Help! Can't Decide Between 2 Job Offers

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

I graduated last year but have not had good luck findinga RN New Grad Residency position. Now, I have 2 options: (1) Go a well known out of state RN new grad program for $24 per hour or (2) Stay in California, work in SNF as part-time (no full time work) for 16-24 hours per week ($32 per hour) for 3 months, later land in a new grad program in August (I got an offer).

The out of state work is in general medicine unit. The CA programis step down unit. I am scared if step-down unit will be hard?

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Dear Has Two Offers,

Congrats on having two offers!

You say the out of state program is well-known, by that do you mean reputable? If so, that's important. Reputable programs offer the support you need as a new nurse. Ask how long the residency program is, and how long you have a preceptor. It tips the scales if this is a well-known, prestigious organization, or a Magnet organization.

Is the CA new grad program equally reputable?

One advantage to the CA program is that you will only have 3 pts in SDU due to nurse-patient ratios. SDU patients are mostly stable, just intensive with high acuity and multiple interventions. You may find SDU more manageable than 5-6 patients on a Med-Surg unit.

As far as the money goes, $24 per hour goes a lot further in some states than others :). Look at the cost of living.

You are fortunate to have 2 offers. Also factor in how you feel about re-locating- for you, it might be a fun adventure, or it might be a painful seperation from friends and family.

Only you can weigh in those intangibles. Best wishes in your decision and your new career.

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!

[marable]

For me , I would take the position where I could learn the most....In my opinion for what it is worth , you would probably not learn as much on a SNF unit ....The more you learn , the more comfortable you will become in your career as a nurse....Good luck to you ....Vivian