New LPN Grad Interviewing -- Questions

[notarealgingerLPN]

Hello all,

I am a new grad (May) and just licensed (last week) and have to interviews scheduled for this week, one today and one tomorrow. Today's interview is at an urgent care clinic and tomorrow is a substance abuse treatment center, both of which I am interested in. I don't like to count my chickens before they hatch but if the urgent care clinic offered me a job today, what is a polite way of saying I'd like to wait and give them a decision without coming out and saying 'Oh I have another interview elsewhere tomorrow'?

Here is my other dilemma - I interviewed at a group home for mentally challenged children about a month ago (right after graduation) and was told if I was licensed at that time, they would have taken me immediatley. The interviewer/nurse manager has kept in touch with me since then, even called to wish me luck on my boards last week. But when I called after I got my results and inquired as to whether they had a position, I was told they went on a hiring freeze the week before. He told me he was making a schedule for the month of August and had some nurses semi-retiring/wanting to give up hours so he may be able to string those hours together and make a full time position...however he wouldn't know anything till the beginning of July (next week). Of course I can't rely on that alone so I've been applying and now have these two other interviews.

The group home would be ideal for me because they have many different shifts, they pay very well compared to other places in town AND they offer a scholarship for LPNs wishing to pursue their RN and it is an area that I am interested in (Im interested in a lot of areas...never had the 'AHA!' moment in school that made me WANT to work in a particular field) I hate to pass up the opportunity should it come next week but I am desperate for a job at this point and I feel if I was offered a position at either of the other two places, I would have to take it. Im just afraid if I do, the group home may call next week and say they will be able to hire me and I don't feel like, in good concious, I could quit where I am at to go there, even if it is what I really want. I'd feel terrible.

If I'm offered a job at the urgent care or treatment center, I don't think I can easily say 'Oh well I'd like to wait till NEXT week to make a decision'. What should I do in case something like this happens? Any advice?

[abrown1404]

Hi. I would say "count your blessings" that you have 3 potential job opportunities! This is a good problem. I am a recent LVN graduate in the SF BAy Area and have had a hard time even getting a call back, let alone a job interview. I did have one interview so far at Laguna Honda Skilled Nursing in SF, but lost out to someone who had a second language. I have another interview with them next week for a part-time per diem shift. I frankly would be thankful to just get my foot in the door. The first interview was hard. Case scenario questions and filling out a MAR. For someone not yet working as a LVN I found them very challening. Good Luck to you!!

[lovedijah]

I was in a similar situation. Honestly, it's not uncommon for applicants to have job offers elsewhere. It's also not uncommon to be offered a job and say, "I am thankful for this chance. I would love to accept, but can I have a week to decide" or something professional along those lines. I worked in HR and people did this ALL the time. Often times, they never gave a reason as to why they wanted time to decide and we certainly never asked. All this is easier said than done because you risk the chance that they'll say, "Oh we need someone TODAY", but most jobs dont hire you on Monday and then you start on Wednesday. Heck, most jobs understand you need to put in a two week notice someplace else. Hope things work out for you!