Never thought I'd have this problem: which job to choose?

[formerbrat]

I graduate in May and already have 2 offers, which was extremely unexpected. I know a lot of people would love to have my problem, which is which job do I choose? I would appreciate your input! :) Both are full time midnights which is fine by me as I'm a night owl anyway.

A: ER, Level 1 trauma center. 14 week orientation, 2 of those in the pediatric ER, and orientation can be extended if need be. Non profit, city, union hospital. Less than 10 miles from home. Benefits are better and less expensive than Job B. I know people who work in the ER and are very happy there, and have done many clinicals in this hospital. Pay is a few dollars better per hour than Job B. ER is in my "top 3" list but it's not number 1. New ER in process of being built and will be opened in January 2012.

B: NICU. Level 3. Wonderful track record (over a year without a single central line infection!). 16 week orientation, first year only noncritical patients. RN/patient ratio may be 4:1. Nonunion hospital. Know an NNP there who loves it and has mostly good things to say about it. Very old building but up to date as far as EBP and technology used. I originally got into nursing because I wanted to go into NICU nursing. 45 miles from home.

Both seem to have happy employees. I believe in the philosophies and mission statements of both. I've met all the RN managers and educators for both and believe I could get along with all of them. Both have supportive and comprehensive orientations. Both have caring managers who have been there for several years. I have the chance at my dream but the pay is less, the benefits are less and more expensive, the drive is longer. I also worry if I don't end up liking NICU as much as I anticipate I will, that I'll be limited because that will be my only experience. I want to teach nursing in the future and I know NICU limits those options.

Still, I had a 24 weeker who didn't make it out of the NICU and a 28 weeker who is now 6 years old and doing well, and NICU is where my heart has been all along. To have the chance to walk right into that is amazing. I've found I really love critical care and have loved my clinical time in both the ER and the NICU. I know with ER that it would open up a lot of doors because I'd get to see and do so much, especially given the hospital I'd be at. The ER job's hospital also has a level 3 NICU so I could potentially transfer later.

What would you do?

Thanks,

Tiffany

[LACA, BSN, LPN, RN]

IF IT WERE ME (I can't necessarily answer for you, because obviously I'm not you ), I would take the ER job. The only hangup I had on it when I was reading was would you have a chance to transfer to NICU later---and since they have a NICU and you could possibly transfer after getting some nursing experience--I said Job A sounds like the way to go!

[evolvingrn, BSN, RN]

well nicu is a job that i would have zero desire to have and that seems to be a passion for you so i can't offer advice that wouldn't be skewed by that. but a 45 minute drive adds up and it sounds like you would have the nicu opportunity in the future at both and the er experience would give you a broader base should you ever want to leave nicu.... . Good luck!

[BrookeeLou_RN]

If NICU is why you became a nurse then I would go with NICU job....but since Hosp A has ER job and NICU unit for the future and better pay and closer.. that makes it pretty much a toss-up. Only you know what you want and need, distance? pay?

I say go with your gut, and do not look back!

Congrats on 2 jobs!!!

[ninaricci]

ah my! I have the same stressful decision at present. I have two offers from two great hospitals. One offers a pension which at my age is a plus. I would suggest that you take a good look, not only a pay, but at benefits to see if one is significantly better than another. Also look at the patient to nurse ratios. Call is also an issue. I worked in a small unit where, when patient census was low, we were called off our shift, sometimes 3 times in a pay period (ouch! on the finances). You might also ask if you could shadow for a shift or 1/2 a shift to see which day you enjoy more. Good luck and congratulations!

[Dalla]

Oh, to have your problems!

I think that as a new nurse, you should take the ER job. Get a better range of experiences and skills. Try it for a few years, and then transfer to NICU if you still have the desire. I wouldn't limit yourself right away as a new grad.

[heathert_kc]

45 miles doesn't seem too far, but driving it several times a week will get tiring very fast no matter how much you like your job. Plus it drives up the overall cost of job B, more gas, more time driving (less time with your family, doing things you need to get done, etc.), and more wear and tear on your car. Higher insurance cost, non- union, and lower wages. From an economic stand point the choice is obvious, but what you have your heart set on count too... With experince, esp. in a broad area like ER, you may be allowed to float or even transfer at some point. Ultimately I am not you, but that is my ... from a non-biased outside perspective.

[gigglymo]

Would those of you with two job offers please post where you're turning those down? I'd be happy to take either of the positions you're passing on. :)

In all seriousness - follow your heart. It sounds to me like your heart is in NICU. Congratulations!

[xluescluesx]

JOB A for sure! It has so many more pros than JOB B. Good luck!

[JennRN65]

While many of the nurses I work with commute the 45 minute to an hour drive, it would drive me nuts. I have done it before and it gets very old, very fast. Add traffic, bad weather, accidents, etc etc......stir. Add to this that you will be driving home that distance after working all night.

For me, Job A is definitely the one I would choice.

You have a tough decision and only you can figure out if the the NICU call is strong enough......

Good Luck, you have two great choices.

[BreeLPN2RN]

If it were me, it would be job A. But, you need to decide for yourself. Please let us know which one you choose!! Good luck to you.

[futureRN_Anastasia]

If it were me, I would take job A, because of range of things you are going to do in the ER. Also, I think that ER looks great on the resume (unless you decided that you want to do NICU for many years to come). Another thing is, I have had jobs where you have a long drive from home, 45 miles each way, every day might be a bit stressful, especially after a long shift. Good Luck with whatever you choose! And great job on getting 2 offers straight out of school!