New Graduate, Only one interview, Should I Be Picky

[Mrsvirgomama]

Advice needed. I graduated from my LPN to RN program and have been looking for jobs. I was asked to tour a unit with the charge nurse at the career fair and then told by the OB manager to email her about shadowing. They don't do it for everyone, and this is a really good sign according to the charge nurse. I emailed, and nothing and I emailed her a week ago. This is the unit would be my dream job.

I interviewed and shadowed on MPCU this week. I haven't followed up yet because I was waiting to hear back from the OB manager. I feel eh about MPCU, but I know I would learn a lot, use my skills and the unit and the unit manager seems nice (mentioned she wants people to stay at least 2 years). The person I shadowed graduated from the same school, the same program just one year ago and she doing great on the unit. Also, the recruiter gave me the benefits summary but nothing about pay.

This is the only interview + shadow from all the jobs I have applied. I feel like I should be getting more interviews (and I have applied for quite a few jobs for a few weeks), but at the same time, I do not want to let my "what I think I should" get in the way of what is right for me if that makes sense. Should I go for it even though it is the only one?

[HomeBound]

On 5/19/2019 at 11:07 AM, Mrsvirgomama said:

Should I go for it even though it is the only one? 

Yes.

[Forest2]

Call the manager or go to her office and present yourself. Take the first job that is offered and shadow everything you can.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

IMO, unless you are financially secure enough to weather not working for a long period of time and/or are willing to risk becoming an old new grad (which is even worse than being a new grad)... you shouldn't be very picky.

The first job is all about gaining that golden first year of experience, of learning the ropes and solidifying your RN skills. For a lot of nurses, the first job isn't their dream job. But remember, it's just the first job. It's not necessarily the forever job.

After your first year or (preferably) two as an RN, you are in a much stronger position when it comes to applying for positions, and you should find it easier to transition towards the job/specialty of your dreams. Keep in mind you may not necessarily find that in job #2 either...but you can definitely start moving that way.

I'm not saying you should take this or just anything that comes along, especially if your gut screams "NO"...but do consider long and hard before you turn this job down. As you've seen, job interviews aren't exactly flying your way. IMO, I'd take this job and start working on getting that first year of experience in the books. Remember, this job is not forever, nor will it define your entire future nursing career.

If you decide to pass on this job and keep searching...in future applications and interviews, consider emphasizing the fact that you were an LVN. No, it's not the equivalent of RN experience and don't attempt to portray it as such. But you DO have some nursing skills, and that can give you an advantage over a lot of other new grads who are starting at ground zero.

Best of luck.

[SteelGrey]

I'll be the odd new grad out and say that If you can, I don't think it hurts to try to seek more opportunities. I know right now being May, everyone and their mother is applying and interviewing- so the job market is probably tighter.

I interviewed over a period of time with many offers and happy I held out for a job in a field I really wanted and had done my capstone in. I have zero regrets.

I've talked to about 10 other nurses so far who wish they didn't just take the first thing that came to them because they thought they had to- they end up wanting to leave 6 months in or hating nursing--which causes other problems down the road.

If your open to anything, and just want to get started- absolutely take the job and enjoy building your skills and getting your nurse on! . If you have doubts, take a deep breath and asses the situation before rushing.