Dilemma

[MJ415]

I have a dilemma. I could use a levelheaded opinion in case my own is skewed.

I applied to a competitive paid externship – I found out that I’m a finalist, and I was chosen to interview as a candidate for the ambulatory care unit of all places (in a large hospital) - at which point they may hire me as a clinic nurse after graduating…. I have no desire at all to be a nurse working in a clinic. I know what it’s like because I work in one now and I feel that the RN’s role has been reduced to that of an admin.

I have a hunch about why it’s come down to this – I made the mistake of mentioning “ICU” & “CRNA” in my statement of goals and it must have turned them off. But, since I am a veteran and this hospital must favor veterans – they are obligated to interview me… and I have a gut feeling (after speaking with them) that they are expecting me to decline an offer should it be given. Otherwise why would they even interview me at all? I mentioned nothing about clinical nursing in my statement and everything about critical care!

Once I have paid experience as a nurse, it seems I am ineligible to apply to many new grad programs. I am of the opinion that most RN positions that aren’t for new grads require at least med-surg experience to be considered and, therefore, I will be cornered into being a clinical nurse for years of my career (time is a factor) and It'll take me that much longer to get into an ICU and become eligible to apply to nurse anesthetist school.

I think my summer would be better spent taking a chemistry class to strengthen myself academically than to spend it spinning my wheels to a dead end.

One last thing around 50% of the new grads out here aren’t finding jobs… most people I’ve spoken to tell me that I should be happy that I have this opportunity. Either they are being optimistic or my skepticism has gotten the best of me.

Interview is tomorrow – any advice if I am offered a position?