Need Some Advice...Which Job To Take?

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Specializes in Ortho and Tele med/surg.

Hello everyone. I have to make a decision within the next few days about two job offers. First, let me say that I am very thankful to be able to land a job! So let me get to it. I'm currently in school fulltime at the moment. I was offered a permanent part-time job at a LTC/Subacute facility. I feel that I need to clarify that all my experience is in the hospital. So I'm a little worried about the patient load. When I interviewed with the DON she said I will basically have 35 patients! She was upfront with me and I appreciate that. The job appeals to me because they do 8hr shifts there. It's ideal for school since I have classes in the evening and not to mention that you get benefits too.

The other job is at hospital, but in a radiology clinic where they take oncology patients. Based on the interview, it seems that they are busy, but no where near the 35 patient load at the other facility. I must say that I am excited about this opportunity as I have never worked in radiology clinic. The big draw back is that it's a temporary contract assignment. It's only two months! It pays benefits, but I'm afraid that in two months I will be out of a job again. My friends don't seem too concerned that in two months I'll be looking for another job again. I also love the hours too because it's 8hrs four days a week. The major difference between these two? The pay. The permanent part-time is significantly less, but the temporary 2 month job is almost twice as much in pay and of course the money is a big factor.

So they are both pressing me for an answer and I'm really torn. Any input would be appreciated.

(Sorry for the long post)

Thanks A Bunch!

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

I personally would go the radiology route and then knock them away with work ethic so it would be hard for them to let me go. You didn't say though why it is a temp position. If it is a temp to hire so they can try you out, that's one thing. If it is covering for someone on maternity leave that's totally different and unlikely to wind up as a permanent gig.

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Specializes in Ortho and Tele med/surg.

I'm basically filling in for another nurse on leave.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Yeeeahhhh....did you ask if there is any chance it will become permanent?

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Specializes in Ortho and Tele med/surg.

No I did not ask, but I assumed that it was just temporary since they already have someone. But you never know.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

You could ask them as part of your evaluation on which job to accept. Honestly if there is zero chance of it becoming permanent I would not consider it an option given that work can be hard to find right now and that you have specific needs re: schooling.

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Specializes in CCRN, ALS, BLS, PALS.

Def go with the more permanent one! If you dont like the permanent one after awhile, at least you will have a job while you are looking for another one, as opposed to if you hated a temporary job and had to find a job without already working.

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Why take a job that permanently sucks? 35 patients is not safely do-able.

The clinic job will also teach you a new skill.

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I would take the radiology one. It sounds like a really good job, and even if it doesn't become permanent they may have some connections to help you get a job when the 2 mths are up.

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Specializes in pediatrics, geriatric, developmentally d.

im leaning towards the radiology clinic even if you are filling in for another nurse, they may have something lined up for you after those two months depending how you do. Hey who knows, maybe the nurse you're filling in for wants more time off; you never know. I wouldnt set myself up with a workload of 35 patients even if it is permanent, and besides the extra pay wouldnt hurt. Goodluck on your decision

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Hello everyone. I have to make a decision within the next few days about two job offers. First, let me say that I am very thankful to be able to land a job! So let me get to it. I'm currently in school fulltime at the moment. I was offered a permanent part-time job at a LTC/Subacute facility. I feel that I need to clarify that all my experience is in the hospital. So I'm a little worried about the patient load. When I interviewed with the DON she said I will basically have 35 patients! She was upfront with me and I appreciate that. The job appeals to me because they do 8hr shifts there. It's ideal for school since I have classes in the evening and not to mention that you get benefits too.

The other job is at hospital, but in a radiology clinic where they take oncology patients. Based on the interview, it seems that they are busy, but no where near the 35 patient load at the other facility. I must say that I am excited about this opportunity as I have never worked in radiology clinic. The big draw back is that it's a temporary contract assignment. It's only two months! It pays benefits, but I'm afraid that in two months I will be out of a job again. My friends don't seem too concerned that in two months I'll be looking for another job again. I also love the hours too because it's 8hrs four days a week. The major difference between these two? The pay. The permanent part-time is significantly less, but the temporary 2 month job is almost twice as much in pay and of course the money is a big factor.

So they are both pressing me for an answer and I'm really torn. Any input would be appreciated.

(Sorry for the long post)

Thanks A Bunch!

It definitely is a tough call. If the second offer was a permanent job, I would not hesitate to advise that you take it. However, it is just two months. Speaking of experience first hand I would not take the job at the LTC. Think about this although it is two months job you will have the opportunity apply for a different position. The hardest part might be over since you already have your foot in the door. Just another way of looking at it. I worked at LTC before and now working at hospital. I would not trade my new job for LTC even the pay is better. Good luck to your final decision.

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