New Grad - I don't want to burn any bridges.

Published Jul 9, 2015

Career Columnist / Author

145 Articles; 4,108 Posts

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear Nurse Beth,

I am a new grad in search of the position that will further my nursing career. My end goal is to work in the ED or L&D.

I applied for several new grad residency programs and many staff positions at 5 different hospitals.

After not hearing anything for 3 weeks I reached out to a nurse manager on a unit of a inpatient rehab hospital. She pushed my application through HR and they offered me a position.

However I have also received 5 interviews for the first positions I applied for in the other hospitals. My question is will taking the position in the inpatient rehab hospital hurt my chances of moving to the ED or L&D after I gain that crucial 1 year of experience?

I am at a crossroads where I don't want to burn any bridges because I like the nurse manager and appreciate the opportunity she is giving me but do not want to accept and know I am placing roadblocks in advancing my career.

Dear Don't Want to Burn Bridges,

It's amazing that you've landed 5 interviews in 5 hospitals! Can you please share your secret and your resume with everyone? Or maybe new grads can just get on a fast plane and move to your location? They can apply for one of the jobs you'll be turning down :).

I know you said you waited (impatiently) for three weeks, but in many areas of the country, nurses are waiting for eighteen months and longer.

So the Rehab facility has offered you a position, but you haven't accepted yet. At the same time you have 5 acute care interviews lined up.

No way I would give up working in acute care as a new grad to work rehab. Working even one year of rehab can hinder your prospects of getting into acute care later.

Yes, the Nurse Manager did you a big, personal favor, and you need to talk to her/him, in person. Explain your situation, and apologize for the inconvenience you caused him/her. Maybe send flowers. But I can't imagine any nurse or Nurse Manager not understanding your decision.

Hiring, firing and disagreements are everyday matters and normal processes for a company. It won't be the first time a potential new hire backed out.

Don't feel guilty. There are plenty of personal examples from other nurses here on site in the same situation how do I not burn bridges?â€

Some of the threads are a couple of years old, but still spot on.

Congrats and best wishes! Your nursing career is off to an auspicious start.

Nurse Beth