Conflicted about interview with fancy hospital

[lisa333]

Hi all,Well, after applying for hundreds of jobs, I never thought I'd find myself trying to choose between two hospitals!A little background- a year after passing the NCLEX, I took a job at an outpatient clinic. I stayed there for a year, but still dreamed of a hospital position where I could work with more complex patients and learn as much as possible.Last month, I accepted a position on the Long Term Acute Care unit of a small community hospital. I was initially concerned about the bare-bones orientation, but knew I had to get out of the clinic setting. After being in the LTAC for a month, I'm really loving it! I love the 12-hour shifts (my boyfriend lives 2 hours away, and we finally have the chance to spend 3-4 days together every week!) I love the family-like atmosphere, and the relatively stable yet extremely medically complex patients. It's a wonderfully supportive learning environment.Everything was going great until I got a call this morning from a very prestigious, massive urban hospital, offering me an interview. A month ago, I would have said this hospital was my dream job, but now I'm not so sure. The 8-hour shifts would mean less time with my boyfriend, and I'm enjoying my new job so much, I'm really conflicted about changing.I scheduled an interview (mostly so I could have time to think things over.) Everyone says I'd be crazy not to take an offer from the prestigious hospital- I'd get an extensive orientation, the pay would be better, there's state-of-the-art everything (compared to the small hospital's handwritten charting), and what a career move for my resume!Obviously I don't have an offer yet, but I'd like to have some vague idea of how I would respond to one.Anyone go through a similar decision? Any advice?Thanks,Lisa

[Dixielee, BSN, RN]

If you are happy where you are and the situation works for you, then why rock the boat? That fancy hospital will always be there and there are always opportunities to change your focus later. I have worked at large teaching hospitals and small community hospitals and they all have their pros and cons. Bigger is not always better....but sometimes it is :)

I say, If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

if you're happy, stay where you are. the big hospital will always be there, and it's been my experience that they're always hiring. we can't keep our big, prestigious icu staffed!

[frodo-dog]

Its only an interview. You may or may not get the job, so if you went for the interview, the decision may be made for you.

Also, you may get there and either love the place based on the interview or hate it and realize that you really do love where you are at.

Either way, good idea to stick with the interview so that you really do have all the information that you need to make an informed decision both at this point in time and in the future.

[Enthused RN, BSN, RN]

Just a thought - if things are really that serious with your BF and you DO get the job, maybe he can move closer to you? I get the sense that it is the work-life balance that appeals to you but you are interested in working with higher acuity patients. If you feel ready, you should think about taking both your professional and personal life to the next level.

[Enthused RN, BSN, RN]

BTW, don't feel the need to respond with details of your personal life on here if you don't want to :)

[meluvsquki]

I say stay where you are most happy! Once you build experience there will be more opportunities.

[Enthused RN, BSN, RN]

Dixielee, what did you end up deciding to do?