Really random question

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I recently passed NCLEX and am applying for jobs. But I also am planning a trip to hike the Appalachian Trail next year. This hike will take 6 months so obviously I will have to quit my job unless they give me a leave of absence. So I'm trying to not burn any bridges at the hospital but I will be going on this trip. I would push the trip back a year or 2 but I can't. The hospital I'm applying at tries to make new grads sign a contract but I can't do that and they may be ok w/ it.....Does anyone have any recommendations so I don't burn a bridge because I would like a job when I get back? I know this is a really weird question/situation.

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With the way things are today, I would just put the job on the back burner if the trip is that big on your horizon. Do part time, fill-in jobs (such as in extended care home health) or immunization clinics in the mean time, and save your big guns for when you are free to make your job number one. It is probably safe to say that no employer is going to willingly accommodate a leave of absence for this. They do not even like to comply with the law when it comes to medical leaves, so you can guess if you bring this up during the hiring process, you may find that you won't even be offered a job.

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Yes I agree i would stay clear away from applying to places you want to work at in the future. Wait till after your trip and then look for a full time job at the places you want to stay at

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

You will definitely burn bridges if you accept employment and then quit so quickly. It will be easily apparent that a trip of 6 months was planned far, far in advance.

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Specializes in Adult and Pediatric Vascular Access, Paramedic.

As others have said you will definitely burn bridges leaving after 6 months and on top of it you will still be considered a new grad! My suggestion is you pick getting a job or hiking the trail, not both.

Annie

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

With today's job market, if you can get a job as a new grad take it; and push back the trip. I know you said you can't, but you would if you broke your leg or something......

The longer you are not employed as a new grad, the harder it is going to be to get a job with good new grad programs. Show you are serious about becoming a good nurse as a priority. Not many places will take a new grad prn, or clinics etc. Look around this AN, way too many people seeking jobs and reporting a lot of frustration with not finding jobs.

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That is so cool.

I'm with the minority here. Do the hike, get a job later. You will be working your whole life, trust me.

If you are physically and mentally prepared to hike in 6 months, do it.

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That is so cool.

I'm with the minority here. Do the hike, get a job later. You will be working your whole life, trust me.

If you are physically and mentally prepared to hike in 6 months, do it.

Thank you, I plan to do the hike and am confident that I can find a job after. I cannot push back the hike because I will be doing it w/ my parents and they are very excited to do it. If I push it back then they may not wait, they may not be healthy enough, or they may lose interest. To me this life experience is more important especially because I know I will find a job somewhere. If I were doing this alone or with friends then I would have lil trouble pushing it back. My only problem right now is finding a job leading up to the hike, I will need this to fund my trip and hopefully not burn any important bridges. Thank you to everyone for your input.

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