Two offers, one hard choice. HELP!

Nurses Job Hunt

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So I just graduated two weeks ago and am so thrilled to have been offered two RN positions at amazing hospitals. I know I'm so lucky to have such a decision to make, but I am really struggling with my choices. Overall, my goal is to be happy and I believe that each one has potential to do so, but for different reasons.

I always wanted to work at Hosp 1 but I was offered Hosp 2 months before 1 even offered me an interview and by that time, I was totally comfortable/excited to make the move. The pay isn't great, but the cost of living is also low. I more so am thinking about how fun of a place it would to start my young adult life! I'm single without kids, so this is a time to move somewhere for me. Another thing, one of my good nursing friends got a job in Hosp 2 too and we would live together there with a couple girls from other schools! It is also ranked on of the friendliest cities in America and there's nothing I want more than friendliness when I begin my new chapter! I want to be welcomed with open arms and a good time which is exactly what 2 would offer me. Also, not to mention that 2 is an awesome hospital and would be a huge asset to my resume and experience. The benefits aren't bad either. Plus, I plan to go back to school and 2 would pay 70% of my tuition. This would be a good career move as well a personal move.

That being said, I now have just received an offer at 1 literally the best hospital in America. The pay would be $20,000 MORE than 2 and the benefits are amazing. 1 would pay for $15,000 of my further education and relocation fees. Starting my career at such a prestigious hospital would make my resume look amazing for life. I would be working with the best of the best and gain so much experience. The only thing about 1 is its location. I spent a few days in that city and I hated it. It was dirty and I felt completely unsafe while walking in broad daylight. I couldn't walk two blocks without at least 5 people asking me for spare change. I felt like I stuck out like a sore thumb everywhere and I did not enjoy that feeling. I definitely feel like I would be a target for crime in the future. 1 also does not help new grads with finding housing or roommates which would leave me searching for places alone. However, when I stepped foot inside 1, I loved it. I know I don't have to live in that city, but as a new grad, I want to be somewhere fun, safe, and close to work. I would have to give up one or two of those regardless of whether I live inside or outside That city whereas With 2 I could enjoy all of it without stressing about safety. 1 would be an excellent career move, and a so/so personal move.

There are many more pros and cons about each place including taxes, etc. which I won't mention because this is a novel already. But can someone PLEASE help me!

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Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.

I went to nursing school in baltimore, and I did clinical at Hopkins. It is a good hospital, but the area leaves a lot to be desired. Also, the cost of living is sky high in this area too, so don't be swayed by the higher salary lol. My vote is going to !

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Which units and shifts have you been offered?

Baltimore is not a particularly safe city, but there are areas in the city that are safer than others, such as Canton, Federal Hill, and Roland Park and Mt. Washington if you go a little farther away from Downtown.

Many people who work in Baltimore commute to Baltimore. Baltimore County, which surrounds Baltimore, is relatively safe, crime free suburban and rural county. Some areas to look at outside of Baltimore, but close by: Towson, Pikesville, Ellicot City, and Glen Burnie. Hopkins makes you pay for parking.

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As a guy that lived in Glen Burnie and Odenton for 5 years i would suggest moving closer to hospital unless you don't mind sitting in traffic on 295 or 95 for extended periods of time.

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one would be telemetry and day shift, the other would be medicine (onc and geriatrics) most likely nights.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

It sounds to me as if your heart wants . Both are major, highly respected hospitals, so the career implications of the JHH name are virtually non-existent. Both offer good professional opportunities -- but one will offer you a better mental/emotional living situation. That's important to help get your career off to a good start.

Follow your heart and be happy.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

First, CONGRATS! That's wonderful that you got two job offers at such wonderful hospitals.

I agree with llg that your heart seems to be with . Right now with the start of your career, the unit is not the biggest of deals as long as you got your foot in the door to move and grow within the hospital, which you have done.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
It sounds to me as if your heart wants Vandy. Both are major, highly respected hospitals, so the career implications of the JHH name are virtually non-existent. Both offer good professional opportunities -- but one will offer you a better mental/emotional living situation. That's important to help get your career off to a good start.

Follow your heart and be happy.

This.

Go with . :up:

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

You don't have much that's good to say about Hopkins or Baltimore. So go to Nashville. Whichever position you take, you should stay at least two years, and it doesn't sound like you want to live in Baltimore at all.

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Agree with all the other posters. I'm from Louisville and I'll tell you that Nashville is amazing. I just started over as a young, single person in Charleston, and I'm happy I decided to move for lifestyle. You sound a lot like me. I also went to a city I didn't love for a prestigious job, hated the city, never felt at home, and lasted a year. BLAH. Oh yes, and I feel the same way about Baltimore as you do. Barf.

Be happy outside of work. You will probably be working 3 12's too, correct? So do you want your four days off to spend in a town you like, or a town you don't feel at home in? ;)

Also, Hopkins is amazing, but you don't want a job where people buy into names anyways. You will get hired where you want to be in the future because you are intelligent and compassionate. Trust me when I say names from schools or hospitals don't make or break it in nursing. It's a sincere field where people want those who are caring and a good fit...not because they came from a fancy hospital (but you're right, it doesn't hurt).

Nashville or bust! And go to the Kentucky Derby one year ;)

Seriously though, all the best in your future. You sound like you're going to be great wherever.

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Hey everyone! Thanks for all of your input! I still am trying to figure things out, but in the mean time have planned a trip to both Baltimore and Nashville! Hopefully these trips will help with my decision. I've never been to Nashville and know that I need to see it before I choose it and I also can't help but think that I may not have given Baltimore a fair chance by only seeing the crappy areas. I'll keep you all posted about my final choice, if I ever make one!!!!!! :up:

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Moved to Nursing First Job Hunt Assistance Best wishes for making a decision that fits you. Remember to trust your gut..along with the heart.

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