Rock and a Hard Place.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Ortho, Subacute, Homecare, LTC.

Hello,

Looking for some advice. I'm a new grad LPN and I live in Massachusetts...

I was just offered an LPN position at a local LTC facility. Starting pay is $19/hr and I'm required to sign a 2 year contract. Unfortunately, I'm kind of on the fence about it. I'd really like to go to a brick/mortar school for my RN in the fall (most likely, spring) and the island (Martha's Vineyard) has no schools that are convenient. The rent here is very high for that kind of wage and the shift is 24hr/wk. My fiance just recently found out he may have to move to a new base (he's a pilot), so we'll be stuck paying two rents. I'm pretty upset, as I really wanted this job. I have a pit in my stomach, just thinking that this situation may not work for me. What are your opinions on this?

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Doesn't sound like you're in a good position to sign a 2-year commitment. You have pointed out a number of factors that make the LTC job less than a good fit.

The turnover in LTC is usually quite a bit higher than in acute care settings. I'd say hold off on this job until you know where your boyfriend will be located. Could be that he'll be sent someplace where the rent is more reasonable and you have more school options.

If you sign up for the 2-year deal, what happens if you leave before the time is up? Are there any loopholes? Some places do recognize that things like a partner's job transfer might force you to move.

Whatever you do, don't jump the gun in fear. Be confident that you will end up wherever you're supposed to be if you use your head and don't panic.

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Specializes in LTC, OB/GYN, Primary Care.

What happens if you break the contract??

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Ortho, Subacute, Homecare, LTC.

I won't even get a chance to see the contract for another two weeks, after they finish all the usual background checks. I'm not really looking to burn bridges, as they are part of Partners Healthcare.

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Just because you don't take their job doesn't mean you will burn bridges...tell them the truth, your learned that your husband may have to switch bases so you aren't in the position to sign a long term contract.

And take the time to read some of the posts on here, it seems like the majority of the nurses that are having the worse time work for LTC. After you read some of their posts I guarantee you will NOT want to sign that contract!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Ortho, Subacute, Homecare, LTC.
Just because you don't take their job doesn't mean you will burn bridges...tell them the truth, your learned that your husband may have to switch bases so you aren't in the position to sign a long term contract.

And take the time to read some of the posts on here, it seems like the majority of the nurses that are having the worse time work for LTC. After you read some of their posts I guarantee you will NOT want to sign that contract!

I think you may have misunderstood. I was saying if I had taken the job and signed the contract, that I would then have to break it. That would burn bridges, not just declining the job offer. Also, I've taken alot of time and gone through many posts here as well, and I made a decision not to accept the job. Thanks for the advice though. :)

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