RN Clinic Job

[domier]

Fellow RNs - I'm a new grad and as you know, there are not many new grad/clinical nurse I programs here in the bay area. How would you feel about working as an RN at a clinic? How does this rate to being a patient care technician at a major hospital while waiting for lateral movement as an RN and already having your foot in that hospital's door?

I know I should not be picky but considering declining the RN position at a clinic has some strategy behind it. If I do take it, won't I be excluding myself for when new grad positions do open up? (these new grad programs don't allow you to have experience for more than 6 months I think)

Also, how would pay compare? Is there a difference since it is with a smaller chain clinic than a major hospital? Or is pay relatively equal with all types of new grad RNs in the bay area.

Please & thanks for your comments.

[domier]

1 more question - do these smaller clinics have the capabilities to appropriately train the RN? We always here how hospitals don't want to hire new grads because it costs anywhere from $20,000-$50,000. For those RNs that work at clinics - how long was your orientation and how does it compare to your colleagues who started at larger hospitals?