How to know what job to take?

[okikatt]

I have applied to several different jobs, LTC, assisted living, hospital, and clinical in the last couple of weeks. Today I interviewed at one with the ADON and have an interview with the DON tomorrow. I like the facility but they only pay $16 per hour and the hours are 1-9 pm, rotating days. I was told the day staff and a lot of the night staff have been there for years so that would probably be the shift I would stay at. I would also be the only nurse with just 2 CNAs, in the facility at that time and being a new LPN I'm a little nervous about that plus there wouldn't be any opportunity to learn from more seasoned nurses.

Two other jobs I applied for in the same town pay $18 an hour. One is 7-7 but not sure when they will be hiring and the other is 7-3 or 3-11 but I'm not sure what they pay and can't talk to the DON until Monday. All the other jobs are at least 45 to 60 miles away and the pay ranges from $16 to $18 an hour, day shifts. Some are at LTC and some at hospitals. We are willing to move if I get a good offer but I would have to drive back and forth until we sell our house. One is for the state and pays really well but they won't close the application date until later this month.

My problem is I don't want to jump at the first job offer but can't afford to wait around and see if any of the other ones I applied to call me for an interview. I also don't want to be one of those people that takes a job then finds a better one a few months later and quits. How did you decide what job offer to take? How long should I wait to see if I get another offer? If offered the job at the first facility should I take it just to get my foot in the door and some experience or would it be a bad idea since I won't have any other nurse to help if something happens?