Which is a better learning experience for RN position?

[ErinDel, ASN, BSN, RN]

Hi Everyone..

So i have been a nurse almost a year. I have been doing substitute school nursing which i like but it is not steady work. I have an opportunity for a part time position.

The first job is an Assisted living job two days a week working as a nurse care supervisor on a memory care floor with 19 patients. I will be giving meds and supervising the cnas with their duties. It is Sunday and Monday 7-2. it is two days of training then i am on my own. When i get used to the residents i will eventually have to take call over night as needed..

The second job is a group home experience as RN working two days a week total 10 hours per week. I would be in charge of Med administration and MAP training. I do not know what MAP is yet.. I would be the only RN there along with a case manager and day assistants to help with the young moms. There is 8 girls in the home, some are pregnant and others have babies already.

The first job is 26/hr at 14 hr per week, and the second is 35/hr at 10 hr per week. I am not sure which would be the better position to take. I do not have experience with either job.. I do plan to stay on as a sub nurse because i really like that.

Does anyone have any experience with either job situation, or any thoughts on which to take? I am stuck with what to do.. Both jobs do not have anymore hours to offer anytime soon. I do feel more in tune with the teen moms but there will be another nurse on duty at the assisted living facility. I wish i was offered more training because after two days i will be on my own at the ALF.

Thanks for listening and hope to hear some opinions.. i appreciate it:)

[kfynn589]

What are your goals with your career? Do you want to eventually work in an ICU, FT school nurse, office RN, etc?

Once we know that we would probably better be able to answer your question.

I would assume for most jobs.. if you want to get to a hospital, the assisted living would be best. It is hard to say though.

[ixchel]

I honestly will tell you that with your limited nursing experience in a completely different setting, both positions you listed sound a bit scary with such limited training. Not saying you, personally, can't handle it, but I know I wouldn't feel comfortable with it, and I've been on a critical care floor since my graduation a year ago. Just something to think about.

[ErinDel, ASN, BSN, RN]

Kfynn589, thank you for replying. My goals were to work in the OR and peds oncology. I know i need acute care for that. I cannot get that experience as a new grad with an ADN. i am in Massachusetts which is a very hard area to find a nursing job, (live close to Boston). I feel i am looking at these two positions for any type of experience i can get. Right now i love school nursing and could definitely see myself working full time as one. I sub in my daughters school district. I can be honest and say i really have no solid experience as a nurse and it is scary and sad to me. I have just subbed off and on for the school year and that is all. I cannot catch a break and i am discouraged. Both these jobs are better than no job so i am trying to figure out which would be better. I am kind of surprised that both jobs offered me a position esp since i am still new and inexperienced...

Ixchel, thank you for your response.. You are right, it is kind of scary to take either job with my limited experience.. I am stuck deciding what to do and if i should try either job or just pass and leave it open for someone with that type of experience. I am guessing that not alot of people applied to these positions because they are part time. I wish i had the right opportunity out of school last year so i could of been more experienced and atleast had some field of nursing that i was good at right now...

[ixchel]

Is applying to hospitals not an option? I think if you're looking for a varied learning experience, med/surg really is your best bet.

[ErinDel, ASN, BSN, RN]

Ixchel i have applied to a bunch of hospitals and have had no luck. No interviews offered at all. I only have an ADN and around here, as a candidate for a hospital position you either need experience or a BSN.

[ixchel]

Ixchel i have applied to a bunch of hospitals and have had no luck. No interviews offered at all. I only have an ADN and around here, as a candidate for a hospital position you either need experience or a BSN.

Boogers, that is rotten. I'm sorry. Any chance of getting a BSN while you're limited to part time opportunities?

[ErinDel, ASN, BSN, RN]

yes, i was just accepted to an online rn to bsn program at a university. i am starting in Sept. I am hoping things may turn around after that, but that will be a long time without acute care experience and i feel i will never get looked at by a hospital.

[ixchel]

Sounds like you have a great plan in place, then. Sorry the job outlook is crummy, but I do think you'll open better doors with the BSN. Good luck to you, love!

[ErinDel, ASN, BSN, RN]

Thanks Ixchel....

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

I would say that if you are looking for acute care, the assisted living offer sounds better. However, since you want to work with kids, the group home may be a better bet and it is more $. Find out a little more about your job responsibilities at the group home and use that to make your decision. I think you should definitely take one of these positions and keep applying for full time positions and work toward your BSN. You can still sub while working part time and looking for full time work. Congrats on your offers!

[ErinDel, ASN, BSN, RN]

Thank you lev for your response and opinion. That is good advice... i do want to work with kids in some capacity as a nurse. I will see the moms and their babies but wont have too much contact actually..my main focus there will be on overseeing med administration and making corrections.