Deciding on my first Nursing Job

[NurseNancy88]

I just graduated in May and got two job offers and wanted some input as to what to consider as I make my choice. I'm going to list pros and cons of each and hope for some guidance as to which route I should go! Any input is appreciated!

Hospital 1:

-full time position + benefits

- pay: $26.64/hr (haven't told me what the shift differential is yet)

- type of unit: floating back and forth between pediatrics + med/surg floor

- residency program

- 6 minutes away from my house

- high turn-over rate = lower job satisfaction

Hospital 2:

- prestigious hospital

- part time position + benefits (they told me they will work on getting me on full-time, but no guarantee)

- pay: $27.64/hr + $3.50 for night shifts and weekends

- type of unit: post-surgical

- lower turnover rate = higher job satisfaction

- partial tuition re-imbursement for master's programs (very interested!)

- 15 minute drive from my house

- 8 weeks of training (less than hospital 1)

I think they are both great options and I wish I could take both. A long term goal of mine is to be a family nurse practictioner, which makes me inclined to go with Hospital 1, but I want to start somewhere I will be a long time, and Hospital 2 seems to invest more in their employees. I'm stuck!! Are there any other factors I should be considering?

[BloodyMedic]

You know, they both sound very promising. I think if you're willing to roll the dice on yourself and do a really good job, Hospital 2 would probably find a way to get you on full time pretty quick.

[Genista, BSN, RN]

I would also go with hospital #2. If you can afford the part time status for now, it seems to offer you more. Low turnover is a very good sign. Good luck!!

[NurseNancy88]

Thanks for the input! My concern is recieving less training at hospital 2 just because I missed their deadline for a residency program I think, but it's an exceptional hospital, but then again I don't want to just go with that because of the "status" of working there if hospital 1 would make me less stressed out as a new grad. I'm stuck! I appreciate the feedback!

[NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN]

Hospital two. High turnover rates are red flags.

[strawberryluv, BSN, RN]

Hospital 2. If a hospital has a high turn-over rate there is something about how the hospital treats its employees that are making them leave.

[deemalt, BSN, RN]

An exceptional and prestigious hospital will be more likely to make sure that you get good training. A hospital w/ a high turnover rate will be more likely to push you to be on your own because they need nurses on the floor.

[NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN]

Hospital 2, 8 weeks is a decent amount of training. My guess is they would be more prone to give you additional training as needed. No hospital will expect you to stop asking questions at the 8 week mark, just be mostly functional by yourself.

The first hospital will probably throw you on the floor sooner than they say. Floating between two completely different units can be harder than most realize, they are two different specialties.

[<3 RN <3]

Congrats!!!

I agree with the red flag to a high turnover thing for sure...

Which specialty interests you more?

I also agree that #2 would more than likely be flexible with the 8 weeks, but could you ask anybody to be sure?

[ktliz]

Residency isn't always all its cracked up to be. I would take normal orientation in a supportive work environment over a residency in a crappy work environment.

You are so lucky to have 2 good job offers within 15 minutes of your house! You must live in a prime location.

[<3 RN <3]

You are so lucky to have 2 good job offers within 15 minutes of your house! You must live in a prime location.

True dat!

[KentechRN]

If I was in that position I would jump at Hospital 2. It just sounds like a much more fulfilling and supportive environment, at least on paper.