Name vs Skills

[karesssi, CNA, LPN, LVN]

So I’m kinda in a pickle and wanted others inputs and advice.

I graduated last year with my Lpn and was able to get into a big name clinic. I love the job, I love what I do it was the job I wanted when I was in school BUT I just don’t fit in. No matter what I do I just don’t feel comfortable. I feel uncomfortable with other staff and my nurse manager.  The shifts are 12hrs and we often get sent to other departments which I don’t like because I didn’t sign up to be a float, admin is not good,  it’s 30 minutes away from home… it’s just not what I thought it was gonna be. 

So I decided to apply to a snf closer to home, and I got an interview. I, 6-2 part time ( I’m going back to school for my RN) the pay is more than the clinic. And they also 100% for school in exchange of working for them for 2 years after graduation. The facility is small about 42 beds. With 3 wings. So I’m sure nurse patient ratio will be fine.  The DON seems to be supportive and caring. And upon speaking with her I feel like she’s someone I can go to and not be afraid or worried. However I’ve never worked in a snf, and I hear soo many horror stories about it, I know it’s hard work. 

So what would you do? Stay in a big name hospital that would probably look good in a resume , have every other weekend off and all holidays off? 
or go to a snf? 

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Tough call. You need to shadow for a day to get the real feel.

Good luck.

[DaniannaRN, ASN, BSN]

Only you can make this decision since it's your life.  I've been an RN for 17 years and learned what I'm about to say the hard way....it's better to work at a place you'll be happy instead of who has the better name or pays more.  

I worked LTC for a bit and it wasn't too bad; I worked the TBI unit.  There are horror stories of course, but many places are nice to work for.  Also, in my experience (and the experiences of my nurse friends), potential employers don't really care if you worked for a big name corp or not.  They simply need you to be a competent nurse.  I worked for a big name hospital corp for only 3 months after I became a nurse then got out of the hospital setting completely.  No one ever cared about that in interviews.  They only cared that I had an active license and knew what I was doing.

I think you have your answer to what you should do.  You really don't want to work for a place where you don't fit in, or makes you float all the time, or you feel uncomfortable with coworkers/management.  The shift goes by so slowly when you're at a job you hate. 

If you're able to, see if you can speak to a couple staff nurses at the LTC.  Or look if they have any reviews on glassdoor.  Choose the place where you feel you'll be happy at and where you think you'll have the most support from management.