Out of state New Grad RN or SNF/Assisted living/other?

[Coumarin]

I've recently graduated from my BSN program in Southern California. Many who have graduated are still unemployed or have moved out of state. It's likely that I'll need to relocate as well for a new grad program.

I'm deciding whether I should temporarily relocate for a new grad program or stay here in SoCal and try finding work nursing facilities. I've gotten mixed feedback about SNFs. Positives are "at least it's some experience" that hospitals can look at. While others warn about the hectic work and burn out. I'm very unsure of what to do.

[vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN]

In my opinion, a major reason for an RN not to work in a SNF is the low wages. I'm an Lvn in northern ca and I've noticed that RNs and LVNs in SNFs earn about 3 dollars per hr difference. To compare, in an acute hospital, RNs earn over $10/hr more.

The other reason not to work snf is because I've heard that you will get stuck there, as many hospitals won't consider the experience gained in a SNF as equivocal.

That being said, I've worked LTC as an Lvn and enjoyed my job immensely. Yes we run out tails off passing meds to 30-50+ clients, but I love the relationships you build with the Pts.