Need Advice on where to begin????

Hello All,

I am in need of some advice/guidance regarding job placement after graduation. Here's a little background on myself: I am currently an ADN nursing student graduating in May. I have been a PCA for 3 years, 2 of those years for a magnet facility. Before that I worked in an office for a home health company as a scheduler and payroll officer for 4 years. This will be my second career in life. I am an A-B student and an officer for our student nursing association. I plan to continue with my BSN next January.

Here is what I need advice on: I am considering a Versant program through a smaller hospital that I have completed two semesters of clinicals at. The Versant program consist of working 2-12's and 2-8's for six months. There is a required 3 year contract. The pay for Versant is mediocre however I'm sure the experience is worth it! My concern is being stuck at the same rate of pay for 3 years. I have also considered just working a home health position so that I can get some experience and then moving onto an acute care facility so that I do not have to sign a contract and can possibly negotiate better pay, however my concern here is I'm afraid I may lose skills in doing so and then not be able to get into an acute care facility due to lack of acute care experience as an RN.

What do you all recommend? I don't want to sound like it's all about the money because it's not! However, I do have mouths to feed, backs to clothe, and health insurance to think about.

Thank you in advance for any guidance!!