How to decline a job after accepting

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I'm currently trying to move over 400 miles to be closer to family. When I was home last week I interviewed for 6 positions over a week. One of the first positions offered me a job immediately and I agreed verbally. They didn't give me a lot of time to really think it through and I didn't want to not have a job. But I have not signed my offer (much to their annoyance) and the only thing I've completed is the option for my background check.

Flash forward to now, the job I really wanted with the critical care experience I wanted offered me a position. I told them I have accepted elsewhere and they told me to take a bit of time and let them know. They sent me all the information; the benefits are soooo much better.

I would be truly stupid to turn this job down. So how should I go about telling job A that I don't want the job now. I don't want to burn bridges. Job A is a sister hospital connected to an amazing hospital that I may want to work at in the future. Thanks in advance!

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You haven't signed anything. You are allowed to job hunt. Take the offer you want.

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Ive already decided which job I want. My question was how to turn down a job I accepted.

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You haven't signed yet so I think you are good as long as you are diplomatic about it. Personally I would approach it by thinking of some information I want about Job A that I haven't been told yet and calling to ask. Could be more information about benefits, scheduling, it doesn't really matter as long as it is information you would want to know before signing the offer paperwork. Its not likely that they gave you all necessary information at this first interview so this seems like a reasonable request. Then once you get the new information, follow up afterwards and let them know that after gathering more information you have found that this position is not a fit for your needs at this time. Tell them some positives you like about the organization and emphasize that this isn't a good fit for you right now because of XYZ but that you admire ABC about their work. Thank them for their time and wish them the best in finding the right candidate.

I would just caution you to get your desired offer from Job B in writing and sign the offer (or whatever their protocol for making it official) before declining Job A. You don't want to find yourself in a situation where something unexpected happens with Job B and you go from having two offers to none. Good luck!

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"Dear *****, thank you for your offer. I appreciate your time but I have decided to pursue another opportunity. Have a nice day"

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