New Nurse - Job Offer Pickle

[ambellina]

Hi everyone. I'd like to apologize for the length here. I have been scouring this site for hours due to some stress. I am a new grad as of the end of June last year (2012). I passed my NCLEX-RN in November and started applying for jobs right away. And I applied at every hospital within an hour drive. I must have put in over a hundred different applications and heard nothing. My top three dream positions would be on OB, Peds, and Oncology.

So after about three weeks, one of the hospitals called me in to speak with the HR Recruiter and another Nurse Manager who had become a screener. I was then scheduled into an interview on a Surgical Specialty that I drove 45 minutes to only to find the Manager was sick and no one called to tell me. She called me and apologized and asked if I wanted to set up another date which I did gladly. A few hours later a manager from the Peds Unit on the very same floor of the same hospital called to schedule an interview - well, the two got together and put together a combined interview and asked which unit I would prefer - and I admitted Peds was one of my top goals. Didn't hear anything afterward and followed up a week later to be told that they weren't ready to extend an offer. Okay. I was told later when they called me in for an interview on the Oncology floor that a BSN student had gotten the Peds spot...never heard from Surgical Specialty. Okay fine. Oncology interview and heard nothing, even followed up a week later.

Back to applying. Then (I live in eastern Iowa) I decided to start applying for my Illinois License since I live so near the border (about a fifteen to twenty minutes drive) and once I sent the paperwork in I started applying in Illinois and listing on my resume that I do have my Iowa license and am applying for my Illinois endorsement and have looked into taking a PALS class at my local college to add to my resume as I'm interested in Peds and OB.

So while searching and scrolling through a state organized job site, I happened to find a job board that listed a LTC that was offering a 3rd Shift Weekend Package and I applied because I'm getting ansy with it being March and I still have no job. So I interviewed at the LTC Facility On Tuesday - find out that the position is only Fridays and Saturdays, weekend pay, but no benefits. Same day, the local hospital (we'll call it Hospital 2 [i have an aunt and cousin who work here as nurses also]) that I had recently applied for three positions emails me to move forward on setting up a reference email evaluation - I had to list five references that were each sent a questionnaire about my work performance, personality, etc. My references started responding right away (I can see when they complete the questionnaire). Enter Hospital 3 with three floors looking to fill positions; One floor being Peds, another being OB, and another being a Med/Surge - all three require Iowa and Illinois licensure within so many months of hire, which I think is why I was called in to interview. Interview set up and met the following day (Thursday) and I've found there are about ten positions between the three units that are open. She said it could take three to five days to get my references contacted but she "hoped to be in contact soon" to set up interviews with floor managers. Friday Morning (Today) Hospital One -Surgical Specialty, Peds, oncology interviews- calls and leaves a message saying the Medical-Pulmonary Manager wants to schedule an interview between 'now' and Tuesday. Get home from my current job and I start making dinner for my two kids and miss a couple of calls. I find out one is from the LTC's HR and asks me to call them back.

So here's the thing: I'm anxious to start working, but I'm not sure what to do. Endgame, I would like to pursue a career in Peds and/or OB but the offers aren't there yet - I understand that interviews don't equal for sure job offers and that I'm also a new grad and shouldn't be picky. I'm considering accepting this LTC position if they offer it, but with the seeming sudden little explosion in interest in interviewing me, I'm afraid that if I may (being optimistic here) possibly receive an offer to a floor that I want within a few months, I would likely face having to quit the LTC facility possibly in pursuit of a job I really want. I suppose I just feel guilty about putting a place through the ordeal of training me only to watch me walk a a few months later. The drawback to the LTC is the lack of benefits and being a position that I would ultimately leave if a better/more desirable position were offered.

I know I'm likely looking too far ahead and several of my aunts who are nurses are telling me to just take what I'm offered and quit later if an offer for a floor I really want is made. I suppose I would just feel guilty that I've wasted their time. Anyone have any advice? I feel my aunts may be a bit biased as they'd like to see me with something that is a for-sure offer but I'm still a little on the fence. Am I being stupid (as they put it) for not jumping on this LTC offer if it is actually put forth?

Oh, and I did call the LTC HR lady back shortly after she called me and ended up having to leave a message on her VM.

[ambellina]

I think I may have posted this in the wrong forum, I apologize.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

I don't think that you are "being stupid" (in your words) for not wanting to take the LTC job.

I graduated in May, licensed in June...started screening process in September, offered job December, started February...work in a Pediatric hospital as a new grad in CC...you get my drift????

Most hospitals gave a system in place where the process is long, getting references, checking credentials, validating where you can fit in, etc. It may take a great amount if time for you to start after the initial contact. You have several choices at this hospital. That is a promising sign. You have this choice at the LTC, which is promising as well.

I can only advise you to go for what you think is best; I also caution you on jumping into something because you are "antsy" for a job...unless I am missing that the LTC offered a job, you liked the environment, what they have to offer, etc. My stance doesn't change, especially if you are offered one if those hospital jobs, I believe you would be in a better place for you only because it depends on whether most hospitals in your area credit experience in LTC as experience; some do not since you would like to specialize.

You can take the LTC position, still job hunt, take an offer if the hospital offers you a job and job hop; it's up to you. You are in a very wonderful position. Find what positives that will lead you to your goals that work for you.

Congrats on being offered a position!

[Nurse_]

If you do not need immediate employment, then wait for the position you really want.

If you don't intend to stay in the job for too long, then don't take it. Facilities these days stay clear of new grads because they leave as soon as they get the training and experience (Acute Hospital and LTC alike). Facilities invests into new nurses, hiring and training, that could cost of approximately $60,000/new RN. This is also one of the factors facilities stay clear of new grads. They know they'll invest but are not certain if they'll get the return.

[Morainey, BSN, RN]

Our hospital will only hire new grads after they have a year of LTC experience. Just for what it's worth. It's good that you're getting called for interviews though!

[brithoover]

If you're like me (peds lover), then you will probably dislike LTC. I worked there for a year as my first job after I graduated because I couldn't find a job in peds. Looking back I regret the decision because LTC took away most of my hospital skills. It has been hard work getting those skills back. Just something to think about..

[ambellina]

Much thanks to each of you for your replies. I appreciate all the advice and opinions!! I believe I am going to hold off as I do have the ability to wait longer and continue looking.

[wish_me_luck, BSN, RN]

I agree with the poster who said if you do not need immediate work; then, hold out for your dream job. I think it looks bad too when you leave soon after getting the job. You do have to wonder if managers question interviewees' sincerity when they apply for the job acting like they are interested and then leave later--it gets to a point where they think "uh huh, I've heard this before."

Do stuff within the field until you can get the dream job.