Hopefully 2 job offers, how to decide

[jitterbugg]

So I have two second interviews in the next two weeks, at different hospitals both in the field I want to go in. If by some chance I get offered both of the jobs, what are some good factors to help me decide which one to choose? They are both the same distance from my house (2 hours), one is through a large organization the other a smaller community based hospital. Both managers are approachable and have encouraged educational growth.

So if the first - second interview, offers I will say YES - BUT what if the second place also offers? Is it rude to start orientation at the first place and then leave? But, honestly I don't know which place is better to work for.

[elljayo]

yes, it will **** them off. but it will **** them off a lot less if you leave during orientation than if you leave after you've been assigned. i know burning bridges is bad and truth is i don't know how tight your medical community is and whether bad blood will follow you, but IMO after 20 years in the business world, trust me, they put their best interests before yours - you have to do whats best for you. if the 2nd offer is significantly better, if it was me, i'd probably take it. if you like the orientation and you aren't sure, you are probably better off staying with your first choice. sometimes it's just hard to make those commitments, but you can't keep all your options open forever and expect to get anywhere.

[jitterbugg]

Thanks elljayo that helped calm my nerves a bit. :)

[elljayo]

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

The key here is to not accept a position as soon as it's offered. Say you go to interview 1 and are offered the job. Say, "Thank you so much. I'd like to take a few days to think it over and I will get back to you." Then you have some time to wait and hear from interview 2. I actually think it's more professional to wait a few days, because it shows you are concerned about making an informed choice.

Other things that would affect my decision are:

Benefits package- Are you offered health insurance? What is the cost of the plan?

Pay scale- Salary isn't everything, but is there a significant difference?

Opportunity for career advancement- Is there tuition assistance for continuing education? A career ladder program? What facility will give you the best opportunity for learning?

Good luck! Two interviews is quite an accomplishment.

Ashley

[jitterbugg]

Thanks for the info/questions Ashley. I will ask those questions!

[NuBeeT]

I had a similar situation. I landed a job at a small community hsp that had no new grad training program but had good benefits & stable hours. The second offer came 2 months after I started the first. This was my dream job in a trauma center in Los Angeles had a new grad training program and the pay was better but no benefits and had 8 hr night shifts 5 times a week. I decided to take the dream job because I felt the experience is priceless and I can find a job with the same stability the first job had after getting my 1 yr experience from this place. It's not about pleasing people..... It's about the patients and u not poising that license. I want the best experience and education so that patients under my care are safe and that I'm safe. I hope that you find happiness either way you go. Good luck and wish ya the best!