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?
Yeah, I'd go with #2 as well if I could afford it. I had 12 weeks of orientation, but the 1st many weeks were classes and field days. I had like 6-8 weeks of floor orientation. It was enough I think, and I still ask PLENTY of questions
Hospital 2 is conducive to growth- they'll pay for your masters! That's huge. It's definitely more promising now and in the long term.
Seems both hospitals will be a good challenge though. Follow your gut feeling. Just because you get a job somewhere doesn't mean that's where you have to stay forever. =)
I agree with everyone else -- I would choose Hospital 2. I only had 5 weeks of training at my first nursing job and, although it was hard transitioning to being on my own, I managed. Low turnover suggests that they have a better work environment, which is HUGE -- there was low turnover at my first job, with some nurses who had been there 30+ years. And I can understand why -- it was a great place to work!
Sl1011
402 Posts
Yeah, I'd go with #2 as well if I could afford it. I had 12 weeks of orientation, but the 1st many weeks were classes and field days. I had like 6-8 weeks of floor orientation. It was enough I think, and I still ask PLENTY of questions