Hello everyone, I am a new graduate nurse from an ADN program, and I need your help and advice. I recently landed a job at a hospital in my area, which is 3 nights a week in the med surg/telemetry unit. The position is scheduled, but without benefits.
Today I got a job offer for a nurse specialist position at the urgent care department a prominent clinic branch in my area. It is a full time position, AM, full benefits and perks, and excellent training.
I feel extremely lucky that I got two job offers after weeks and weeks of no luck, I know a lot of people applied for these positions because in my area these kinds of jobs for a new grad are gold.
Would you go for a night job with no benefits (and lower pay) for the sake of gaining hospital experience. Or would you take the urgent care job because it is AM, full benefits, better pay, and save the hospital experience for later? Please help!!!
Btw, i want to eventually become an NP (prob family or women's health).
Essential functions as a registered nurse specialist:
Administers prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with nursing standards demonstrating positive outcomes in patient care.
Collaborates with other professional disciplines to ensure effective and efficient patient care.
Maintains exam rooms for necessary supplies and materials. Ensures cleanliness.
May prepare equipment and aid physician during treatment, examination and testing of patients.
Observes, records and reports patient's condition. Documents and reports reaction to drugs and treatments to providers.
Educates patient/family about diagnostic procedures, medications, nutrition and maintenance of health and wellness.
May be asked to act as a team leader and coordinate nursing care for patients in the home department.
Triages to ensure appointment preferences are given to patients in emergency situations.
Greets patients and prepares them for physician examination. Screens patients for appropriation information.
Responds to, documents and refers incoming patient treatment-related phone calls. Instructs patient and family regarding medications and treatment instructions.
Maintains/reviews patient charts, records and other pertinent information. May post test and examination results.
Adheres to all policies and procedures.
Maintains strict patient confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA.
Must thoroughly understand and follow established policy and procedure under minimal supervision as well as make decisions within established clinical nursing standards.
Participates in department quality improvement, clinic safety, infection control and hazardous materials programs and activities.
Exercises discretion and maintains high level of confidentiality.
Performs related work as required.
It specifies that 1 or 2 years of experience are preferred, but new grads are welcome.
ok that makes sense... thanks for the clarification. If it were me, this is the position that I would take but then again I need insurance and like to have paid time off : )
As a per diem you're not guaranteed hours and no benefits. In my per diem position I am first to be cancelled or floated. I changed my status to per diem after many years as a practicing full-time RN. As many others have said you won't be eligible for health insurance. A job that promises benefits, regular hours and sufficient training will give you a strong foundation as a new nurse. Once you have a few years of experience under your belt, your options for mobility within the profession will increase significantly. Good luck, and welcome to nursing!
OK it sounds like a regular RN job at an urgent care. The job title was confusing. I assume it's what you'll take since it's the one with the benefits and with full time hours.
With hospital nursing jobs I always say don't worry too much about the hours or schedule if it's something you can live with for a year (or two at the most if you are say looking for a day shift in a certain department) because once you're in you'll then be an internal candidate and therefore much easier to switch departments, shift, schedule, etc. Hospitals usually have high enough turnover that there's soon enough a position that opens up. I took a job as a 0.8 even though I needed a 1.0 but within 2 months I got the 1.0 position, for example. It was the same floor and same shift so it didn't take long.
But not having insurance and only 3 days a week may very well be something you can't live with for a year or so.
Specializes in Surgical, Home Infusions, HVU, PCU, Neuro.
If it were me I would go for the Urgent Care. You will get a variety of experience with patients of all populations and that will make you well rounded. Good luck!
1.You are not qualified for the CNS position.No matter what rosy picture they painted,like "additional training as needed" what after you kill somebody?Then they will decide.The definition alone is indicative of something for someone WITH experience.
2.The nights position has no benefits , WHY?! what a rip off.
1.You are not qualified for the CNS position.No matter what rosy picture they painted,like "additional training as needed" what after you kill somebody?Then they will decide.The definition alone is indicative of something for someone WITH experience.
2.The nights position has no benefits , WHY?! what a rip off.
3.It all sounds like a lot of baloney to me.
You might be right, but it is not exactly CNS, it is called registered nurse specialist, did you read the job description? It sounds like a regular nurse to me, but I am new to the field..
To me it's a no brainer, take the urgent care job! No way in hell I would put up with all the BS of acute care without benefits and competitive pay and still be expected to work full time hours. Congratulations on the job offers and good luck!
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203bravo, MSN, APRN
1,213 Posts
ok that makes sense... thanks for the clarification. If it were me, this is the position that I would take but then again I need insurance and like to have paid time off : )
Best of luck.