Job Offered... Now What

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As a December 2008 New Grad RN, I am interviewing at three different hospitals. Of course, I have my first, second, and third choice.

But what if my third choice says, "We liked your interview and you've got the job!" before I hear back from the other two?

Do I need to give a yes or no response immediately or within 48 hours or something? What is the most common policy here?

Do I need to stall for time, or are hospitals usually cool giving you a few weeks to decide whether or not to accept the job?

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Another question: after your interview, how long does it usually take for them to tell you if you're hired?

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There's a polite way to say, "I need some time to think about it," without explicitly saying you're considering other offers. I took my first offer, since it was from my first choice, so I didn't have to come up with one, but I know I've read a good phrase to use somewhere. Can anyone remember? You definitely shouldn't have to say yes or no immediately, and you can ask when they'll need an answer by. You can just say you need to discuss with your family or something, and you can ask any other details you may need to know (i.e. pay rate/differentials if they haven't already told you). Also, while not advisable, if you think you have a good reason to do so you can always break a verbal agreement before you actually sign a contract with the third choice hospital. You may not be able to work for that company in the future, but you won't have to pay them back for training you never received.

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

Happened to me in a completely different field. They called me back right when I got back home from interview to offer me the job. I asked if I could call back in 24 hours to let them know my decision. They stated that was fine. Luckily the job I wanted called back the next day. I think it happens more than most realize.

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Specializes in oncology, transplant, OB.

I've found on average most hospitals will give you about a week to decide if you want the job. When they call to offer you a position, simply tell them that you're super excited but need some time to think it over. After a week if you still haven't heard back from your other two interviews (and even though this may sound wrong) I would probably take the 3rd choice just to have a backup plan. However, I would continue to followup on your first and second choice positions and make sure to tell both managers of those units that it's your first choice. I also think it's okay if you have the interview for your third choice scheduled first and they offer you a position to let your first and second choice interviews know that you were already offered a position but you feel like their unit would be a better fit. For example, I had an interview on a stepdown unit on a Wednesday (and found out I got the job the next day) and had an interview on an oncology unit on the following Monday. Oncology was my #1 choice so at the end on my interview I said "I don't mean to sound pushy, but I do have another offer and I told them I would let them know by Friday but I really do prefer your unit." They were very understanding and I did end up getting the job in oncology.

To answer your question about how long it takes before you find out if you're hired, every position is different. Some places I found out the next day, and for another position I didn't hear a thing from them for a month and then they called me in to shadow. If I had to say though I would say you should hear back within a week or two.

Good luck, I know it's a stressful time and you want to make sure you make the right decision. Let us know how it goes!

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I would feel bad about telling a hospital that I would accept the job, only to back out a few weeks later.

However, for the purposes of discussion, what would be the possible negative consequences for me if I did this?

At the very least, wouldn't I have to mention this non-starter job on future job applications?

I've found on average most hospitals will give you about a week to decide if you want the job. When they call to offer you a position, simply tell them that you're super excited but need some time to think it over. After a week if you still haven't heard back from your other two interviews (and even though this may sound wrong) I would probably take the 3rd choice just to have a backup plan. However, I would continue to followup on your first and second choice positions and make sure to tell both managers of those units that it's your first choice. I also think it's okay if you have the interview for your third choice scheduled first and they offer you a position to let your first and second choice interviews know that you were already offered a position but you feel like their unit would be a better fit. For example, I had an interview on a stepdown unit on a Wednesday (and found out I got the job the next day) and had an interview on an oncology unit on the following Monday. Oncology was my #1 choice so at the end on my interview I said "I don't mean to sound pushy, but I do have another offer and I told them I would let them know by Friday but I really do prefer your unit." They were very understanding and I did end up getting the job in oncology.

To answer your question about how long it takes before you find out if you're hired, every position is different. Some places I found out the next day, and for another position I didn't hear a thing from them for a month and then they called me in to shadow. If I had to say though I would say you should hear back within a week or two.

Good luck, I know it's a stressful time and you want to make sure you make the right decision. Let us know how it goes!

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Specializes in ED, ICU, PACU.

You could use this is an opportunity to call your first choice's manager and explaain that another hospital offered you a position and needs an answer within a certain time frame. Be sure to tell the manager that they are your first choice and would prefer working at that hospital.

If you don't get a positive response from that, take the offer you have now. I say that because, many times, places that do not make decisions quickly are poorly run & you may just be better off without them.

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Specializes in oncology, transplant, OB.

I think you need to play it by ear. If it seems like it's going to be a while before you hear back from your 1st and 2nd choice jobs, without a doubt take a the 3rd choice job. That's what I would do at least. I'm not sure what the job market is like in your area, but where I live it's not that easy for a new grad to find a decent job. The way that I look at it is you need to look out for yourself, because you're the only one who has your back (I realize that may sound a little selfish.) This way if you take choice #3, you know regardless that you have something to fall back on.

If you do take the job #3 and have to call them a few weeks later to tell them you accepted another position then I would assume you wouldn't be able to get a job there for a few years, or at least until the HR person forgets about you. I wonder if they keep track of that kind of stuff?

I also wouldn't mention choice #3 if you accept it on future job applications not unless you actually started work on the unit.

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You could use this is an opportunity to call your first choice's manager and explaain that another hospital offered you a position and needs an answer within a certain time frame. Be sure to tell the manager that they are your first choice and would prefer working at that hospital.

If you don't get a positive response from that, take the offer you have now. I say that because, many times, places that do not make decisions quickly are poorly run & you may just be better off without them.

I agree with the above- with ne exception:

Sometimes poorly run places are desperate, and will immediately grab the first person who applies.

Calling your first choice and telling them you have another offer, and you need to let them know within a certain time frame- but that they are your first choice is a great idea.

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This happened to me. My first choice didnt call me until after I got a position at another location. The other location called me immediately, offered me a decent salary, benefits etc. This wasnt my first choice though. I accepted the position at this place because I needed a job. A few days later my first choice called to tell me that I was hired. Mind you, I did apply to them FIRST. It just took them longer to get back to me....I accepted the position at my first choice. I called the other facility apologized and told them I would not be taking the position. It was uncomfortable, I hadnt actually begun working there which was a good thing. I also wrote them a formal letter declining the position etc. You must do what is best for you. Only you know what you are trying to attain, what you really want. Good luck!:)

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Had you already signed the employment contract at the second-choice place?

If so, did the contract have some stipulations which made it hard to escape?

This happened to me. My first choice didnt call me until after I got a position at another location. The other location called me immediately, offered me a decent salary, benefits etc. This wasnt my first choice though. I accepted the position at this place because I needed a job. A few days later my first choice called to tell me that I was hired. Mind you, I did apply to them FIRST. It just took them longer to get back to me....I accepted the position at my first choice. I called the other facility apologized and told them I would not be taking the position. It was uncomfortable, I hadnt actually begun working there which was a good thing. I also wrote them a formal letter declining the position etc. You must do what is best for you. Only you know what you are trying to attain, what you really want. Good luck!:)
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