Which hospital to choose?

[mizznurse]

Hi all,

Background: im an ICU nurse w/ 2 year experience. i worked in a 12 bed icu mixed MICU and SICU. Opportunity has come up that applied and got offered jobs at 2 hospitals:

Option 1:

-level 2 trauma center

-mixed ICU as well (cardio, ms, trauma)

-private hospital

-considered to be in the less fortunate population area (not that i have a problem w/ this. i am working in one right now)

-bay area hospital (higher pay but higher cost of living as well)

-closer to relatives

-provided relocation assistance

Option 2

-big university medical center

-level 1 trauma center

-a specialty unit NEURO SURGICAL ICU (love neuro patients but dont know how im gonna be able to deal w/ the same patient population every day)

-teaching hospital

-opportunities for continuing education (they give discounts for employees)

-not bay area

-provide critical care classes

-better benefits (retirement, holiday pays)

Help me decide. For both hospitals, i will be relocating. I live in central CA and both hospitals are in Nothern CA. I am so torn.

[littlehoneybee]

I would decide what is most important to me. Is being close to family the most important thing, money etc? For me, I would go with option 2. I appreciate the support of continuing education and better benefits. I also like teaching hospitals because I think you see and learn more. As far dealing with the same patient population every day, I would give it at least a year and then see about transferring into another department if you really feel that you need a change. I worked at a huge teaching hospital and it was easy for nurses to make contacts and transfer to another unit if they felt burned out or bored.