2 Job offers HELP!

[Newnurse2918]

Ok, so I recently graduated and have been working in a hospital on a med surg floor for the past year as a CNA. I have been with this company for 5 years though in other areas. My floor offered me a day position which I accepted, I should also mention that I used their tuition reimbursement program. I had applied for an internship program through a bigger competing hospital, and was offered a position there in the burn unit, which is truly where I want to be since they are a level 1 trauma center. I am stuck now trying to decide what to do. Do I want to accept this new offer and start somewhere new to me, doing something that I love? Or do I stay where I am and where I know the people and policies, but not enjoy the work that I will be doing as much? I feel like if I stay, it will be because I am comfortable, however I know I will learn a lot, because it is an extremely busy floor. I really want the new position but it's a night position and they start a whole month later. Everyone is telling me to stay on my current floor for a month and put my 2 weeks notice in and then start at the new hospital. But I feel so guilty. Am I wrong for that?

[TriciaJ, RN]

The chronology in your post is a bit unclear. You've worked as a CNA for the past 5 years but have now been offered an RN position? Did their tuition reimbursement program come with any obligations to remain employed by that hospital? You want to accept a position, work 2 weeks into your orientation, then provide 2 weeks notice and take the job at the other hospital?

You could very well end up burning a bridge at your current hospital. If the other job doesn't work out for any reason, you're going to be in a bind. I would tell the new prospective employer that 1. You would love to work for them 2. You have accepted tuition reimbursement at your current employer 3. You feel an ethical need to fulfill your obligaton to your current employer and gain experience. 4. In about two years you would like to reapply for your dream job and hope to be considered.

This will impress your prospective new employer a lot more than if they find out you jumped ship on your previous employer. One or two years (depending on your obligation) is really not a long time. Other people will tell you "Why wait? You owe it to yourself to go for your DREAM job!" When it comes to your career, I think it's smarter in the long run to develop a reputation for integrity and fair dealing.

[Newnurse2918]

I have worked there a total of 5 years. The first 4 not in the hospital setting. The past year as an aide. I just don't feel like the hospital I am at is meant for me. I have always felt like it wasn't my home, I know I sound silly but I have many friends and peers who are at the hospital with my new offer and they love it. The comparison between the two is so different. The only reason I would stay is because I have been there for so long and it's what I know. The new hospital is the only level 1 trauma center in the area and the only one with a burn unit this side of the state and a few over. I don't want to miss this opportunity. Also, I feel like if this ends up burning a bridge then maybe it was meant to happen. I'm looking to start my career and love what I am doing. The new hospital has many more opportunities for advancement and outreach programs in the community. I feel like I could go very far with them vs my current hospital. I am always focused on how to make everyone happy instead if what makes me happy. In that sense, I don't want to leave and feel guilty but I'm sure anyone would understand. And would the really want me to stay knowing that I am not happy there?

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

I was initially inclined to say go with the burn unit but do not start orientation as an RN on your current floor but then I re-read your post and saw that you had already accepted the RN position on your current unit. For that reason, I'd stick with the job you accepted, especially since it's at a hospital you have worked at for 5 years. You will need this place as a reference in the future and you do not want to burn a bridge so early in your career. Get 1-2 years experience then reapply at the other hospital.

Also, your work isn't supposed to feel like your home. It's work.

[TriciaJ, RN]

I'm now getting the sense that you've already decided what you're going to do and want absolution from strangers on the internet. If you jump ship during orientation, it doesn't go over well. It will be a burned bridge. If you want to burn it with reckless abandon then go for it. It's your life.

[Duranie]

If you've already started orientation at your current hospital, then you will be burning a bridge probably.... but I look at it more like, what if your spouse got transferred and you had to relocate? You'd quit then--even if you were on orientation.... sometimes people have to quit during orientation, it happens.

Find out if this is an internship opportunity that comes up regularly.... you can always apply for the next round. Also, are you guaranteed a job at the end of the internship.... if not, you don't want to close any doors that you may need to go thru later.

Only you can make the decision....you can do a pros vs. cons list.... or you can just ponder your choices and go with your gut- -Learning to go with your gut is an important nursing skill, too... especially in a critical care area, like a burn unit.