I would appreciate some career advice. Im a new grad RPN, older in my forties with a husband and two kids. All throughout nursing school it has been my goal to work in the community setting. I am very very lucky to have two job offers on the table.
One is in a HFO position in the Nursing Resource Team in the big hospital that I trained at. I did two med/surg rotations here and also my pre-grad here. I can't say I loved the hospital environment; I had a difficult relationship with my preceptor and I found the particular unit had a lot of management issues and horizontal violence going on. The hospital is a 45 min commute. BUT I know this would be a great entry-level experience for a new grad because I need the experience.
The other is a part-time offer from Saint Elizabeth in the town where I live. Of course the hourly wage is lower, but that isn't a big issue for me. The hours would be better (no nights) and it would be local. I have always been very interested in working for St E as I hear they are a good employer. I also feel that this job really fits my long term career goal of working in community and possibly being an independent foot care nurse.
I feel in my heart that I want to take the community job, but I am afraid I lack experience. I also feel I would be a fool to turn down the HFO opportunity simply because of the exposure and experience it offers.
I'm not sure sure I the original OP is still checking this post....I just wanted to say that I went into community as a new grad with the exact employer she is speaking about (St Elizabeth Health Care). They offer great orientation, tons of support in the field and they are a fabulous employer! I would still be working for them if life circumstances had not required that I work closer to home. Incidentally I am still in community nursing, and still loving it.
I agree with the one poster. As someone who has precepted many new-to-community employees, I prefer a new grad to someone from hospital or LTC specifically as they tend to find it hard to adjust to community.
NurseJacelyn
32 Posts
I'm not sure sure I the original OP is still checking this post....I just wanted to say that I went into community as a new grad with the exact employer she is speaking about (St Elizabeth Health Care). They offer great orientation, tons of support in the field and they are a fabulous employer! I would still be working for them if life circumstances had not required that I work closer to home. Incidentally I am still in community nursing, and still loving it.
I agree with the one poster. As someone who has precepted many new-to-community employees, I prefer a new grad to someone from hospital or LTC specifically as they tend to find it hard to adjust to community.