job offer questions...

[sbostonRN]

Hello,

I posted this on the rehab board too but it's a little slow over there and thought I might get more feedback here.

I am a new grad nurse, taking my boards next week or soon after. I interviewed for a position on a subacute floor yesterday and I am really excited about the position. It's 40 patients on the floor and I'll be working day or evenings, when there's 3-4 nurses working, and 7 aides. The pt turnover is high but the staff turnover throughout the facility is very low. It's privately owned and this is the only location, which I think is nice. The MD does rounds several times a day, and the administration is frequently involved in nursing care and scheduling. Everything about the interview was very casual though and at the end, I had to ask if I was hired or not. She had me scheduled for orientation in 2 weeks but had never formally offered me the job.

So I called last night and asked about benefits and vacation because she had never mentioned them to me. She sent me a brief email from her Blackberry, and I called today to clarify things and ask for a formal offer letter. It's 5 vacation days, 2 personal days, 7 sick days, and holidays (which I assume are floating). I'll be working 40 hours a week, days or evenings during the week and evenings e/o weekend. Does this sound like a good offer to you? Like I said, I think the facility is very nice and as a new grad I can't be too picky about my first job. DH is very concerned about the lack of a formal offer letter and that I was basicaly hired on the spot. He is used to jumping through hoops to get a job. Should this concern me?

[caliotter3]

In all my years of working in nursing, I have only been provided a written job offer one time. All other jobs came by way of getting hired on the spot. I would not be too concerned about the lack of a formal letter as long as you start work when expected. Good luck in your new job and good luck on NCLEX too!

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Well, I'd say if you think it (might) work out take it. You know your limits. If it ends up being a total nightmare then leave. Unfortunately, it almost seems like if they make an offer quickly to a new grad, that is a sure sign you should not work there these days with unemployment running so high you'd think it would be competitive interviewing there. At least that seems to be how it's gone for many. But, everybody has their own idea of what they will tolerate, so I'd see how it goes but I would not put my license at risk.

[sbostonRN]

I actually found this facility through the Medicare website. I looked up the CMS surveys from the past year and this facility scored very high (5 out of 5 stars) on two out of three categories - Health and Safety and Patient Care I believe. Staffing wasn't that high up there (2 out of 5 stars) but I believe that comes with the territory. I definitely don't feel that my license will be at risk working there, but I was concerned about being offered the job on the spot and having no offer letter. I don't really know what's standard in nursing since this is my first job. Thank you for the advice so far!

[netglow, ASN, RN]

You will only know if your license is at risk once you begin working.

[sbostonRN]

I know, I will be careful and I am also planning on signing up for insurance with NSO. Not that it will save me from everything, but it will be nice to have.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

a written offer is essential. it shouldn't be so hard to get one. if you are communicating by email with them (not smartphone), then ask them a question and print out their answer, like "what is my first date of employment?" the you can respond by saying," thank you for the offer of employment as referred to in your email of (date). i will report on (date) as discussed." then you're covered.

oh, and 2/5 on the staffing survey and these loosey-goosey policies? they may go hand in hand. be careful out there.

[MJB2010]

I always ask for a formal written offer letter. Anything offered to you, vaca days, particular shift, and rate of pay need to be included. I got burned once by an offer letter that was too vague, as I was offered a day shift and when I got my schedule it was for nights. I called about it and was told somoene else had wanted days so she swapped us and didnt understand why it was a big deal.Um hello, overnights? Needless to say, I stayed at my old job which was akward after giving notice.