Split on jobs. I need insight. Public Health Position of Medsurg Floor.

[Kandake]

Hello. I graduate with my BSN in two weeks and I have an offer at a very large and well known hospital where I will be working on a medicine floor. Obviously medsurg is not my "passion" but I really wanted to work on a general floor and gain 1-2 years experience so I can possibly relocate. The second job offer is at the health department. I'd be doing one of the home visiting programs with low income pregnant women. I was able to get this job by networking and meeting with the nursing supervisor. This health department job is something I am very interested in, however I feel that I will hurt my career down the line without having new grad hospital experience. I will be starting on the medsurg floor on May 31st and the health department job would possibly begin around August/September (government is slow).

Obviously at this point I need to pick one, I can't have two full time jobs but I am really concerned about not making the choice now and regretting it.

Thanks!

[cjcsoon2bnp, MSN, RN, NP]

To the OP, I think that if you are confident that your heart lies in public/community health (PCH) nursing and that is where you plan to spend your career then you don't need to take an acute care, med/surg position just to say you have med/surg. experience. I think that is really antiquated thinking and is part of what leads to such high turnover on these units along with burnout from nurses who truly do not wish to work in those settings.

If later on in life, at any time, you decide that you want to go into acute care/inpatient nursing all of the doors will not slam closed on you but you would probably have to do some continuing education (like ACLS and CEUs in acute care topics), a lot of selling yourself regarding transferable skills gained from PCH positions, and would probably have to work less desirable hours (i.e. evenings or nights) in order to get your foot back in the door. But it sounds like you have no interest in pursuing such a position so this will probably be a moot point. I would say just follow your heart and it will all work out in the end. Best of luck!

!Chris

[Kandake]

Wow guys. Thanks you so much for the input. I was so split on this all week. I spoke to the recruiter and apparently there is a position open (job share) I'd work 35 hours in a two week, in the evening on the same floor. So I could possibly work there after work. Would it be unwise to work two jobs?...

Otherwise, yeah I am just going to take the PHN position and go with my gut. Thanks guys again (wish I had posted this thread earlier)

[spatel8890]

I think you should be able to handle both jobs, especially its 17 hours a week, which isn't too bad. Most nurses I know work multiple jobs, so its definitely manageable.

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

I would take the M/S job and then decide if you want to take on the public health job. If you do well on the M/S floor they will let you reduce your hours and keep working there while you work public health.