by NurseDevonL

Updated Oct 20, 2009 at 10:54 AM by NurseDevonL

Oh man, its either feast or famine I guess!
After about 8 months of trying to get my dream job in NICU (about 3-4 of them searching out of state) I decided my last 2 job prospects would be "last call" and if they didnt turn out I would settle for med-surg or LTC close to home.
Suprisingly both interviews went VERY well!! Job #1 I flew out for, and yesterday evening i cam home and heard a message on my machine from them (i have not called back yet), usually phone means good news right? I felt like I landed the job!
I drove 6.5 hours yesterday to an interview in another state for job #2. That also went really well and I feel i have an excellent chance of landing it!

Im so confused!! I I know the climate for jobs is so rocky right now, Im afraid to ask for 48 hours to consider the job offer if job #1 indeed offers me it over the phone. However i feel job #2 is a better opportunity. I am unsure how to handle the situation, I asked when job #2 will decide and the manager said she still has a couple of interviews (multiple positions) but she is going to call HR and have them check my references, which to me means shes very interested in hiring me!!

Job #1: More of a community hospital, but BEAUTIFUL NICU, small though and a level 3A. Magnet hospital, I would be cross trained to mom-baby. I feel that it may be the more comfy of the 2 jobs, and also maybe a better pace for a new grad like myself to gain confidence. The staff was very friendly and i felt like I would fit in really well. However census in NICU DROPS sometimes and I think i may be working mom-baby alot. It is a more rural community...not exactly my ideal style.

Job#2: Level 3b NICU in a University hospital, also Magnet status. Large NICU that handles all things but ECMO. They are used to training new nurses and I feel I may learn more. This hospital is also a better drive to come home for vacations, and the town is more my style.

I dont want to burn bridges with Job #1, but if offered #2.. I think it is the better choice for me. Any advice?

Re: May have 2 job offers, please help!! :(

Definitely ask for a day or two to consider the offer. I don't think they will fault you for that, and most likely will expect it. It sounds like Job#2 would be a great learning environment for you.

It's definitely not unreasonable, and I doubt it would be considered burning bridges. Burning bridges is saying something like, "I'm waiting to hear back from a waaaaaay better job opportunity, so I'm gonna have to get back to ya *smacks gum*".

Good luck!

Re: May have 2 job offers, please help!! :(

Yeah, I took about a month to make my decision : ) You shouldn't worry about asking them for at least two days!

Re: May have 2 job offers, please help!! :(

I personally would call find out the details of the offer. Did the recruiter call you back...I think they are used to people thinking about things.

Once you have the offer you can call number 2 and tell them you got an offer but really want to work with them and see where you stand.

Re: May have 2 job offers, please help!! :(

Update: Job #2 called and offered me a position! Im pretty sure thats the job I am gonna take but I have to admit I am still a bit torn and waffling between the two...I need to let #2 know by tommorow!

Re: May have 2 job offers, please help!! :(

It sounds like you are leaning toward #2. You will learn more and be more valuable in the NICU field if you ever need to move to a different area. And you said you like the town better while it is a closer drive to "home." And there will be less floating... always a plus.

Re: May have 2 job offers, please help!! :(

UPDATE:

I got offered both jobs, and accepted job #2!

I start Novemeber 30th in the Level III NICU at West Virginia University Hospital! I get 12-16 weeks of orientation and I am also in their RN Transitions program! I am very excited not only about the job but about moving out into a new town and starting my life!!! I am so happy that I did not give up on my dream like people told me to, and that at times I was tempted to do, because it paid off and now I am a future NICU Nurse!

I have started a blog that I am going to keep regarding the move and my experiences as a new NICU nurse, I think that will help keep me sane through the inter-state move, and while trying to learn to be a new RN!

<3 Devon

Re: May have 2 job offers, please help!! :(

Congratulations!!!