which to choose???

Nurses Job Hunt

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Hi All,

I've been on this site for months reading everyones inspiring (and depressing) words on find your first job. After months and hundreds of applications later, I too finally got "the call". But here's my dilemma: I have 2 job offers: One is my dream job in the NICU but it is in North Dakota, or a RN at a local laser removal company here in California. I wouldn't mind the laser hair removal place - it pays $35 an hour plus commission and I can stay in sunny california with my family and friends...but it is not really what I want to do. Or I can move to Bum F*** Egypt, have to figure out housing (which they are short on), find a daycare center for my son, no family, and only make $21.00. I know I am not in this profession for the money, but hey we all have to live! So if you were in my shoes...what to do now?

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

I would probably choose the NICU job and it is NOT because I would like that field. I have no interest in it, however, even if you don't stay forever up on the frozen tundra that is ND... it is an actual nursing job that is respected in the field, if you so chose to return to sunny CA or anywhere else in the country and get your actual dream location to go with the dream job, your NICU experience will get more doors to open for you in the future that will pay way more too.

I don't blame you for being torn on this one... I have heard of the shortages of housing up there and the low pay doesn't seem to competitive... however... does zapping body hair sound like a dream job?

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The choice is really up to you but I would consider the nicu job if it is really your dream and where you think you would be happiest. That is an area that is hard to come by especially for a new grad. It all depends on I think how reliant you are in your family and if you think moving will work in your current situation.

I would also like to say that you can't compare the two salaries really. Yes $21 is a lot farther away from $35 but you have to think about cost of living in the area where the job is. Obviously California has a high cost of living. I don't know anything about north Dakota but I imagine it is much cheaper to live there so therefore the pay reflects that. You just need to weigh the pros and cons. Good luck.

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

Not cheaper to live there because they don't have much housing because of the oil boom up there the owners of what is available are price gouging shanty towns. I looked on craigslist and a few places after you mentioned the housing since I have seen quite a few people mention that ND was hiring new grads a lot.

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