Should I stay or should I go?

Nurses Job Hunt

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Hello all!I am currently a can on an OB floor and my manager offered me a job as an RN after I grad in June. Here's the problem, I believe I should gain experience on a tele floor or ICU or anywhere else first. Secondly, I've spoken to other managers on those units and say said they can't hire me until I pass boards. (I grad June 6th and the new grad program is June 16th). When will I have time to take nclex? My manager will hire me and let me start training and I can take nclex after a few weeks.I feel like beggers can't be choosers (I need a job) but at the same time, I really want to gain experience before working post partum. Advice pleasse! Thank you.

Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

My advice? Take the freaking job. There's no guarantee another will be offered to you. Congratulations!

First of all, I don't think this is a case of "beggars can't be choosers". Even though you are already on the OB floor as a tech(?) being a nurse will be different, with a whole different set of responsibilities and accountability. If you like the unit and staff staying on the unit would make for an easier transition. You already know the staff and unit norms, so learning your new role would be less stressful. Transferring to another unit later would always be an option.The real question is what are your intermediate and long- term goals? Do you want to return to school to prepare for one of the advanced practice roles (NP, CRNAS, etc)? Do you plan to remain at the bedside for the foreseeable future? (and either option is perfectly fine - you have to decide what is best for you and your situation). Every hospital needs good OB nurses but any unit will give you an opportunity to make a positive impact for your patients. Even if you take a job on the postpartum unit you can always ask to cross-train to L&D, nursery, etc.Good luck to you, whatever your decision!So, I do not have any answers, you just have to decide with your head and heart what is the best choice for you.

My two cents. Take the job without question. Today's new grad market is extremely saturated. The fact that there are plenty of nurses looking for positions who are already coming in with experience, the chances of finding a job soon after graduation are slim in most places. The wait time seems to be several months, and even then, its usually settling for anything to just get started. If I were you, I'd pay my dues and then venture off wherever you'd like to take your career path. Either way, good luck.

Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

In my mind you've been handed a gift on a silver platter. Clearly, the manager is confident in your ability to make the switch from CNA to RN, you must be impressing her!! Are they willing to hire you as a GN? If it were me I'd take it in a heartbeat. If you decide that it's too fast-paced or not an ideal fit for you, you've already got your foot in the door within that facility and may have an easier time getting placed with med-surg should you feel you need to. My 2 cents anyway!

Thank you all for your advice. My fiance feels the same way as you all. I really do love all my co-workers and my manager is so sweet. I'm just afraid ill lose all my skills if I stay there and not start off in med-surg or something along those lines. Plus wouldn't it be wrong to start there then move on? I'm sorry I'm not trying to sound like a spoiled brat, I just want to make the right decision.

Hello, ok, now you have an opportunity, and i am sure every job or experience can teach you something.

Normally graduates with no practical experiences , can't easily find a job.

So .....

Specializes in Legal, Ortho, Rehab.

Don't become obsessed with this notion that you have to do med-surg to be a good nurse. Med-surg is great for experiences, but it isn't the only thing around. You'll lose all your skills if your unemployed...

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Thank you all for your advice. My fiance feels the same way as you all. I really do love all my co-workers and my manager is so sweet. I'm just afraid ill lose all my skills if I stay there and not start off in med-surg or something along those lines. Plus wouldn't it be wrong to start there then move on? I'm sorry I'm not trying to sound like a spoiled brat, I just want to make the right decision.

OB is a specialty field that is hard to get into. You will use basic nursing skills in caring for these patients and gain some with the newborns. Postpartum is post op med surg. Preeclamptic is HTN and I know you have diabetic Mom's. There you have Ned-surg. you take Bp's , assess for edema, pain, orientation, you will teach, console, and they usually won't be drunk and confuse and try to hit or spit you (usually).

You will use all your med-surg assessment skills on the moms and have the added benefit of the babies. Take the job. YOur orientation will be easier to the nursing duties becasue your co-workers like you and you already like them.

The job market is very poor right now. You have a job offer.....TAKE IT! Many new grads are not finding any positions at all. you have one that you know and people who already know a like....take the job. Your manager knows you're a new grad and I am sure is willing to give you what you need to pass your boards.

Your manger must think you are someone really special. I'd take the job!

Specializes in nursing education.

Some good advice I have received: work in the place where you have a good, supportive manager who will help you grow. You mentioned your manager is "so sweet"- and she has confidence in you- take the darn job already!!! :)

Specializes in Ambulatory Surgery, PACU,SICU.

I agree with everyone else! Take the job

Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.

totally agree with all posters before me... take the job & congratulations!

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