I'm having a hard time deciding on first job

Nurses Job Hunt

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Hello, I'm still in school but I graduate this May. I applied to 2 hospitals and received an acceptance letter for both upon my successful completion of the NCLEX.

One hospital system is in NJ and it has a year long residency program where I can switch units (I choose 3 for my preferences to spend the longest time in) and they have education and skills classes each month. I love the hospital system, I work in one currently as a PCA and get along very well with the staff. Salary is 37/hour.

I do not like the area I currently live in though due to high crime.

The other hospital I was accepted for a position is one in NC, a very good hospital system, ranked high in the country. They also have a residency for new grads but it isn't rotating units. (that's ok). Salary is 53/year.

I want to go to grad school and I want to just be able to afford to live somewhat comfortably...I want to vacation sometimes...not expensive vacations.

Is NC a good move for that salary cut? I thought it would be healthier to live there, and I know I love the area because I have visited, I just wasn't sure if it's a smart move for saving money for my future?

Thank you for any thoughts.

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My take on this is try to stay where you are for another year. You indicate you like the hospital, just not the area. if you move, which is very stressful in itself, you may have an overload of change and stress. I stayed at the hospital where I was a student for 3 years after graduation. It took me 10 years to decide what I wanted to pursue in grad school! Best of luck and congrats on the job offers.

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Specializes in ED, med-surg, peri op.

I agree. Stay where you are. You like the hospital, your used to it's systems and you get along well with staff. Being in a good, supportive environment as a new grad is essential.

Also the other hospital you don't know, and the area you've only visited. Once you get there you may actually not like as much as you thought you did.

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I would stay at your current facility. Can you move farther out to a safer area?

Good luck!

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