Please Help! Which job would you choose?!

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Cardiac.

so, in this horrible economy i have been blessed enough to have been offered 2 positions. i feel very fortunate!

here's the problem (if you want to consider it a problem): both hospitals are great hospitals.

hospital a:

-very prestigous hospital

-great benefits

-the position is my preferred unit (cardiac stepdown); great cardiac program

-orientation is 8-12 wks (1:1 with preceptor); will take an ekg course and one or two other cardiac-related classes as part of orientation

-$7500 per yr towards a graduate degree (tuition reimbursement is very important to me)

-40% of the unit is staffed with new nurses

-$1200 relocation assistance

-because this is a prestigous hospital, i heard from several people that the environment can be very competitive (i can see this as being a strong motivator and also a distractor)

-this hospital cares for the sickest of the sick. i'll receive great experience here and this hospital will look great on my resume.

hospital b:

-not nearly as prestigious as hospital a but still has a very good reputation and a very good cardiac program; large teaching hospital, affiliated with a university

-this position is also my preferred unit (cardiac stepdown)

-wonderful benefits

-100% tuition reimbursement for a masters/doctorate

-16 wks in a internship program (working 1:1 with preceptor); residency program lasts for one yr (includes additional educational courses regarding use of the equipment, cardiac classes, and other professional development classes)---i love, love, love the fact that this hospital offers so much support to its new nurses through an internship/residency program

-the environment seemed very welcoming but i really haven't rec'd much feedback about this

-better pay than hospital a

if you're still reading this, thank you!!!

so, given this information, which would you choose?

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so, in this horrible economy i have been blessed enough to have been offered 2 positions. i feel very fortunate!

here's the problem (if you want to consider it a problem): both hospitals are great hospitals.

hospital a:

-very prestigous hospital

-great benefits

-the position is my preferred unit (cardiac stepdown); great cardiac program

-orientation is 8-12 wks (1:1 with preceptor); will take an ekg course and one or two other cardiac-related classes as part of orientation

-$7500 per yr towards a graduate degree (tuition reimbursement is very important to me)

-40% of the unit is staffed with new nurses

-$1200 relocation assistance

-because this is a prestigous hospital, i heard from several people that the environment can be very competitive (i can see this as being a strong motivator and also a distractor)

-this hospital cares for the sickest of the sick. i'll receive great experience here and this hospital will look great on my resume.

hospital b:

-not nearly as prestigious as hospital a but still has a very good reputation and a very good cardiac program; large teaching hospital, affiliated with a university

-this position is also my preferred unit (cardiac stepdown)

-wonderful benefits

-100% tuition reimbursement for a masters/doctorate

-16 wks in a internship program (working 1:1 with preceptor); residency program lasts for one yr (includes additional educational courses regarding use of the equipment, cardiac classes, and other professional development classes)---i love, love, love the fact that this hospital offers so much support to its new nurses through an internship/residency program

-the environment seemed very welcoming but i really haven't rec'd much feedback about this

-better pay than hospital a

if you're still reading this, thank you!!!

so, given this information, which would you choose?

go with hospital b

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I'd go with hospital B-better tuition reimbursement, year of residency, better pay, affiliated with a university-kudos if you go back for MSN or Phd.

otessa

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Specializes in Cardiac.
GO WITH HOSPITAL B

Any particular reason why you think I should choose Hospital B?

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

why are you working? money. Hosp. B

What is important to you besides money? Tuition. Hosp. B

All the rest seemed about even. Be aware that "prestigious" can mean they spend more on marketing. It may not be a reflection of quality of care.

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I'd go with Hospital B because what matters is YOUR experience and what YOU learn. It sounds as though Hospital A sounds good, but what you want is solid learning experiences for you in a learning-conducive environment. A competitive environment as a new nurse doesn't sound very helpful. You might be able to put down on paper (your resume) a nice-looking name, but you want substance under all that. Congratulations!

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I would give up my 1 yr of experience if i get an opportunity as hospital B,

reasons

- great way to gain experience on the floor if you are a new nurse like me with not much prior hospital experience other than your clinicals

-Love that 1 year residency program, you will get to know the hospital better (not just the floor you work on) I think it gives one a broader picture.

-Tuition reimbursement 100% woaahh.... ( I can even cut down my hours at work if i go back to school, and still feel I am not losing much money).

-It will keep you close to your academic pursuit when you are in a teaching hospital (my opinion)

-Pay is better..

Why not to go with Hospital A

- If you are a new nurse you need all the support esp when you are in such acute floor

- You will be further from the Academia (student culture)

- Pay not so great

- You have to jump in with all you got ( a lot of pressure )

Just my thoughts

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B is a better opportunity at the moment. The teaching they are are offering you and the 100% tuition reimbursement cant be beat!

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I'd also go with Hospital B, particularly because you said that you got a good feeling about the unit. Those instincts are usually right, and the environment you learn in makes a big difference in how you start off your new career.

The higher salary and better tuition reimbursement are both great too. It sounds like the only thing that's really making you consider Hospital A are its prestige and patient acuity. These things are nice, but for me, they wouldn't be enough to push it over the edge.

Don't forget to let us know which one you choose!

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Hospital B seems better to me .

Beware of the prestigious hospital label, I have a friend that works at the no 1 hospital on the top 100 hospitals list and she doesnt like it. I worked at a hospital that didnt make the list and yep i loved working there. The name doesnt always translate into top working environment for nurses. Is the prestige for patients, doctors or the nurses? Have you spoken with any of the nurses that work there to get a feel?

You mention taking care of the sickest patients in hosp A, this means your workload would be more there, for example 4 pts at hospital A will be more than the 4pts at hospital B.

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Specializes in Cardiac.

I really appreciate all of your replies! I've never been in a position where I've had to choose between two great opportunities...and as a new nurse I want to be 100% certain (or as close to it as I can be) that I'm making the right decision for myself and my future.

Your replies have reiterated what I think is the best choice, also.

Thanks guys!

More replies are welcomed

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I think you should pick Hospital B because the other hospital may be known for its prestigous appearance, but that does not directly relate to nurses. Many prestigous hospital obtain there status because of the fancy facililty, skilled doctors, and technology. I think the other hospital stand behind their nurses by offering more training etc... which signifies that there main goal is to have skilled medical professional ready to offered excellent patient care.

You said Hospital A will look good on resume, but I think the skills and training obtained at H-B will make you more marketable.

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