New Grad

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Hi Everyone,

I am a "very" new graduate (just got my license last week). So I have been putting out resumes at hospitals & nursing home/rehab. facilities. I had my first job interview yesterday and was offered a position at a rehabilitation center. I actually thought it was a nursing home, but they said it is short-term care rehabilitation center that centers on cardiac, respiratory and orthopedic rehab. It is a new facility and absolutely beautiful. I was surprised to learn that they said I would be able to place IV catheters, suction patients, wound vacs, etc. I thought that would be the downside (not being able to enhance my skills). They said I would be doing many of the same things as in a hospital. My question is, the shift is 7 pm to 7 am and every other weekend. That's fine, but they do not give any shift premiums for working nights or weekends and I know hospitals do. Did most of you jump on the first job or wait a little longer to see if you had any other offers? Thanks.

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Specializes in Home Care.

Like another member likes to say "A bird in the hand is better than 2 in the bush" ;)

So depending on your job market....

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Short answer: take the job. :)

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If you had any other realistic offers on the horizon, I would say wait until you have all the answers in hand and then choose your best path. In the absence of any other prospects, however, I'd say you'd be foolish not to take what's being offered.

Remember, it's always easier to FIND a job when you already HAVE a job.

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I feel like I wrote this, lol. Congrats!!! I just had my first interview this week at a LTC facility and was offered a nights 7p-7a full time. I took the job right away, but am now feeling kind of insecure about my decision. I am not sure about nights and my sleep schedule being messed up. But a job is nursing experience. I've been searching for 6+ months at hospitals with no luck, so i guess i will just have to try it out at this LTC facility until a hospital job offer comes along. I hope I made the right decision and good luck to you!!! :)

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

Take the job. Many hospitals no longer pay shift premium or weekend differential. Good luck!

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Personally, as long as my license doesn't look like it's going to be in jeopardy, I'd take it.

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I ended up taking it and it seems pretty good so far. Thanks for all your replies. :)

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Glad it's working out! :)

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I'm actually in the same boat too. I got my RN-BSN licensed last month and a SNF (skilled nursing facility) offered me a RN position. I ultimately want to work in a pediatric hospital but I also don't want to turn down this job opportunity. I know I will learn a lot at this job but I'm not too eager to say yes to them. Just not sure if I should wait and see if I get other job offers or take the job

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
I'm actually in the same boat too. I got my RN-BSN licensed last month and a SNF (skilled nursing facility) offered me a RN position. I ultimately want to work in a pediatric hospital but I also don't want to turn down this job opportunity. I know I will learn a lot at this job but I'm not too eager to say yes to them. Just not sure if I should wait and see if I get other job offers or take the job

Bears worth repeating, even to another poster: Short answer-take the job, get your experience, network, and go from there.

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Take what you can get.

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