Job decision, help please!!!

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Well, as most of you know the job market for new grad RNs in Southern CA is not too hot. So after 7 months of filing applications every day, I was very surprised to get 2 offers in one week! Now I am faced with a difficult choice. The first one is new grad on an oncology/med-surg unit, at a hospital applying for magnet status in the town that I currently live in. The second one is in a family birth center at a hospital that means relocating 2 1/2 hours north of where I currently live, but offers a more thorough Versant new grad program (and so requires a 2 1/2 year commitment).

Either job would be good, and I feel so blessed. But I am having a difficult time making the choice. In the long term, I am equally interested in working in public health (which women's health fits right into) or oncology, but I'm not sure which path I want to take. I am worried that whichever position I take may pigeon hole me into a particular area for my nursing career. Moving north would also put me farther away from my support system... but could also be exciting. Please.... any tips/opinions/previous experience that you can share? I would really appreciate it!

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Make sure you ask about the specifics of the contract. How much to buy out if you hate your job or are unhappy? Is it prorated? Will there be raises within the 2.5 years or are you locked in? It still might be worth it for the training even if the pay is lower. How many of the Versants complete the program? Ask how many do not conmplete the program. Ask the retention rate of the versants after the end of the contract, do they stay or jump ship? Are they willing to transfer you to another unit or floor if you are unhappy?

I think as a new grad you would be better off taking one with more training and in a specialty.It is so hard to get a specialty and get good training! And in Versant you will meet other new grads and you will be in the same boat and be each others support system. A family birth center sounds like an awesome opportunity!

On the other hand, the one close to home is close to home. Do you like med surg onco? I found medical & oncology to be emotionally draining. Lots of tears. High stress, lots of sadness. It also has a high turnover rate. But some people love it.

If I were you I'd clarify the contract details, and make sure you have the means to break the contract if necessary. Hopefully you will not need to, but keep a safety net.

Best of luck, both choices will be a great experience for you!!!!

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Thanks for your relpy. The 2 1/2 year contract is in Bakersfield, CA. The re-imbursement is pro-rated, but starts at $23,000, and then goes down from there. That could possibly mean that even if I stay there for over a year, I could still be expected to pay them $12,000. This is a major concern for me... although the Versant program seems like a huge benefit.

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That is a huge cost. I would see if you can talk to some of the Versant residents there from previous programs. Ask THEM how many didnt make it through the program. It is great training but 23k? I hope they are paying well, and have excellent benefits!

You have a difficult decision. Take a leap of faith and go for the specialty, or take the safe choice close to home with no contract.

Follow your heart, there is probably one you want more than the other. Hopefully breaking a contract will never be an issue because you will take the job and love it. :heartbeat

Which one do YOU really want? Your only young once. Either way, it is nice to have options! Congratulations on the two offers!

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