New Nurse, multiple offers -- help

[nursegirl10486]

I need help deciding where I want to work. I am a new nurse who graduated in January of 2012 and passed NCLEX in March... here's my story...

I was offered a part time day shift position in NY state 45 minutes from home at a small community hospital's oncology unit, in a town that I ADORE and would love to work at one day. Their education department is "slim", but I feel they would nurture me and support me, eventually move me into a full-time position. 6 shifts a month, a little over $34 an hour.

I was just recently offered a part time day shift position at St Joe's hospital in paterson, on a surgical orthopedic unit. Pays less than the first hospital, but 8 shifts a month, so ends up being more money. Benefits. Magnet Hospital. Great training/education department... etc, sounds good right?

Lastly, I am interviewing at Morristown Memorial Hospital on Monday for the Hire Learning Program, which is amazing, but at the end of orientation, I'd only get a per diem job. It's a respiratory step-down unit. No real offer here yet but I'm just thinking ahead.

I'm leaning toward St Joe's, but what are the pros and cons of per diem? and what about Morristown per diem work? How much do they pay for hour? Is there a high chance I'd find a full time job there? I can stay home as long as I need to, but I'd like to find something full time no more than a year after I start at any of these three hospitals.

I only have about 4 days to make my decision.

[LoveSbux]

You're lucky to be in this predicament in today's market! I'm from NJ and a new grad as well so I know firsthand how hard it is.

I think I'd eliminate the NY job from my short list unless you think you could work that one and the Morristown gig at the same time...are you considering taking two of the positions? The drive and tolls would be a deal-breaker for me assuming you are closer to St Joe's and MMH.

What specialty do you feel you'd like more? I don't think I'd like ortho/surg, then again it depends on the population, maybe they'd be terrifically motivated to get out of bed and get better...or maybe not. Respiratory step-down at MMH, like trachs/vents? That's great experience if you're looking to move to critical care eventually.

Hate to answer a question with more questions but just trying to give you more things to think about. :-) Good luck!

[nursegirl10486]

I might be interested in Critical Care... I'm not entirely sure though. Morristown is just such a great hospital, so that position is tempting, but I am wondering if anyone on here has worked per diem at MMH and could let me know what it's like. It sounds like a gamble and a nightmare, getting called in every holiday and snowstorm and last minute, and being the first to get cancelled. Though, I know MMH has great nurse-to-patient ratios, so maybe they really make use of their per diems.

[nursegirl10486]

i might be interested in critical care... i'm not entirely sure though. morristown is just such a great hospital, so that position is tempting, but i am wondering if anyone on here has worked per diem at mmh and could let me know what it's like. it sounds like a gamble and a nightmare, getting called in every holiday and snowstorm and last minute, and being the first to get cancelled. though, i know mmh has great nurse-to-patient ratios, so maybe they really make use of their per diems.