Should I stay or go?!?

[Spoiled1, MSN, RN]

I am a new grad (finished in May) and like all the other new grads I've been unable to find a RN position in the hospitals. Here in Charlotte there are only 2 main hospital systems. I found a private duty nursing job where I've been since July. It's part time, 3 days, 8a-4p. I feel that I am learning great skills (she as a vent, trach, g-tube, etc), but I would have much rather have started in the hospital. I am still PRN in my hospital as a NA in hopes of something opening up soon. It is SO frustrating to work PRN as a NA when I am a RN. In calling recruiters no one knows when things will change. Too much is up in the air right now.

Anyway, last night a friend of mine told me about a doctor's office where she works. They are looking for another RN. She encouraged me to come in with my resume as I too could get a job. It's an internal Medicine practice affiliated with the "other" private hospital system here. She works M-F, and one day is a half day. She says that she is paid the same as the new nurses in the hospital. I am not sure if that includes shift diff?? or not? (I would guess not). I've been weighing the pros and cons and my dilemma is that I have been with my current hospital system for over 3 years. After 5 years I would be considered vested in the company so in less than 2 years i could be vested. My 401k and other benefits are with this system. My personal doctors are affiliated with them as well. If I change systems I will not be able to use my current insurance etc with my doctor. Of course the hospital will pay more, the average New grad here makes $20-$21/hour. With a $4 night shift diff, and $7 on weekends. My current hospital is located about 20 minutes from my house, which isn't an issue for me,. If I get the MD office job it will be about 6 min away from home, no holidays or weekends, and less money.

I know many would argue that a new grad should start off in a hospital setting, etc. which is my first choice. Unfortunately in this economy we are forced to be creative. I really don't have many other choices. I am worried that I am holding on to my current hospital for all the wrong reasons. I want to call them tomorrow to see if anything looks promising if not, I have to really consider moving on. I know in life you have to sometimes go where the opportunities are. At the beginning of next year I will have 6 months of RN (private duty) experience under my belt, and supposedly that opens up doors? Should I just wait it out and stay in my current hospital system or move on if I get offered the Dr's office job? Please help! I am conflicted in my mind! Thanks.

[BSN75]

I think I would take the new job, but that's just my opinion. I've worked in hospital and in office, and I much prefer office. The money is less for sure, but we work no holidays, and much better hours. Internal Medicine is great, you learn something new every day! Good luck!

[Spoiled1, MSN, RN]

I think I would take the new job, but that's just my opinion. I've worked in hospital and in office, and I much prefer office. The money is less for sure, but we work no holidays, and much better hours. Internal Medicine is great, you learn something new every day! Good luck!

Thanks for taking the time to read my post. A lot of people share your opinion, but what do you think of a new grad starting there? I am sure I will get my Master's in Nursing(NP) sooner than later, so I am starting to think it may not make a real difference.

[ATX-RN]

I have a Masters and work in ambulatory care (doctor's office). It's a large system though. We have many specialities. You will learn a lot in IM about chronic illness and the treatment of those conditions. I personally did not like working in the hospital and much prefer the office setting. However, if you think you want to go into advanced practice nursing, working in the hospital at some point is a must.

I have chosen not to go into advanced practice and love my job as a supervisor. It really depends on what direction you chose to go in.

[cooliegirl]

Hi Spoiled1, I was just curious as to what decision you have made?

[Spoiled1, MSN, RN]

Hey there,

Well I am still working my home health position! Funny you replied to this as I was looking for jobs! It's still pretty bad as far as getting nursing jobs, especially for new grads. I decided to work home health for 6 months and try again. Supposedly after 6 months, you're not considered a newbie anymore?!? So, my 6 months is finally here, but I've become "spoiled" with my current schedule 8 to 4, no weekends, etc. I know at some point I will need other experience, so I am leaning towards applying to a MD's office. I will first try with my current hospital system (who has no jobs for people with less than 1 yrs exp) or it looks like I may be going to the other hospital system where my friend works (I originally thought it was Internal Medicne, but its Family medicine)! I am calling my hospital system on Monday because I am still classified with them as a PRN NAI!!! Something has to give!

Any thoughts on working in family medicine as a newbie? As stated before I am planning to go to grad school to become a practitioner, but another person stated that I will need hospital experience at some point to work as a NP?!?! Thanks for checking on me !

[cooliegirl]

As far as thought working in fam. medicine....(Im still in nursing school). But best of luck on your decision. Deep down I thought you were gonna respond saying your too the office postion, your heart seem so into it. Did you apply yet for NP school? or your just chilling for a bit more.

Can you reccomend any text or sites that helped you in Med Surg or anything at all that simplified the material making easier for studying? thank you

Keep us posted.

[Spoiled1, MSN, RN]

As far as thought working in fam. medicine....(Im still in nursing school). But best of luck on your decision. Deep down I thought you were gonna respond saying your too the office postion, your heart seem so into it. Did you apply yet for NP school? or your just chilling for a bit more.

Can you reccomend any text or sites that helped you in Med Surg or anything at all that simplified the material making easier for studying? thank you

Keep us posted.

Well congrats to you for being in nursing school! Tough journey, but so rewarding . Anyway, my heart is still leaning toward the office job, but I will keep you posted on how that goes.

As far as med-surg goes...hmm...I would say the "made incredibly easy" series. I thought those books were great! I found them entertaining for whatever reason.too..lol. But,when I was in school I would go to Borders or Barnes and Noble and flip through some of the books in the nursing section when I studied. Also get a really good NCLEX-RN review book (if you can afford it) and study from there. That helped me pass a lot of tests! My favorite was Saunders. If we were covering GI, I would read the GI section of the NCLEX book, Cardio, Neuro, etc, etc. Let me know if I can help with anything else.

[cooliegirl]

Thank you for the tip. I recently purchased the Saunders review book. Guess what...some of the same test questions in Fundamental came right outta that book.

Thx