Advice: first GN job

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Specializes in ED, trauma.

I have a verbal offer (pending paperwork, etc) for a job about an hour away from where I currently live. Pay is decent, differential amazing. I'd be making low $20's plus $12-15/hr in differentials (almost $40/hr) as a new grad in one of those low paying Southern states.

The ratio is high (7-8, sometimes 10 if short staffed), which seems unsafe. They have high nurse turnover and a lot of frequent changes in management and staff. My preceptor would only have about 1 yr experience, because no one stays more than 2 years. It's a med surg unit. There is no formal new grad program. Orientation is 12 weeks, fly by the seat of your pants and "keep patients happy" - no joke, that's what was said. The interviewers asked no questions, very much "when can you start?" and "don't plan any vacations for 12 weeks".

Now here's the dilemma...

I've been offered an interview with strong chances of an offer. It's for a VERY prestigious hospital (one of those instantly recognizable names that could potentially lead anywhere you want to go later in a career when it's on your résumé). They are out of state. They know I'm an out of state candidate and recruitment says I'm the only out of state candidate. We're scheduling the interview now.

This job is better than any dream job. This is a job I never thought was even possible for little ole new grad nurse me. The issue? Pay is low. Still a southern state, but were talking maybe low $20's even with differential no more than $30/hr.

The job is very critical care based, with a formal new grad program at a renowned teaching hospital.

Cost of living is about the same in both places. But since I would be commuting if I stated locally and continuing to live at home with my parents versus moving out of state and renting.

Should I still go to the out of state interview?

Am I crazy to be even pursuing this job?

I have not started the endorsement process yet, so traveling there would be my first expense incurred for this state. If offered the job I would endorse (non compact states) at that time and obtain a temp license.

I have loans. I have sick family members. Am I being stupid to pursue this?

I guess I just need to know I'm not crazy for pursuing this dream. Is it okay to sacrifice pay for a dream job? I feel like the first job is offering high differential because the ratios are crazy and there isn't any help on the unit. Honestly, there was no tour of the unit, no discussion about anything except that they were glad I had work history. Very much felt like they were looking for a "warm body" just to have a nurse there. Interview barely lasted 10 minutes.

Sorry for rambling. I'm just so scared to miss out on something.

For that covered first new grad job - do you pursue your dream or take what is offered?

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Specializes in ED, trauma.

Also - I'd like to point out that I am very grateful to even have one hospital offer, much less a possible second offer from a prestigious hospital. I know that times are hard for new grads right now, and I have been soon everything I can to show my commitment to this profession, and I finally feel like I'm seeing the benefits.

Thank you to anyone who takes the time to read this and offer some advice! :)

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Take a chance on the awesome hospital! You probably wouldn't be staying at the other hospital for more than a year and this awesome opportunity may not be there in a year. New grad pay is going to be pretty low no matter where you go, but I'm sure that you would be eligible for a raise quite quickly. Go for it! Good luck!

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

The first hospital sounds so bad that I would stay away no matter what they paid me. It sounds like professional suicide. Getting your career off to such a bad start could be a disaster from which you might never fully recover. The quality of the job is INFINITELY more important than a few bucks at this point of your career.

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Specializes in ED, trauma.
The first hospital sounds so bad that I would stay away no matter what they paid me. It sounds like professional suicide. Getting your career off to such a bad start could be a disaster from which you might never fully recover. The quality of the job is INFINITELY more important than a few bucks at this point of your career.

Thank you. I felt selfish for wanting to pursue the prestigious job when I have loans, sick family, etc.

I know this job will be GREAT for my résumé and great to start my career with - that's what I need to remember.

I've accepted the job at hospital #1 pending paperwork, because its the only offer right now. Hoping the prestigious hospital works quickly and I can get a response before starting with hospital #1.

Thank you for your perspective. It's hard to find clarity sometimes.

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Specializes in ED, trauma.
Take a chance on the awesome hospital! You probably wouldn't be staying at the other hospital for more than a year and this awesome opportunity may not be there in a year. New grad pay is going to be pretty low no matter where you go but I'm sure that you would be eligible for a raise quite quickly. Go for it! Good luck![/quote']

That's very true. The prestigious hospital posts GN jobs every month, but who's to say THIS job would come around again. Makes sense. I will at least interview and pray they respond quickly! (Especially before I start at hospital #1)

Thank you!!! :)

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What state do you live in? I might want to move to take on the job you aren't wanting because it's waaaay too hard to find new grad stuff in California.

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Specializes in ED, trauma.
What state do you live in? I might want to move to take on the job you aren't wanting because it's waaaay too hard to find new grad stuff in California.

The first hospital is in Florida, the second is in North Carolina.

Both ask questions about support systems and advised on penalties for leaving because of being "homesick" but luckily my family is moving with me wherever I go, so that's not an issue for me. :)

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Specializes in ED, trauma.
What state do you live in? I might want to move to take on the job you aren't wanting because it's waaaay too hard to find new grad stuff in California.

First hospital also doesn't have a "new grad" program. You basically just try to figure it out over 12 weeks or get fired. No wonder pay is attractive. They have to have some incentives. Lol

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