Take job offer or keep looking?

[ChloBear]

I'm a new grad RN who has been looking for a job since March, 2010. I wasn't getting anywhere with hospitals so, like many others, I expanded my search to LTCs/SNFs. I finally had my very first nursing interview with an LTC that works with children and young adults. They seem to really like me and indicated that they would most likely offer me a job once I have my second interview. The only problem is that when I researched the facility, I found some pretty bad press. I found articles basically saying that the center is notorious for neglecting its residents. Obviously I intend to give great nursing care, but I'm worried about the reputation of the center. Wouldn't I be putting my license at risk? And how might the reputation of the center affect my chances of landing a hospital job 1-2 years down the road? I feel crazy turning something down in this job market, but I'm wondering if I should hold out for something better. I'd appreciate any advice on what I should do. Thank you!

[SweetBabyLPN]

If you really need the income, I would take it in the meantime just to have a source of income, but still keep job hunting. While you are there, if you feel like some of their practices could put your license in jeapordy, then hey, you could always resign. If you're there for a short time, you don't even need to put them on your resume.

As far as them having a bad reputation, you can only be the best nurse YOU can be. If it's that bad, you can cite it as your reason for leaving on applications. I know they say you shouldn't say anything negative about your previous jobs but I would say something like "I always try to practice as safely as possible and so I felt it was best for me to be in an environment where I was better equipped to do so". That's just me though. I take no prisoners.

On the other hand, if income is not a concern and you're not DESPERATE for a job, then I probably wouldn't take it.

[chuckster, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

. . . . I feel crazy turning something down in this job market, but I'm wondering if I should hold out for something better. I'd appreciate any advice on what I should do. Thank you!

I think you already know the answer but in case there's any doubt here's my guiding principle in job hunting: It's a lot easier to find a job when you are employed. So I'd change your subject line to "Take job AND keep looking".

Have I mentioned that less than 10% of my class from May of last year have found nursing jobs of any sort?

[rntim49]

I have to make a statement here that may not be too popular. Sometimes the internet does more harm than good!! I can look up any hospital I have worked at and read complaints from either an unhappy pt or an ex-employee trying to bash the place. How often do you hear about the good service? Everyone has an opinion and if you choose to believe them that is fine. How many cites has this facility had and what are the reasons? Easy to check out. What was your take when talking to employees and nursing staff alike? general atmosphere ? I am astonished at how new nurses somehow relate working in a crummy establishment to loosing their license's. I have not known a single nurse 'unless a total drug addict' that lost her or his license. Even at that they are sent to classes and rehab and still practice in some form of nursing. I would suggest taking the job and utilizing your own judgement. You may actually like it.

[GLB_68]

Most RN's from my graduating class are still looking for nursing jobs too. If I were you I'd take it but practice defensively to protect your license.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

I believe the OP stated she did some research. Really it's not that difficult to find research especially on LTC and hospitals. In my state there are a few state resources, then there is medicare, and there is research on litigation. EASY to find.

Unfortunately the places that offer you a job these days are usually easily suspect, just because they are offering a job to a NG. I'm only half joking. She is right to check them out.

[DC Collins, ASN]

On the other hand, maybe you can set the example if you take the job there. Work hard, advocate for your patients, etc.

And then if you don't like it, keep looking for other work.

[CareteamRN70]

I would take it for one reason alone...I looked for a job for months with nothing opening up for me. When I did take a job in LTC and it imho wasn't the best place to work after 2 months I upgraded my resume on career builder to show that little two months of experience and I had offers coming in from places I had applied at months before. I was amazed that two months of floor experience could actually make my new grad resume look that much better but apparently it did as I now have a job in a slightly better environment with better pay and more opportunities.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

I took a job as the DNS of a place that had a really bad reputation. Guess what....don't believe everything you read or hear. The residents at my facility get excellent care and we had an excellent survey. Why the bad rep? We take residents no one else will and they are very difficult to deal with.

One person who cares can make a difference in any facility. Take the job. You might love it.

[ChloBear]

Chuckster- less than 10%?? That's scary... I don't know the stats for my program for sure. Where did you find that info? Also, if you don't mind sharing, what city/state is your program in? Just curious! Thanks for the advice!