Should I take this job?

[Salamanda NP, MSN, APRN, NP]

Hello,

I'm a new grad RN living in Massachusetts which has a pretty horrible job market right now. I have been looking since the end of August and have only gotten one response to my applications which resulted in a job offer yesterday. The position is outpatient psych and is 60 miles away from my home. The pay is low, it's a 9-5, M-F job. I guess my concerns are as follows: long drive = lots of gas and wasted time commuting, not the type of nursing I really want to do, low pay, afraid of pigeonholing myself into psych. What do you all think? Part of me thinks I should just be glad to have gotten a job (any job) and take it, but then I think why did I bother going back to school for a different career if it was just to end up in another job that isn't really what I want to do?

[2busyb]

I am in Califoinia and was feeling the same exact thing yesterday as far as career choices. My husband reminded me not to let the economy detour us from our calling to help people. I know what it's like to be in a job that isn't really what you went to school for.. we think of "the acute setting". The bottom line is were helping people,,,, isn't that why we became nurses? The dilema of this new job offer is difficult, but just like you wayed your cons did you weigh your pros?... You can network to other departments...doctors ect and might find something on the road. Good luck my prayers are with you.

[the sparrow]

I'm in Massachusetts, too. I graduated in May and have been seriously looking since about late July. Personally, I wouldn't take that job. Things will start to open up. If you take it, you will feel pressure to stay for at least a year. I don't know what your situation is and whether or not you need to take a job right away, but sell yourself short. If you have zero interest in that field, I wouldn't take it.

[the sparrow]

oops...DON'T sell yourself short!!

[Salamanda NP, MSN, APRN, NP]

Thanks for the replies! I turned down the job yesterday after talking to several nurses who have been in the field for many years. Their advice (along with yours!) really helped. I'm lucky in that my husband is able to support us financially so I don't have to take the first thing that comes my way, although my not working is delaying things like buying a house and starting a family. I think things will open up, too, and have faith that something more suited to me will come along (maybe even with a reasonable commute!). I think I'm going to just try to look at the upside of being unemployed for now - I have more free time to do fun things. :-) Good luck to everyone who's looking.