Soon-to-be new grad dilemma...

[mtskier]

I currently work as an aid at an excellent local hospital. This hospital is also where we do many of our clinicals and where I'll be precepting this coming semester. In the past, most students from our program who've precepted at this facility got jobs there. I figure it's likely I will too. I've already began forging connections with managers through work and clinical and get great reviews.

This is awesome and I am very excited about it. However, despite having excellent health care facilities (the best in the state and region), I'm not keen on continuing to live in the city where they're located. There are a number of other places around the state and country that I'd rather live and work. So here's my dilemma:

In the next couple of months, I have my annual eval as an employee as well as precepting for school. Do I let my current manager/other managers know I'm looking at opportunities elsewhere? Would that limit my prospects within my facility? Judging by other nursing students who've gotten hired, they'll probably be looking for a commitment around March or April if I do get offered a job. Should I be forthright with everyone from the get-go, or wait until I get an offer?

[Graduatenurse14]

If you want a job there for any length of time, don't tell them that you may be leaving shortly after getting hired. In this day and age it costs places too much $$ hiring/training a new employee to hire people that they know are leaving or even even a possibility that they are leaving soon after being hired.

There's on ongoing ethical debate about people taking jobs (in any field) knowing that they will not be staying long while having the employer spend a lot of money on them. In my opinion, sometimes it really depends on the situation.

If you want to explore other areas of the country then go for it!!! This the perfect time to do it!! Good luck!!

[schnookimz]

Why would you tell them? You don't even know if you'll get an offer or if you'll move for sure.

[BlueDawnRN, BSN]

Inform them only when you have accepted another job offer, and have that offer in writing.

On your applications when they ask if your current employer may be contacted, it is very common practice to check "no" and to put in the reason that you would prefer to inform them only if an offer is made.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

It sounds like you have a very good chance of landing a coveted new graduate position. IMO, look at the long-range picture. It may be worth deciding to stay in the town you're in for another year or two while you gain that experience.

The overall job market for new grads isn't that great. You would have much better luck relocating as a nurse with a couple of years of solid experience under your belt, than as a new grad without experience that trying to break into a job market where you have no connections.

Best of luck whatever you decide.