New grad need advice.

[regerterb]

hi guys,

I have completed 10 out of my 12 months in my new grad program.

A job has come up recently that I applied for for next year, a 2nd year nurse graduate program within the community-pretty much a dream job for me. The thing is..it commences one month before I am due to finish my new grad. I have reached all my goals for the year that have been set out and the manager of the community program has said i would be able to transfer over to that job without completing my grad year as it is somewhat an extension of a grad year. Do I pass on the job if I obtain it, im just not sure what to do. Do i let my current manager know I am considering it...im just not sure to even go to the interview?. It is the only program of its kind in the state I am in and only advertised once every 2 years. What to do??

Thanks for the advice!

[Coffee Nurse, BSN, RN]

You probably shouldn't let your manager know you're applying for it, and expect to essentially burn your bridge at your current job if you do go for it. It takes a lot of time and money to properly train a new graduate, and for that investment to walk out the door just as the employer can start to expect some return on it...well, there's a reason why good new grad programs are thin on the ground. If it's truly your "dream job," then it's your life and go for it, but don't be surprised if your current employer doesn't view it too favorably.

[regerterb]

hmm very good point! my manager knows i wont be staying on as I live 2 hours away and drive each day, sometimes taking 3 hours to get home (where that job is). I mean its 2 weeks difference, 10 working days....has anyone else had this dilemma before?

[RNperdiem, RN]

Quietly apply. You don't have to announce it to anyone. If this is a dream job for you, then it is a dream job for others as well so there will be competition.

If you don't get the job, you know that you at least tried. You can keep on in your current job and keep your eyes open for what you want to do next. Nothing like having a paying job. It saves you from having to grab any bad job to pay the bills.

If you do get the dream job, by the time you get through all the interviews, HR delays and giving notice in your current job, a year might have passed anyway.

[ixchel]

hmm very good point! my manager knows i wont be staying on as I live 2 hours away and drive each day, sometimes taking 3 hours to get home (where that job is). I mean its 2 weeks difference, 10 working days....has anyone else had this dilemma before?

The issue isn't that you will choose to not finish. The issue is that you will choose to not continue after finishing. You are an expensive employee to them right now, an investment. You will be leaving right before they can expect a return on that investment. (The return being you staying after the residency period ends.)

I agree with previous posters, however. If this is "the dream", go for it. Just know the place you're leaving won't jump at the opportunity to provide an awesome reference or open their doors back up to you.

[regerterb]

I actually spoke to my manager, she told me that the head of the hospital has discussed with them about staffing and that they are not actually employing any more full time staff next year (it is a private hospital). So that means no job for me. She actually said to have as many balls in the air as possible. So, in that case, the other job manager has said I do not need to finish my graduate year to transition into the community nurse job as it is much like an extension of a grad year.....i might just apply on the down low and make a decision IF i receive an offer. Would you take it if say it was to commence 2-3weeks before I am due to finish my grad year?

[K+MgSO4, BSN]

Have you any leave left that you could take at the end of the grad year. Are you in Oz? If you are full time you probably will have enough hours done for your grad year by the time the job comes around.