Newly licensed (yay!) new RN here with a dilemma...Just looking for some other thoughts and any input is much appreciated!
Should I take a job that is a sure thing, pays ok, is close to home BUT is in a hospital and in particular on a floor that I seriously disliked during my clinicals. I am thinking maybe as an actual nurse getting paid it won't be as awful there as I remember...
OR...
Should I give it time and wait it out for what I really want. (A job in one of the larger, more advanced hospitals within an hour radius from me). These hospitals would be my dream jobs. I had clinicals at 2 of them and I was so happy there. It's just a lot harder to get in.
I can afford financially to bide my time for a while. I would hate to take offer number one only to leave if I got an offer at one of my more preferred work places. I always have committed myself to at least 1 year at any job I have ever worked.
If I wait too long to get I job will I become really undesirable to employers? Like how long is too long? (Just licensed in June, grad in May)
So basically, it's bite the bullet and take try the sure thing...Or give it some time and try my best to land a job one of the much better hospitals (better training, better nurse pt ratios, newer technology)...
Wait. Do not take a job and then leave them. Totally unprofessional and unacceptable behavior. Unfair to the institution and to other applicants that really did want the position that is merely a place holder for you. You are a better person that that. Aren't you?
I agree you should take the sure thing job and I agree with linearthinker. Take the job and keep it at least 9 months to a year unless you are absolutely miserable. You will learn many things and do NOT want to burn bridges at jobs. Word will get around that you are dependable (meaning stick to your commitment for awhile at least) or not.
And who's to say that the manager at not-as-good hospital won't become a manager at better-hospital down the road. You want to be a valuable, sought-after commodity. Whatever you do, don't just stay at home because the longer you do that the less desirable you will become, to any hospital.
Wow, I don't know how it came across this way...I said in my OP that I would NEVER take a job that I did not believe I could commit at least one year to. That is why I asked the question in the first place. I am sorry you got that impression. I am a professional in every way, I would never, ever just take a job and leave!
I guess maybe I did not make that clear in my OP. I would not take a job that I could not commit a year to. Period. I apologize for the confusion. I think I come across wrong on message boards sometimes. Sorry!
Let us know how it goes. Soak up all of the experience you can. It will only benefit your skill set. Then after a year think about your next move, or who knows? You may love where you are and want to stay longer! Best Wishes!
So, I took the job and ended up on a much nicer floor than I expected. I am super psyched to start my nursing career. Thanks for all the support. Life is good, I really feel like I made a great choice and I am so happy right now!
linearthinker, DNP, RN
1,688 Posts
Wait. Do not take a job and then leave them. Totally unprofessional and unacceptable behavior. Unfair to the institution and to other applicants that really did want the position that is merely a place holder for you. You are a better person that that. Aren't you?