Araceli

I decided that I wouldn't accept the job offer for the cardiac step-down unit. I called the RN recruiter and explained to her that I agonized over the decision, but I didn't want to take the position. I also told her what my main concerns were. To my surprise, she offered three other units that would allow me more learning opportunities and stability - and it was my choice of whichever one I wanted. I took a position in an established unit (tele), but not labor/delivery or mother/baby. I have been unable to find a hospital that lets new grads into L&D or mother/baby. (This is after searching hospitals in the Chicago area, Indiana, North Carolina, and Arizona). They all seem to want experienced nurses, and I know these units are in high, high demand. Since my husband and I have a "2 to 5-year plan", as we call it, I decided that I would get familiarized with nursing for the next 2-5 years, and I will then search for my dream job as an experienced nurse.

I just hadn't thought about it that way, but that is what I needed to 'hear'. Thank you so much for pointing that out to me!

Yes, I have to make the decision by Monday morning. I'm worried about the hospital, as well. They are in a state of transition and the cardiac step-down unit is just now starting patient care. It sounds like things may be chaotic, and that scares me as a new nurse.

I'm a new grad who just passed the NCLEX. I'm pretty torn up over whether to accept a job or not. This job isn't the job of my dreams, but the pay is excellent. It's in a cardiac step-down unit, but I really wanted labor/delivery/postpartum nursing, because I eventually want to become a nurse midwife. My family thinks I'm nuts for even considering not accepting the job. My husband, however, wants me to be happy in my career. And as for me, I want to work in hospital that fosters growth in its nurses and trains employees very well. The job would start November 3. Should I just accept the offer and hope that something better comes up before the start date? I'm afraid I won't get another job offer, so then at least I know I have a job. What would you do in this situation?