Pediatric Job Now? Or wait for the DREAM pediatric job? HELP!!!!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, ER.

Hi Everyone,

I am going to be graduating in 68 days and need to start making decisions on where I would like to work. Currently there is an opening at one of the local hospitals on pediatrics which I NEED to apply to soon. This is a decent job, but the patient acuity is low and I kind of wanted to get out of Iowa after I graduate. This job is 99.9% guaranteed because I personally know the nurse manager (She loves my knowledge and personality), I have 2 aunts who have worked at the hospital for years, and I have an excellent resume including very well written reference letters. This is not my dream job however. My dream job is to work at The Children's Hospital in Aurora, Colorado. I have a friend who might (key word might) be able to talk to the nurse recruiter about hiring me. This job however is not able to be applied for until MAY (when I graduate). Should I take the guaranteed job in the field that I love and wait it out a few years? Or should I wait for the dream job, which carries no guarantee or promise of a job??? I would really appreciate any help or advice you guys could provide. Thanks!!!!!

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Specializes in Pediatric Cardiology.

I would take the guaranteed job especially since it is still in your desired field. If you waited, yes you may land your dream job but what if you don't? You could possibly end up even further from where you want to be. You could always apply to the larger hospital once you have some experience under your belt.

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Specializes in 7 yrs Peds/ 3 yrs adult med-surg.

I would take the sure thing. If you really want to work in Peds and end up having to take something else because your dream job doesn't work out you are going to kick yourself. Just my 2 cents. Like the previous poster said, you can always apply for you dream job with a little experience under your belt. Maybe even get your PALS certification and work at the guaranteed job for 2 years then get Peds certified then you will have a great chance of getting in wherever you want.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, ER.

Thanks for the advice guys/girls. I think I will take the guaranteed job because then I can eventually work at the larger hospital. I would really like to work at the dream job early though because they have an excellent nurse residency program, higher acuity patients (I am have spent a lot of time in the ICU as a student nurse), and the overall relocation (I have been in Iowa WAYYYYYYY too long.) I know I will have to wait at least a year or 2 if I take the guaranteed job because hospitals don't like it if you work for them a few months and take off.

Question for you guys. Could I interview and not accept the position until I find out if I got the dream job? Long shot I know, but I'm only 21 haha.

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Specializes in Peds/Neo CCT,Flight, ER, Hem/Onc.

In this economy I wouldn't run the risk of losing a "sure" thing. Just because you"re young doesn't mean you don"t need to eat (and buy gas, pay bills etc.)

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Specializes in Pediatrics, ER.

I just looked at your dream job's website, and it doesn't look like there's a whole lot of external hiring for RNs right now. Every position requires 1-3 years of experience, and it seems as though only new grads who have worked there as a tech and gone through their internal residency program are eligible. I would absolutely take the definite job, stay at least a year, and then start going for the dream jobs.

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Specializes in Specialty Infusion Services.

I hope you took the "sure thing". In my area, they are not hiring new grads at all. This way you will at least be getting experience in the field that you want to work.

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Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

I know you posted this a month ago, but I have a different perspective for you.

First, I'm curious why you chose Aurora, CO? There are many great Children's Hospitals, especially if you are willing to relocate.

It's great to have a sure thing, especially in pediatrics. New grad positions can be hard to come by. However, there are exceptions.

I am from Maine, but I am moving to NJ after I graduate (May 14!!!). I really wanted a position in pediatrics, and started applying to lots of positions at hospitals around the state. Like you, I had a good resume, references, and academic record. I didn't hear back from anyone for months, except for rejection emails. However, I kept being persistent and I applied for positions that required experience, even though I didn't have it.

Just yesterday I interviewed and was hired for a PICU position at the largest children's hospital in NJ. The posting said it required at least one year of experience. I didn't have any connections at this hospital, I was recognized and hired because of my resume and personality. If you really want to move and are persistent, you might be able to find a good job. Maybe not your dream job, a first, but one that is better than your current offer. On the other hand, it will be much easier to get a job at a larger hospital if you have a year under your belt. If this position is such a sure thing, it's possible they will hold the job for you, since you can't start for another few months anyway.

Good luck!

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definitely take the sure thing. with the job market being the way it is, you can't let a job pass you by. and like you said, you're just 21. you've got plenty of time to put in your dues at a less desierable job before you can move on to your dream job! i mean, who gets their dream job right out of school, especially now?

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