HELP!! 1 job offer and another interview!!!

[vcu17]

I am currently a nursing student graduating this December. I applied at 2 different hospitals, VCU and UVA, but I have been leaning more towards UVA. Both are amazing hospitals to work for, and I'm finishing my degree at VCU so I am familiar with the hospital already. Well today I had an interview at VCU and was offered the job on the spot! The manager wasn't pushy about me making a decision quickly and said that an offer would be sent via email. Well after the interview, I received a call from HR asking about a decision (also not pushy), but that I needed to make a decision by Tuesday.

Well, I have an interview at UVA but it's scheduled in 2 weeks! When I interviewed on the unit at VCU, I really liked it and the staff was amazing. I know I would enjoy working there but I also don't want to miss out on the opportunity to even consider UVA. I also don't want to decline the offer at VCU and then not get offered a job at UVA. I have no idea what to do!! Should I accept the offer at VCU, still go to the interview at UVA and then subsequently retract my offer from VCU if I get into UVA? Or should I decline the offer at VCU and interview at UVA?

I feel like retracting my offer is unprofessional and leaves a bad impression, I'm very conflicted right now!! Any insight or other suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

[cleback]

If you think the first would be a good fit, then accept it. The saying is "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush." You could call the second hospital, explain you got an offer but would like to be considered for the job. Maybe they can move the interview sooner. But it will be doubtful that they could make a decision in three days.

What you don't want to do is cancel the interview with the second without an offer in writing from the first.

Good luck and congrats!

[vcu17]

Thanks for your response, cleback! VCU sent me a written offer via email about an hour after the interview, so there's that to think about. But I'll take what you said into consideration and call the second hospital! Maybe they'll be able to move the interview up, but like you said it's unlikely they'll make a decision that quick. If they can't make the decision quickly, I suppose I'll stick with VCU.

Also that quote is so spot on right now!

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

I agree that you should ask UVA to move up the interview. I would also ask VCU for more time to make a decision as long as you are specific about how much time you need.

Hospitals really should give prospective employees time to make a decision in order to reduce turnover.

I agree with you that accepting an offer and then bailing before you start is not how you want to start your career. But if they absolutely refuse to give you enough time to make an informed decision they are asking for that.