Choice Between Two Jobs Conundrum

[Elven_RN, ASN, RN]

Hey everyone!

I'm seeking advice on how to make a choice between two jobs, each with pros and cons.

I received my first hospital call back from a nurse recruiter who is going to forward my resume to managers on the units I applied to. Someone I know who interviewed at this hospital said it took awhile to get the call for an interview. It's not the greatest hospital and the pay isn't the best, but I would be grateful to get into a hospital and gain much needed experience!

I have an interview set up for next Monday for a busy medical office. The pay is great, though it's pretty far from me and it's 5 days a week. I would be getting this job as a temp-to-hire position through a staffing agency, so once accepted I would be expected to stay at this assignment.

My dilemma is that I do not want to accept the medical office job if I could potentially get the hospital position, especially if I am expected to stay under contract for months which would further limit my opportunities to get into hospitals.

I also don't want to not accept the medical office job if it turns out I never receive a call back from the hospital (probably unlikely - it sounds like they like to hire newer nurses).

It's difficult because I know if the medical office wants to hire me, I will most likely be expected to have an answer soon, giving me no room to wait for the hospital to call me back.

This is so hard!! I would very much appreciate advice and insight!

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

What is your goal? Do you currently have a job that pays the bills? Straight hire is a much better deal than contract.

"so once accepted I would be expected to stay at this assignment" Only if you signed a contract. A temp position could be perfect , while you wait out the hospital interviews and offers.

"I will most likely be expected to have an answer soon, giving me no room to wait for the hospital to call me back. " Not necessarily so. If they want you bad enough... you can buy plenty of time.

[Elven_RN, ASN, RN]

On 1/30/2020 at 5:23 PM, Been there,done that said:

What is your goal? Do you currently have a job that pays the bills? Straight hire is a much better deal than contract.

"so once accepted I would be expected to stay at this assignment" Only if you signed a contract. A temp position could be perfect , while you wait out the hospital interviews and offers.

"I will most likely be expected to have an answer soon, giving me no room to wait for the hospital to call me back. " Not necessarily so. If they want you bad enough... you can buy plenty of time.

Thanks for the advice! I am currently working, however, very much looking to get out of it, so trying to set up my next job! I agree that a straight hire is better than a contract. I also really don't like being bound to a contract for 6 months if it turns out to be terrible. The drive would also be about 2.5 hours round trip, 5 days a week...

You're right. Hopefully I can buy plenty of time. With staffing agencies, they are dependent on helping to get employees hired so that they can make money. I feel like they'll still be there later if I need them.