New grad need help in deciding where to start career!

[oolilxminnieoo]

I think it is hard for any new graduate to figure out where they want to start their career. I have the blessing to have two job offers, and I am having a tough time deciding. What are some of the factors in deciding where you guys chose where you wanted to start? The first job offer is farther away from my home and I would need to move away but they are giving me about 3-5 dollars more, depending on the shift I work. So, that can be potentially be 10,000 more a year than the other job offer. The other job, is a little bit closer to home so I would be commuting but paying me really low as a new graduate. The plus side is I will able to save money. Both have tuition reimbursement and health benefits is better for the other hospital that is farther away. BUT it is still hard to decide. In essence the debate is whether to move away and make more money or stay home to save but make less money as an RN... PLEASE HELP!!!! :uhoh21:

[MOGA]

Congrats on getting not one, but two offers! Are they both in the same unit, such as both in med-surg, or are they different units? If they are different units, which one do you feel more passionate about? If they are the same unit, what is the acuity and the census? Are you going to get paid more to work at a dangerously high patient:nurse ratio, which could potential be a safety issue? Or are you getting paid less to have too many patients also? How long is each facility's orientation? It is important to know if they will be really supportive, and also if they will be ready to throw you out there with no help at all. Have you done clinicals or preceptorships at either facility? You can get good feel for if people are happy with their jobs if they are helpful to you when you are a student. How is the cost of living at the farther away hospital vs. the closer one? If you will be making more at the farther hospital, but having to pay more in bills, the difference in salary may not make that much difference when it comes to your bottom line. If you would rather stay where you are and save, there is no rule saying you can't relocate in a few years. But if you're ready for a change and can find safe/suitable housing that you can afford, go for the farther away facility.