Should I take the job even knowing it's unsafe?

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I'm in a dilemma currently in which, as a new grad, I've been applying to every hospital I possibly could for any positions available when new grad offerings are open, but I've had no luck getting an interview with any place I've applied for. I've managed to get a couple interviews but only due to a hiring event or special circumstances in which someone had withdrawn from a priority based system. Even then, I haven't heard back from these places so thus I never got the job.

However, an opportunity came up recent from a friend who knows a friend that could get me into a hospital but, after doing much research, it turns out, this place is not just unsafe, but has a reputation in the entire country for underperforming in infection control, safety, practices to prevent errors, evidence-based practice, lack of staff communication along with infighting and backstabbing.

Should I still go for it because it's the only offer I have at this point? I've been at this for half a year now with no dice. 

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Specializes in Med Surg.

Have you tried applying to nightshift? I did nightshift as a new grad since Dayshift had a one year waiting list. I did it for two years and then went to Dayshift. I think working at nightshift helped me so much become a good nurse. You have more time to think and ask questions. Dayshift is fast and not as much time to learn. 

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Usually there's orientation for six weeks to 2 months, why don't you take the job, learn as much as you can during orientation and see if you can do it. And if another job, more reputable comes along, take it. Also it will give you some experience to speak of. This is your test to see if it's doable. 

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it turns out, this place is not just unsafe, but has a reputation in the entire country for underperforming in infection control, safety, practices to prevent errors, evidence-based practice, lack of staff communication along with infighting and backstabbing.

It doesn't, though--I don't know exactly which one specific place you're talking about and likely others don't either. Lots of places struggle with at least some of these things (we might be able to guess some behemoth health systems that have terrible reputation amongst nurses). I'm not trying to downplay that they can be big problems, nor deny that some places are downright bad, but sometimes you have to take a chance and put your best foot forward and see what happens.

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I am in a similar position as you! I haven't been able to find a job and I was recently offered a job in hospital with a really bad reputation. A Facebook group of nurses continually comments about how bad this hospital is , and telling peolple not to work there, it's bad for your license, etc. I'm sad because I really need and want a job, but not sure it's worth the risk. 

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My experience has been that if you have a job, it's much easier to get a job. Take it. You'll look more appealing to other employers if you're employed than you will if you aren't. You'll also be more appealing if you have some experience under your belt. This position will allow you to build your skills and experience, as well as earn a nurse's income, while you await a more attractive job offer. Best wishes!

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

After a 6 month search take the offer. The longer you go without getting a job the harder it will be to get one. For some reason it is easier to get a new job when you have a job so keep applying and if an offer is extended you can always quit this job if it's not what you want.

But go into this job with a positive attitude, maybe the reputation is well deserved but maybe it's not nearly as bad as you are anticipating.  Not very many people go to social media to post about great their job is, people tend to post the negatives so it just might not be as bad as you think it is.

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.

Some of the things you mentioned in your post are things that vary from one unit to another.  I agree with the folks who said it is easier to get a job when you already have a job, so I think it's a good idea to get started. Also, as others have suggested it is imperative to go in with an open mind, you don't want to be a poisoned well. The first unit I worked on was cliquey, with a mean and punitive manager, and the idea that new nurses should have to prove their worth. I found a friend on that unit, a newbie social worker who was being treated like I was. We stuck together and survived the cruelty.  I learned a lot in the 11 months I stuck it out, despite the toxic environment. And my next job was a totally improved experience. 

I think sticking it out for a year or so is a very good thing for a new grad. When you leave, officially leave on good terms even if you are burnt out and hate everyone, LOL. To officially leave on good terms, you simply give your two weeks notice. The really nice thing is that in the nursing world, employers understand that many jobs are toxic, and they accept that nurses tend to job hop by necessity. I have job hopped a lot and it hasn't hurt me, it's just the way it is. Just keep in mind that you have to be a marketable candidate before you can do that and that means you have to have been employed somewhere first.

Good luck and get in there. 

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delrionurse said:

Usually there's orientation for six weeks to 2 months, why don't you take the job, learn as much as you can during orientation and see if you can do it. And if another job, more reputable comes along, take it. Also it will give you some experience to speak of. This is your test to see if it's doable. 

I was thinking about doing this but I was told about that it would take a year commitment. I guess they can't necessarily just keep me but my other new grad opportunity I have waiting down the line requires I have minimum 0 experience. That's why I'm not sure still. 

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FolksBtrippin said:

Some of the things you mentioned in your post are things that vary from one unit to another.  I agree with the folks who said it is easier to get a job when you already have a job, so I think it's a good idea to get started. Also, as others have suggested it is imperative to go in with an open mind, you don't want to be a poisoned well. The first unit I worked on was cliquey, with a mean and punitive manager, and the idea that new nurses should have to prove their worth. I found a friend on that unit, a newbie social worker who was being treated like I was. We stuck together and survived the cruelty.  I learned a lot in the 11 months I stuck it out, despite the toxic environment. And my next job was a totally improved experience. 

I think sticking it out for a year or so is a very good thing for a new grad. When you leave, officially leave on good terms even if you are burnt out and hate everyone, LOL. To officially leave on good terms, you simply give your two weeks notice. The really nice thing is that in the nursing world, employers understand that many jobs are toxic, and they accept that nurses tend to job hop by necessity. I have job hopped a lot and it hasn't hurt me, it's just the way it is. Just keep in mind that you have to be a marketable candidate before you can do that and that means you have to have been employed somewhere first.

Good luck and get in there. 

This is what I was thinking. But I also have a new grad position interview waiting for me  in a few months in NICU which I'm more interested in but due to regulations, I can't have any clinical experience whatsoever. But I'm afraid of if I wait till that point and don't get the job, then it would be for nothing. At the same time however, if I work this job, it's a year commitment and I wouldn't be getting any NICU or pediatric experience.

 

Would it be possible to still get a job for pediatric position even after?

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.
Lozzie said:

This is what I was thinking. But I also have a new grad position interview waiting for me  in a few months in NICU which I'm more interested in but due to regulations, I can't have any clinical experience whatsoever. But I'm afraid of if I wait till that point and don't get the job, then it would be for nothing. At the same time however, if I work this job, it's a year commitment and I wouldn't be getting any NICU or pediatric experience.

 

Would it be possible to still get a job for pediatric position even after?

Interesting, what is meant by "regulations"?  Talk to your contact at the NICU. I would think that even if they can't hire you until a few months from now, they should still be able to interview you and give you an offer. If you have an offer that starts in a few months, you probably can do any old thing until then. I don't think I would wait a few months just for an interview, but for a known offer, yes.

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Without sounding like pollyanna here, the media tends to only publish bad things, very rarely the good.  I also have a concern with nurses posting these things on social media, because it's pretty unprofessional.   I would (I actually have) take the job and start  learning.  I think you'll find a few positives. 

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