Job offers while waiting for other offers

[dreemariah, BSN]

Hi!

I am graduating in May and I have started putting out applications for residency programs. My #1 goal is the Periop101 program at Seattle Children's Hospital, however I am applying to all the periop 101 programs and nursing residencies in the area. 

The Seattle Children's application opens later than a few of the other ones, I am wondering if anyone has any tips for if I get an offer from another hospital before I hear back from my #1. They all require a contract if hired, and I have never had to work under a contract before and don't know how that process works after receiving an offer. I also know that these programs are really competitive and I don't want to miss out on an opportunity because I am waiting on one that I could possibly not even get an offer for.

What do you say when you are offered a position but are waiting to hear back from others? How long can you reasonably expect them to wait for a final answer? 

[BrenMar]

In my experience (from both being hired and hiring others), it is reasonable to extend a candidate the weekend to think about the acceptance, but would not ask for longer than 5 days. Often these programs have an arduous process and require multiple rounds of interviews, by the time you are extended an offer it's often expected that you have a good understanding of whether you would like to accept the position. 

Additionally, I would recommend asking yourself what are your nursing goals? Do you want a PeriOP101 program? Do you want to be a nurse at Seattle's Children? Which do you want more? Which aligns better with what you think your long-term goals are? 

The above questions will be helpful because while Seattle Children's PeriOp101 program is obviously your number one, it's possible that you could hear back from those other programs well before Seattle Children's. It will be helpful to know what your goals are and what you want most out of your first nursing job as I am a believer of "Don't put all your eggs in one basket." So, if you get an offer for a PeriOp101 program (and you really want that type of nursing/program) then I'd recommend taking it because you can't count on getting the offer at Seattle's Children (and vice versa if you'd rather a pediatric nursing role right off the back and later could transition into a PeriOp role). 

Good luck with your job hunt and I hope that helps a little!