Job Offer Questions - New Grad

[TraumaRN316]

Hi Everyone,

This is the first time I've posted to this forum, so pardon me if I'm not posting in the correct section. I was recently offered two positions and have only a day to decide which one I should take. One is in the ICU at a smaller hospital that is getting ready to move into a brand new 600,000 sq. ft. facility. This is a new grad position, and the pay is around $18 plus shift differential of $2.75 with no weekend diff. However, they are offering an $8,000 sign on bonus contingent upon me signing a 2 year contract with the hospital. The other position is in the Trauma/Surgical ICU at a level 1 trauma center hospital. Their pay is around $20 base with a $2.75 night diff, and a $3.75 weekend diff. This position does not require me to sign a contract. I am wanting to eventually apply to CRNA school and continue my education.

My question is for all of you nurses out their that have been through this before: which position would set me up for success in the future, and what questions should I ask the hospital before accepting?

I would appreciate any advice you guys could provide!

[alexis_xoxo]

I would take the Trama/Surg job. Even tho you won't get a sign on bonus like the other job, you won't be stuck in a contract in case something better comes along. Good luck in either decision you make! :)

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

Trauma ICU. No contract. You lose the $8000 sign on bonus, but with the $2/hr increase you would make that up in 2 yrs not including the weekend differential.

[iPink, BSN, RN]

I would take the Trauma position too. 1) You don't have to worry about being locked-down in a 2 year contract. Things happen you know. 2) Pay is good. That differential helps when you do work your weekends. 3) You don't have to worry about the hassle of moving to a different facility.

Both positions are great experiences when you apply for CRNA schools.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

Here's another vote for the Trauma/Surg ICU position, for the reasons PP's have given. Personal note--I work in this type of unit and LOVE it. I mean, willing to remain a working mother of a big family by choice AND scrap my old CRNA plans, love it. :)

CONGRATS on two amazing job offers as a new grad!

[KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN]

Any job that does not have a contract is the one I vote for :)

[darkangelRN]

Surgical ICU. Level one trauma hospital will expose you to more, too. But either way, you have two ICU positions fresh out of school! Way to go! Either would help with your crna requirement. But I still would vote SICU. Good luck!