New LPN with two job offers. Advice?

[Vak8811]

I posted a few days ago but this time I have actual job offers to compare.

Facility 1 is a SNF that I have 6 months of history with as a CNA before I moved on to a hospital. They offered me a FT day shift position, Wed 6a-12p and then Thurs-Sat would be 6a-6p. I have been told by friends that currently work there that it's a stressful cart until you get the hang of it even for nurses with experience. They have changed management completely since I was there so I can't really base my decision on my past experience with them, my friends that still work there like it better. They offered me $23.41 starting (gave me 2 years experience for CNA), and once I take a 6 week once a day class on leadership I will be bumped to $24.41. That's my highest pay offer yet.

Facility 2 is an assisted living facility that has really high ratings and from what I saw while I was there the staff was laid back and happy. I was offered a FT day shift position Sunday-Thursday where I would work a combination of 9a-5p and 7a-3p shifts. I got a good vibe from the facility but of course you never know until you work there. The DON said she would call me within a day with my offer but that most new nurses they start between $22-23 an hour.

So I am kind of stuck on making a decision. Facility one obviously has the better pay, and I know a lot of the staff and residents already. I would also be able to use more of my skills there (it also has a respiratory unit with vent and trach patients), and while it may be more stressful at first I feel it may be better for my nursing career. However the schedule is do-able, the other facility works better (my wife has Friday/Saturday off.)

I am just assuming I will be offered $22/hr since I am a new nurse.

Can any experienced nurses or nurses who had to pick from similar choices give your opinion? I realize I may be looking at this completely wrong so please light me up if so. I will be applying to RN programs for Fall 2018 and beyond if I do not get in just fyi.

[Marisette, BSN, RN]

I think it all depends on where you want to go in your nursing career. If your starting out and want to continue to further your nursing education, then facility #1, although challenging, would be better experience. Facility 2 sounds like it may be a more stable environment if your looking for stability or to remain employed there long term. As far as salary, I don't feel there is a huge difference. I also think that facility #2 would eventually catch up with facility 1, if you were to remain there for awhile. I would also look into both facilities flexibility with schedule and how the schedule will work out once you return to school. Good luck!