What to do?

I am a recent new grad of Dec 2009 and have not found a job. I've been very active in looking for a job even during my last semester of school.

I have never heard from any one of them until this past week. So yes, I have my first interview next week for an new grad ED position. I'm very excited. I have completed a preceptorship there and am somewhat familiar with the unit. INow, I don't know what to do. If I am offered a position, the question is, should I take it?

#1. I've moved 1.5 hours away from the location. I really don't see myself working long term there... I don't have any family in the immediate area, my boyfriend of 9 years lives 3 hours away. Ideally, I would like to start off somewhere where I see myself working there longer. If they hire me, at most I see myself working there maybe 1-2 years... is that enough? I know it's expensive to train new grads. And also, I would like to possibly settle down and have kids soon.

#2. New grad preceptorship is 6 weeks long. Is that long enough? And the question is, is the ED a good place for new grads to start? This hospital here is considered RURAL and does not deal with very critical patients. Most of the critical patients are flown out to nearby bigger cities. Because it is rural, the RN deals with patients of all ages with all kinds of illnesses and the job is more general than specialize. (When I was there in the ED precepting, my nurse preceptor did lots of starting IVs, giving pain meds, wounds, putting on splints, etc.) I know most people don't like Med-Surg, but will I be missing a lot of the experience I can gain if I were to start off there instead?

#3. Another option for me is to work with my h.s. friend who is now an RN. She works in a skilled nursing facility and works only 20 minutes away from my boyfriend. She says, it would be easy for me to get hired on since 'they are always looking for people'. Should I apply here instead and wait for this option? She thinks it's better for me to take a hospital position and get my foot in the door. Do you guys agree?

I know I hate to be thinking like this because it is very hard to get a NG RN job rite now... but please don't take this the wrong way.
ER experience whether at a rural facility or not would be invaluable to you. Crazy things happen even out in the middle of nowhere and you would be gaining experience that could take you into any other department. One year is all you need. I would definitely take it and if you leave in a year, then don't worry about it, unless you sign a contract that obligates you longer than that (one year should be enough). A long term care facility would not give you the experience that 1 yr in an ER would.

Hello!Congrats on the interview If you can wait longer and go without a job then maybe you should do that, it sounds like your heart isnt into this ED position.However; this skilled nursing facility there may be a reason behind why there are "always looking for people" I guess overall it depends on how bad you want a job?? Maybe you and your BF could consider relocating closer together to the ED job?? Just a thought..Whatever you decide I hope its an amazing experience.

It would be nice if he could relocate to the area but he would jobless there. I've tried to convince him and his reply was only that fact. Too rural...

Take the ED job - starting IVs and doing wound care are both very valuable skills.

I agree with the other posters. Take the ED job. Rural hospitals see lots of crazy stuff because they're the only game in town, so you'll get lots of experience. Also, you'll learn independence because you won't have a million residents around like a major city teaching hospital would. A year's experience in that environment would be invaluable.

"They are always looking for people"= HUGE red flag. I worked in a similar place and ended up having to leave due to unacceptable working conditions. I would take the hospital job, hands down!!

don't rush into anything. take your time. make sure this offer is right for you. If it is not everything you ever dreamt of then by all means don't' settle. job offers come by all the time as you know there is a huge nursing shortage.

Apply for both and worry about making a decision if you get an offer from both.

Quote from icuucidon't rush into anything. take your time. make sure this offer is right for you. if it is not everything you ever dreamt of then by all means don't' settle. job offers come by all the time as you know there is a huge nursing shortage.

Thank you everyone! You all have given me great insights. I will take on the ED job if I am offered the position.