Mental Health.

She has been, is, and always will be my favorite! I met her in Indianapolis during a show. She is just as funny and personable in person as she was on television.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

AHHHHHH....I LOVE her. My ex just gave me a t-shirt that has her silhouette with "The Shade of it All". LOVE it! I just met Detox, Vicki, and Willam a couple weeks ago when they came to Philly. They surprised me as being very friendly, especially Willam. I'm not at all surprised that Ms. Latrice is so down-to-earth. I can't wait to meet her sometime! Ok, let me stop before we make this a reality tv thread....lol

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You never know when the orientation is going to start, and won't you have to apply for and wait for a state license before being able to start the NJ or TX position anyways?

And be sure to check on the BON website for the state. Sometimes you have different requirements met to obtain a different state license than the one you currently have.

Best wishes!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Thanks! You make a good point, Jadelpn. NJ licensure, at this point, takes up to 4 months to obtain. They no longer allow temporary permits. TX, a compact state, has temporary permits that only take about 1 week to obtain. What's up with Jersey, right?

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

One important thing to keep in mind: the TX hospital has NOT yet offered you a position, nor are they certain to. This is really important to remember.

IMO, I would call the TX hospital and get a status update...but use the "I have another job offer" card with caution as that has been known to backfire. If TX tells you on Monday (today) that they have a job for you, then your problem is solved--take it and politely decline NJ's job.

However, if TX doesn't give you an answer, then it's up to you to decide if you wish to go with a certain job offer or wait on something that may or may not materialize. And keep in mind that new grad jobs are hard to come by.

Personally, I'd take the guaranteed offer in NJ for night now. If and when TX offers you the job, then withdraw/resign from the NJ as gracefully, professionally and as quickly as possible. However, wait until you get an official offer from TX before doing that. I've seen too many cases--with one involving myself--where interviewers promised the candidate the job but for whatever reason, the official offer from HR never materialized.

I can't guarantee that you won't burn a bridge though, but if your heart is in TX, then that's where the rest of you should be.

Best of luck whatever happens and whatever you decide!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Thank you, Meriwhen! I appreciate the insight. That's awful to have been offered a position only for HR not to send off the official letter. I never thought about that possibility, so IF TX offers me a position, I will wait for that letter before declining NJ. As it stands, I have accepted the NJ offer. Since orientation will not begin until June, I have some time to hear back from other positions I've applied to. I know whatever happens is meant to be and I'm open to either position. Despite my preferences, new grad positions are hard to come by, yes, so I'm happy to be in the position I'm in. Thank you all for your advice. I will keep you posted if I hear back from TX! Thank you all again!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Just an update, everyone. I got another offer in PA and then the NJ job offered FT too. Finally, TX came in with an offer as well and before any orientations began, I took the job offer in Texas!! NO BURNT BRIDGES!!! haha. I'm moving to the Houston area at the end of this month - it's my first big relocation. I'm really excited about it. Thank you for the insight and advice. I appreciate it greatly!!!

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