How to Choose Facilities?

[Idiosyncratic, BSN, RN]

Hey Everyone,

I just recently got three offers for very different facilities and I'm wondering what is your biggest thing to focus on when it comes to making a decision? I've tentatively made a decision but I don't know if it's a good choice. I am PP trained but not Labor. 

One of the facilities is a county hospital, pays OK, has a mandated retirement(12.22% - is employer matched), diverse populace(sees refugees, inmates, teens, etc), is a teaching hospital, has no call schedule, and does about 1500-2000 deliveries a year. It's also a 40-50 minute drive and has a Level III NICU onsite. Only thing, not the best area given it's downtown. Would solely be L&D, can cross-train if wanted but not necessary.

Second facility is 2.5 hours away, pays decent, offering 12500 sign-on bonus over 2 years, has not been able to keep directors(the current one that interviewed me hasn't been there for a month yet) so she says culture isn't the best, I wouldn't live here(very poor area), has a call scheduled(one 12 hour and one 6 hour shift in a 4-week block), but does 1800-2400 deliveries a year. Also has a level II NICU. Would solely be L&D with periodic floating/cross training.

Third facility is 1.5 hours away, pays alright(lowest of the 3), offering 2500 relocation bonus given on first check, is an LDRP model(but you are allowed to "specialize"), uses a laborist model, has no call schedule, moving here would be super difficult because it's a desired area, they also have SIM dummies for training, they just got bought out by Dignity Health but they do only about 900-1100 deliveries a year. They have a Level II Continuing Care Nursery.

SORRY FOR THE BOOK! Thanks to anyone who read the whole thing. My question is, as a new to service nurse in labor and delivery with postpartum experience at a very fast-paced hospital - does the number of deliveries matter when it comes down to it? Should I be taking the higher delivery locations as opposed to lower? Or will it be alright? Is there anything else I need to consider?

[LibraSunCNM, BSN, MSN, CNM]

I would take job #1 because the retirement plan sounds great and the commutes for the other jobs are insane.  I don't think you need to worry about the number of deliveries, you'll get varied experiences no matter where you go.  At the slower facilities, you'll have more autonomy, and at the busier facility, you'll get more volume in your experiences.

[Idiosyncratic, BSN, RN]

5 hours ago, LibraSunCNM said:

I would take job #1 because the retirement plan sounds great and the commutes for the other jobs are insane.  I don't think you need to worry about the number of deliveries, you'll get varied experiences no matter where you go.  At the slower facilities, you'll have more autonomy, and at the busier facility, you'll get more volume in your experiences.

Thank you. I had tentatively accepted the slower hospital, but I was worried the commute would burn me over time. Since I do want to travel nurse(many many many years down the road), the volume of experiences is more aligned with my long term goals. I appreciate the advice!

[klone, MSN, RN]

I'm unclear which one you chose - 1, 2, or 3? If it's 3 (the one with the lower volume) how are you going to manage that commute?

[Idiosyncratic, BSN, RN]

4 minutes ago, klone said:

I'm unclear which one you chose - 1, 2, or 3? If it's 3 (the one with the lower volume) how are you going to manage that commute?

I chose the first one with the retirement. I had initially(before the first one got back to me) tentatively accepted the lower volume one. However, I rescinded my tentative acceptance given a much closer location offered me a position. Thankfully they understand. 
 

So I’m filling out my information for the first one, have my new hire appointment on Wednesday and start 10/18 ?