need some opinions

U.S.A. Illinois

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Hello. I am currently going to school in Wisconsin, and I have a job lined up when I graduate in May, in the Milwaukee area. But eventually I will move back around Chicago 1) because I want to, 2) closer to my family, and 3) my significant other has a good job in Chicago Heights.

So when I graduate, I can either sign on up here for a year and get the $5000 bonus, make $19-20/hr. (Plus I do love where I work). And then move down once I make some money and have more cardiac/tele experience. Or just move down right away and look for a job.

Any thoughts? I guess my other questions would be if you think the experience makes a difference when searching for a job around Chicago, or if it'd be better to be a new grad? I'd eventually like to end up in ER. Also if anyone knows if I get my nursing liscense in WI if it is good in IL or if I have to get it again? And last, any hospitals you love working at that I should look into? (We're looking to live north of Chicago Heights.)

Well, that was probably longer than it had to be, but I would really appreciate any thoughts or advice anyone has. Thanks a bunch!

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Specializes in MS Home Health.

Most signs ons of 5K are for two years. Is theirs only one year?

renerian

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Originally posted by renerian

Most signs ons of 5K are for two years. Is theirs only one year?

renerian

yup 5K for one year, 10K for two years, and 15K for three...but I'd only sign on for a year.

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Specializes in MS Home Health.

Sounds good to me. You can exit stage left if you need to.

renerian

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Specializes in Behavioral Health.

I agree! I am in IL but working in WI...my facility has a $10K bonus for 2 yrs. or $15K for 3 yrs. I took the 2 yr bonus, hoping to gain some experience and then move on to something down in IL (hearts interest me, but my facility ships out the open hearts, etc....)

Good luck!

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Thanks guys--two votes to work in WI first, anyone else??

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This is to USA987:

Where in WI were you able to get that kid of sign-on bonus?? I live in WI and the highesy I've heard of is $5000-7500. I'm curious because I graduate soon and I am looking at my options.

Thanks

Jenn

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Specializes in Emergency.

If you are happy, stay there. An additional year with a nice bonus would be good, as well as the experience.

If you want to move home, I think you could probably get a job without the experience. Some facilities do like to train you and "mold" you to their facility.

Both options are great and doable. You just need to decide which one fits you best!

Good luck!

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There are hospitals in the Chicago area offering sign-on bonuses of 5K for one year also. I got one ate Oak Park hospital about 4 years ago and I've seen hospitals in the Nursing Spectrum here in Chicago offering them now.

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I appreciate all the advice...I've been so busy I haven't been on for a while, but since the last time I'm happy to say I've made a couple visits to Chicago!

I went to a recruitment fair at Christ Medical Center, and I had an interview at Loyola. So I guess we'll see! I really want ER, just looking for the places that will take new grads and where I feel I'll fit in best!

I'll let you all know what happens....oh, and to RN_2_B_5/2004. I don't know where you're at in WI, but in the Milwaukee area is where you'll find a lot of sign-on bonuses, but make sure you like the hospital and the people you'll work with--don't let big sign ons fool ya! Good Luck in your search, I'm there with ya!:)

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Specializes in Behavioral Health.

Jenn--

The Aurora Healthcare System is offering that much $$$...

:p

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