New Grad with 4 Job Offers - Can't decide

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Hi Nurse Beth!

I am looking for some advice on new grad positions. I live about 45 minutes west of Atlanta, but I suppose my scenario can be used for anyone outside of a major metro area.

I graduated with a BSN last week. I have received 4 job offers; two I declined because they were Med Surg and Tele, but they were 1st shift positions at medium sized hospitals. The other two were in L&D. One from a very small hospital 15 minutes from my home at Tanner Health Systems. The other was from Grady. Currently, I work as an extern at Grady on their Tele floor. I like that I see people from all walks of life and I have the opportunity to touch people who have lead very rough lives (that's if I have the time).

Now, I'm torn between a night shift at a local hospital that pays better than Grady, but isn't certified baby-friendly yet, will not do VBAC's if the client is not actively in labor and progressing (because they are somewhat rural), 600 births per year, but all of the nurses seem to love their jobs there.

On the other hand I have Grady. Grady is the place where you get to see everything. They have performed two EXIT procedures in the last 2-3 years (roughly), Lots of high-risk mamas, unique family dynamics, many women without prenatal care, etc. However, it's an hour from driveway to clock-in if there isn't an accident on 20, their differentials are $1.50-2.00 less than Tanner and they require a 2 year commitment that does include a lot of prep for a new nurse.

I guess my issue is being afraid of not becoming the best nurse possible by not exposing myself to the crazy stuff and suffering through 2 years of driving downtown. Or starting off slowly with limited exposure, but making and keeping more money to pay off those loans.

My fiancé and his family want me to stay local. I think mainly for fear of the dangers that surround Grady with the large amount of homeless and drug addicts.

Plus, I'm a Libra and I cannot make a decision. Although nursing school has helped me with that quite a bit!

Dear Can't Decide Libra,

That's a tough decision.

Tanner offers everything better except for the down and dirty, nitty-gritty, real-life nursing of Grady. I get it. You don't want to have regrets. The fact that you want to experience the non-sanitized version of nursing says a lot about you. It is easier to go from Grady to Tanner than it is to later go from Tanner to Grady.

You do have to weigh your fiancee's wishes, but in the end, it's up to you. Your fiancee is concerned about your safety and if you choose Grady, he will have to feel assured that you are parking in a safe area and mindful of your surroundings.

It all hinges on finding the answer within yourself. Only you know what you truly want- it's just a matter of getting in touch with that part of you that already knows.

Remember that no decision is permanent. You can always change hospitals down the road. I hope you will keep me posted on your decision.

Very best,

Nurse Beth

nurse-beth-purple-logo.jpg

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Specializes in Psych, HIV/AIDS.

It looks as though it is time for you to make the "Pro & Con" list for both hospitals. This, perhaps, will help you in your decision.

(As an example: for 30+ years I drove an hour to an hour and a half to my jobs: there was wear and tear on my car, gas prices almost killed me [not as much an issue now] the pay was better, I LOVED what I did, the blizzards & icy roads were too scary, accidents and traffic jams along the way were unnerving and frustrating, but I repeat: I LOVED what I was doing and I was good at it.]

But as Nurse Beth indicated, the final decision is yours. I wish you luck and let us know what you decide.

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I would take Taner. I know plenty of Grady nurses who don't like it there (I'm not judging though). Nothing beats living close to work and for only a few bucks more I wouldn't chance it. Good luck with your decision.

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Specializes in Psych, Hospice, Surgical unit, L&D/Postpartum.

I would take Tanner. Go for the place where you already know the other employees are happy... That says a lot about a place of employment. You can always move to Grady somewhere down the line in the future if you really want to.

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Hi Nurse Beth! Thank you for your insight and encouragement. And thank you to the other commenters for weighing in. Ultimately, I did decide to go with Tanner. Although they are a MUCH smaller hospital, I think I have plenty of room to grow and I will be cross trained in mother/baby and the nursery. I guess another pro is that they sometimes have to take med/surg patients in the mother/baby unit due to overflow. So, I'll be able to keep up with those skills as well.

Also, I know that Grady nurses are overworked. I thought I wanted to experience that early in my career as a nurse - to build a good work-pace foundation. However, I've been in healthcare for 16 years, I've been overworked, and I've been working at Grady as an RN Extern for 7 months. No doubt, Grady is unique and anyone who works there deserves their bragging rights! But, it's time for me to be able to enjoy my job while I work at paying off these loans!

PS. I took NCLEX yesterday. I'll find out tomorrow how I did...fingers crossed! I start at Tanner next Monday :)

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Specializes in Psych, HIV/AIDS.

Great choice, Jeannie! You'll be able to pay off those loans with the shift differential and the gas money you saved. Sounds like you have paid a lot of dues already...you are deserving.

Hope you get good news with the NCLEX.

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

So glad you resolved it and you're at peace with your decision. Best of luck to you, friend

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I passed nclex in 75 questions!!

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Congratulations on the job! I worked at tanner Villa Rica. It definitely was an experience with mother/ baby/ med surg overflow. I'm sure you'll float to the second floor,med surg, and maybe even ICU. Good luck!

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Specializes in Adult MICU/SICU.

If it was me, I personally would select the hospital closer to home. That hour drive one way will get old real quick (I know you're already doing it now part time, but think about how doing it full time would feel after a long exhausting shift everyday). You already mentioned the staff love their jobs, that says a whole lot for a perspective position you are considering. Plus, this place doesn't seem to want any sort of commitment from you - another bonus. And you said Tanner pays more? You deserve to be paid well my friend - you worked hard to get through a rigorous nursing program.

I wouldn't worry too much just yet about potential missed learning opportunities - you have a long, fruitful nursing career ahead of you. There will be plenty of other opportunities in the future to get that experience.

On the other hand, Tanner could end up being "home" for you - you could end up loving this place and retiring there. There is a lot to be said about job satisfaction - being paid well is just icing on the cake. Just because it's small now doesn't mean it will always stay that way.

Good luck in whatever job you pick. And welcome to nursing - we sure need you!

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Specializes in Adult MICU/SICU.
I passed nclex in 75 questions!!

Wow! That's awesome! Great job! :)

>> :)

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Hilarious! I couldn't imagine the stress all of that must have caused...and waiting weeks instead of a day or two!!

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