WWYD - need a voice of reason

[MJB2010]

I am unhappy at my current job, and looking for a new one.I really need some solid advice from fellow nurses. I have had several interviews and this is where I stand as far as options:

One place told me I would have an offer by the end of the week. Lot of red flags, only 3 weeks training, which does not seem to be near enough since I have been out of the hospital for over a year. I feel that this could be my only chance to get back into a hospital, but at the same time feel I may be setting myself up to fail. I know 3 weeks is not enough training. I voiced this concern at the interview several times. The floor has many openings and seems desperate, another bad sign. It is also downtown and a rough commute. The job is for a day position, but they have several night spots open too. Would nights be a better spot for getting back into the swing?

One interview was ok, the job was not a good fit, again not enough training for someone getting back into hospital setting, she invited me back for the residency open house, over a month away. This is a possibility that would be a lot of training and awesome opportunity, but very competative and may not get chosen. Most spots are filled by former externs at that place and I do not know how many externs vs open spots would be available. This is at best a long shot.

Hospital I REALLY want to work at rescheduled my phone interview for after Christmas, the nurse recruiter decided to take some time off until then. A phone interview seems like a premilinary step, however, so again not sure where it will lead. This is the hospital that is close to home, has a great reputation, nurses stay there long term.

Home Health interview, stood me up, forgot she had an interview. Basically told me over the phone that they are looking to fill several spots quickly and when can I start. But if the hospital does not work out, this opportunity may still be there. No guarantees of course. She calls me several times a day to see if I want to come back.

So basically trying to decide if I should turn down this offer and hope for a place with a more appropriate orientation period. I have a job, while frustrating, it is stable. Or take the offer and keep trying for the place I really want or the residency. I just can't help but feel the stress and lack of training will be a disaster. My husband is pushing me to take this job, but he has no idea what it feels like to be thrown to the wolves as a nurse.

[TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN]

IMHO the first place has too many red flags (and you know it). If they are short staffed on the day shift it will likely be worse at night. Chances are if a pt is heading South you will have little to no back-up. I would run from this position!

If you have a job and it is stable, why not wait until you at least interview for one of the possible internship positions. Sure, you may not get chosen, but you stand as good if not better a chance than the other applicants. If you get one of these jobs at least you know you will be getting the training and back-up that you feel you need.

I would wait until the right thing comes along. No sense jumping out of the frying pan just because the fire may not be a hot as it looks.

[TopazLover, BSN, RN]

Personally I would listen to the red flags you noted. High turnover and little orientation/ preparation for a different kind of position put both you and your patients at risk.

HH- It can happen on rare occasion that an interview is missed by the powers that be. I would at least do an interview and perhaps think about taking a part time position there, if possible, while you continue your search.

I was recently quoted how quickly our technical jobs change while we are out of work. I can't quote the figure but it was huge. Being out of hospital nursing for a year is tough. Being out for much more makes you almost unemployable.

Best of luck. Keep positive.

[merlee]

I wouldn't take the home health position unless you already have experience. It's a big no-no if someone keeps calling you like that.

It seems like you have a job of some sort at this time from your post. Is it not possible to wait for the hospital that is nearby? If you are so unhappy, take the first offer but keep yourself open for the hospital nearby.

Best wishes.

[MJB2010]

My issue is that I know how hard it is to get back into the hospital. And if I turn this one down, I might not get another shot. I am wondering how hard it will be to "make it work" knowing it is going to totally suck for a while. The home health place seems a bit too desperate. I currently do have a job, I am just super burnt out with the lack of staffing and 16 hour shifts. The frustration/exhaustion is affecting my life outside of work.

[MJB2010]

IMHO the first place has too many red flags (and you know it). If they are short staffed on the day shift it will likely be worse at night. Chances are if a pt is heading South you will have little to no back-up. I would run from this position!

If you have a job and it is stable, why not wait until you at least interview for one of the possible internship positions. Sure, you may not get chosen, but you stand as good if not better a chance than the other applicants. If you get one of these jobs at least you know you will be getting the training and back-up that you feel you need.

I would wait until the right thing comes along. No sense jumping out of the frying pan just because the fire may not be a hot as it looks.

Haha this is how I feel.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

It's hard. The more you try to weigh your options, the more confused you get. One thing about nursing is you just will never know what the job is about until you actually begin working it. So what seems great might not be, and visa versa.

I just talked to someone I know who managed to squeeze into a hospital as a NG who had no interviews for over a year. This hospital riddled with discontent in the nursing ranks, and is publicly known for the trouble. She tells me she probably works on the only workable unit in the place. People actually ask her routinely if she needs help or if she has any questions So, you just never know.

[MJB2010]

Not sure why this got put in the nursing student section?