New grad took unwanted position, now what?

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Nov 9, 2011

Put in your 2 weeks and take the job at the hospital. You will learn way more skills in a hospital setting. You have to do what is best for you.

GadgetRN71, ASN, RN · Nov 9, 2011

I would go for it if you are offered the job. You didn't create the difficult job market out there, you're just trying to do what's best for your career. Trust me, the LTC facility would boot your behind out the door if it suited their purpose. My dad always taught me to not use your emotions when thinking about a job switch/ choice.

Vershonda · Nov 9, 2011

I think you are think too far ahead. Maybe you should interview first, then see what happens after than. Maybe the position is a PRN or part time position. would you quit your current full time position for a PRN or part time job, I most definitely would not. Wait to cross that bridge if and when you get there. Dont put too much stress on yourself than needed and that is exactly what you are doing. You havent been offered a job, you have only been invited to interview which is not a guaranteed job offer.

KristoRN · Nov 9, 2011

It is a full time position, they told me when they called. I know, I am a nervous worrier when it comes to stuff like this, it is why I didn't just start working at the LTC facility in the first place - I was hoping I could avoid quitting there as a nurse, because quitting as a CNA seemed so much easier. And I know it is obviously not a guarantee - the reasoning behind the wording "long shot" But I want to be prepared if the situation happens to arise.

eslvn · Nov 9, 2011

I wouldnt pass up the opportunity, just talk to your DON and let her know that this is a great opportunity, if your offered the job. I am sure you will do great, but dont get your hopes up. Although being called for an interview in my experience is a great sign!

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Nov 9, 2011

Murphy's Law as it applies to nursing jobs: you will apply everywhere and hear nothing for weeks on end...but as soon as you accept a position, everyone else will suddenly start calling you for interviews or offers.

Do not quit the LTC job just yet. Go on the interview and see if you get the hospital job first. And keep in mind that even if it's a long-shot, it may be anywhere from days to weeks to months before you are offered a position and start it. In the meanwhile, you could be making money to pay the bills and racking up some RN experience...and RN experience in a LTC is better than no RN experience whatsoever.

If you get the hospital job, try to leave the LTC on the best possible terms--you may not ever work there again but that doesn't mean you won't ever cross paths with those who work there. Give the required notice (check the LTC's policy on that; if they don't have any set requirement you can give 2 weeks). In your resignation letter, thank them for all you have learned during your time there. And give it your all until your last day.

Good luck with the interview!

FlyingScot, RN · Nov 9, 2011

I wouldnt pass up the opportunity, just talk to your DON and let her know that this is a great opportunity, if your offered the job.

Well intentioned but baaaaaad idea. Considering you're just starting tomorrow if your DON gets even a whiff that you might jump ship she'll make a pre-emptive strike and SHOVE you off. She doesn't care that this is a great opportunity for you. All she'll see is more work for her. Why would she waste time with someone who is looking at quitting before they even start! Don't say a word, not one word to anybody no matter how nice they seem.

missbutton · Nov 9, 2011

Everywhere I have ever worked has had a three month probation period where either they or you can end the employment without issues because you are not yet a real employee. Its a trial period. If you get the other job just quit at the SNF but tell them something vague about how the job/location is not a good fit for your family commitments but thank you so much for the opportunity... blah blah blah. It happens all the time, so don't worry about it too much. That's why they put you on probation to start.

But do not tell the SNF that you are still interviewing. You will never get off the sh*t list. If you do end up leaving right away, and you make the reason about family commitments it's hard for people to get too upset about it without them looking like a jerk.

Vershonda · Nov 9, 2011

Well intentioned but baaaaaad idea. Considering you're just starting tomorrow if your DON gets even a whiff that you might jump ship she'll make a pre-emptive strike and SHOVE you off. She doesn't care that this is a great opportunity for you. All she'll see is more work for her. Why would she waste time with someone who is looking at quitting before they even start! Don't say a word, not one word to anybody no matter how nice they seem.

Great ADVICE FLYINGSCOT!!!! :smokin: :coollook: :yeah: :heartbeat

Riseupandnurse · Nov 9, 2011

I agree with those who are telling you not to burn bridges. If you do take the hospital job, make darn sure it's a good fit and no warning bells are going off. You may not want to ever go back to the LTC, but you may need them for a reference or to be on good terms with someone who works there years later. The LTC will NOT be happy for you that you have something better than them lined up. Why would be? They are not your parents. They are trying to get good, loyal employees.

all4ofus, ASN, RN · Nov 9, 2011

I doubt the LTC would give you half the consideration you have already given them. And on a personal level, I doubt your manager would question your decision to move on; they rarely do. She knows you need to do right by you, first and foremost.