Accepted an offer but got a better one...burning bridges!?

[Megasa]

I'll be graduating soon w/ my BSN and no where around here does interviews within the same time frame. I interviewed and was offered a position at the hospital I am a tech at. I informed HR I was interested in ICU and waiting to hear from another hospital and wanted more time for their offer. They gave me 12 hours to call back so I just declined. They called a week later for another offer, and I told them I was still waiting on this ICU position, and they agreed to wait. I wasn't offered ICU, accepted with my hospital, and then 2 days later was called back and offered ICU. I called our HR dept and declined and the lady was SOOOO rude. I felt awful, but she knew this is what I wanted.

I've now been offered my DREAM job in the ICU by ANOTHER hospital that has better pay, better hours, and better benefits. How do I call this other hospital to decline yet another offer? I feel like I'm burning bridges all over town, but I never thought I'd get my dream job at such a prestigious hospital! I want to tell them I'm moving out of the area because the last HR person scarred me.

What should I do?

[missladyrn]

Part of being an adult is having the difficult conversations in a professional way. Make sure you have the other offer and it is solid, then call and apologize, don't waste anymore of their time. Do not drag it out for weeks. And yes, you are burning bridges and these places may not hire you in the future. You know what you have to do, now do it do they can offer the job to someone else who is waiting to hear from them.

[Enthused RN, BSN, RN]

Solid advice missladyrn.

If I was in your position, OP, I would do exactly what missladyrn says ... but it sounds like you already did it for the most part. Don't feel bad about it for too long. You do need to look out for #1 (yourself). The hospital you declined the offer will find someone else; there are many new grads out there waiting for that spot.

Congrats and good luck with your new position.

[fashionistaRN]

Best advice was given from missladyrn, so please take heed. I just want to say, I wish I was in your position one year ago! Three offers without graduating or passing boards yet AND accepted your #1 choice at a great hospital! You are very bless! Be appreciative of this. Many, many new and new/old grads would give up almost everything to be in your position! Good luck!