Job Decision

I have been looking for a RN position since mid-April. Last week I inertviewed for several jobs. The first offer was from the county hospital in an area with a crime rate 4x the national average and an average family income less than $25,000. It is a more rural area so there are really no other cities close by to live in. But the nurse manager was fantastic and I know I could make a diffence volunteering in the community (I am a Scout leader with years of training).

Second offer is from one of the State mental hospitals. RNs there are more supervisory. Being a new nurse, there would be little if any chance to practise skills. It is in the town where my son willing be attending college and where I have family. And the money, benefits and PTO are great.

Third job has not extended a formal offer yet. They were checking my references. It is a small (27-bed) county hospital about 40 miles from the same town. The nurses there do everything, so if it happens I get to do it. The area is poor also but the crime rate is low and I can live in one of two larger cities less than a hour away.

Do I take one of the two I have been offered? Do I wait for the rural hospital to check my references? All of the jobs require a move of over 700 miles.

CONGRATS on your multiple job offers! That speaks well of your background/skills in the current job market.

You might consider calling the 3rd job site, letting them know that you have offers from 1-2 other potential employers. From your post, it sounds like you'd definitely prefer the first employer to the second one.

I'd be inclined to accept the first offer, versus the 3rd non-offer, if the 3rd place doesn't step up to the plate.

Given the current job climate, I don't think you can afford to wait too long on a job offer. 700 miles, though, is a LONG way to move. Do what feels right.