Help! Stuck between 2 job opportunities

Published Aug 15, 2015

10 Posts

Specializes in NICU.

Hi everyone! I'm super stressed out. I have been extended 2 new grad job offers (eye roll, what a problem right?), and can't decide which one would be best. I would very much any advice anyone has. I ultimately want to be a CRNA, so I guess I'm trying to figure out which position would best get me into a program for a Summer/ Fall 2018 start.

Job 1: ICU at the hospital I precepted in. I had an amazing experience at this hospital and learned so much. They gave me the offer right when I graduated in May, and I just about to start. I'll have 12 weeks of orientation and a 1 year new grad residency. I know a few staff members already, and everyone is incredibly nice and supportive. However, it's in a very very rural community in the northeastern US (I'm from the Southwest). I moved here alone and have been feeling so isolated. The housing market is terrible out here; very overpriced and old. Moreover, while the pay is great for the area, I have nearly $75,000 in loans from nursing school, and my salary doesn't allow me to pay off my loans at the rate I would like to. Finally, while I do think I would get good ICU experience here, I don't think it's going to be adequate to get into CRNA school. The hospital is a Level II Trauma Center, but any super high acuity patients get sent out to larger hospitals. I guess I'm just afraid that when I go to apply to other ICUs in a year (and CRNA school in 2 years) the reputation (or lack thereof) and location of the hospital are going to hurt me, or at least not help.

Job 2: Med-Surg/Tele at a very large Level I Trauma Center in a large metropolitan area. I went to nursing school in this city, so I have lots of friends in the area. I'd have 8 weeks of orientation and then be on my own. While it's not critical care, the Director who interviewed me was very impressed by my background and said that she would arrange for me to have various off- unit experiences in the MICU and CCU she also manages since she knows I'm interested in critical care. After 1 year in my current position, I'd be eligible to move into an ICU at this hospital (but nothing is guaranteed). I think I'm getting really hung up on the pay. It's literally DOUBLE Job Offer #1. Actually just slightly over double, and with great benefits. So I'd be able to afford the increased cost of living in this city, start paying off my loans pretty rapidly, and still have plenty of money for a social life and savings. However, the work environment will be rough. It will be 6-7 patients per shift, with lots of no nonsense, tough nurses as coworkers (definitely gives off the "nurses eat their young" vibe). It's also Med-Surg. While there's absolutely nothing wrong with Med-Surg, it's just not for me. During my school clinicals I always felt like I was running around like a chicken with my head cutoff and didn't have the time to actually learn and figure out what's going on with my patients. And, by the time I start this position, I'll be 8 weeks into orientation at Job #1, so I feel like I'll be taking a step back in terms of training. I'm just wondering if this job will afford me more opportunities in the future because the hospital's name and location?

I'm just so lost. Everyday that goes by I can think of a new reason why one is better than the other. I feel like no matter what decision I make, I'm going to regret it. Just need some advice on what's going to be best for my career. Thanks in advance for any help!