Outpatient vs. Inpatient for new grad

[prinsessa]

I have been lucky to have two interviews last week and two more coming up next week. I may not even get a job offer from any of them but I'm not sure what to do if I get more than one job offer.

Two of the interviews are for outpatient clinics. I'm a little worried about how much experience I would get working outpatient as a new grad. I'm not really sure what a RN would do in a outpatient setting. One clinic told me they aren't allowed to let MAs do shots because of the nurses union. So I know shots and triage would be part of the job. The other clinic I know they let MAs do shots. I haven't had the interview for that one yet so I haven't asked. This clinic is only about a mile from my house...I could work there. This clinic is pretty big but what would be strange is that my family goes here. One advantage to both of these is that I would work M-F days.

One of the other jobs would be on an oncology unit. I would really like to work in oncology so I think this would be a great opportunity. I'm just not sure which shift I would be working. I think it is evenings (haven't had interview yet) which would be difficult since I have kids. I went into nursing knowing I would have to probably work a difficult shift for the first year or so. This place would probably be on the top of my list even if it isn't days.

The other position would be at a great hospital but I'm not to crazy about the unit I would be working on. I wouldn't mind working on that unit but I just don't feel passionate about it. I would take any of the jobs if I was only offered one. I'm just not sure what to do if I get more than one offer. What if I accept a position at the one which isn't my first choice and then get offered a position at my first choice a couple of days later? Would it be horrible of me to call them (or write them) back and let them know I am taking another position? My mom said it would be okay as long as I don't sign any paperwork yet. I just don't want to burn any bridges. Thank you for any advice. This is all so strange since I haven't had any interviews in about 4 months and now I have 4 in a row.

One more question....would it be strange to tell the manager for my upcoming interview that I am interviewing for other positions but would prefer to work at this hospital on this unit?

[Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN]

It is common to interview more than one place it is expected. Outpatient nursing is a growing field of nursing, oncology would be a great experience.

Follow your heart and what would be a good fit for your family, and Happy New Years.

[SteffersRN87, BSN, RN]

I work outpatient oncology... I would start on the oncology unit because you will get TONS of experience... Inpatient oncology units can vary but you may be working with medical and surgical oncology patients and maybe a little radiation... Bone marrow transplant units are good experience too... But an inpatient oncology unit offers lots of experience with IV's, chemotherapy, blood transfusions, pain control, and tons of other stuff... And you will develop very good assessment skills... Once you have a couple of years in oncology you can work outpatient oncology... I definitely recommend it!!!

[MERRYWIDOW46]

As a new grad I would recommend an INPATIENT hospital setting. Managers know new grads are interviewing several places. I would be graceousa at the interview, express my enthusiasm and interest in the hospital and unit, then state, "I have another interview next week, and would like to look at all my options before deciding". However, express that they are your front runner.

I agree that inpatient oncology is a great first experience. Lots of disease processes, chemo, blood, electrolytes, pain management, emotional issues, end of life support, psycho-social family dynamics. These are amazing men and women to work with.

Good Luck. Keep us posted. Happy New Year.

[prinsessa]

Thanks for the replies. I was leaning towards the inpatient oncology. I think that would be the best experience. I'm so excited to have so many interviews....I just hope I get at least one offer!