so, in this horrible economy i have been blessed enough to have been offered 2 positions. i feel very fortunate!
here's the problem (if you want to consider it a problem): both hospitals are great hospitals.
hospital a:
-very prestigous hospital
-great benefits
-the position is my preferred unit (cardiac stepdown); great cardiac program
-orientation is 8-12 wks (1:1 with preceptor); will take an ekg course and one or two other cardiac-related classes as part of orientation
-$7500 per yr towards a graduate degree (tuition reimbursement is very important to me)
-40% of the unit is staffed with new nurses
-$1200 relocation assistance
-because this is a prestigous hospital, i heard from several people that the environment can be very competitive (i can see this as being a strong motivator and also a distractor)
-this hospital cares for the sickest of the sick. i'll receive great experience here and this hospital will look great on my resume.
hospital b:
-not nearly as prestigious as hospital a but still has a very good reputation and a very good cardiac program; large teaching hospital, affiliated with a university
-this position is also my preferred unit (cardiac stepdown)
-wonderful benefits
-100% tuition reimbursement for a masters/doctorate
-16 wks in a internship program (working 1:1 with preceptor); residency program lasts for one yr (includes additional educational courses regarding use of the equipment, cardiac classes, and other professional development classes)---i love, love, love the fact that this hospital offers so much support to its new nurses through an internship/residency program
-the environment seemed very welcoming but i really haven't rec'd much feedback about this
-better pay than hospital a
if you're still reading this, thank you!!!
so, given this information, which would you choose?
However, research the 100% tuition reimbursement. There has to be some annual limit, perhaps a maximum dollar amount per year and/or number of credits. You don't want to get blind sided!
Also, check on vacation accrual and how long before you can take time off - 6 months?. How much input does staff have on the schedule and running the unit - is there shared governance?
My first job, I got every 3rd weekend off on a day/night rotation in 3 month blocks. My first summer I ended up with 12 weeks of night in a row. My "weekends off," I worked 7 PM Friday night to 7 AM Saturday. I left after a year.
If hospital A is in the same town as hospital B than I can tell you that the "prestige" is just BS marketing. You also didn't mention that hospital B will get you state benefits which are very, very, very good. Plus you get paid holiday time for ALL federal holidays (President's day, Veteran's Day, etc). In addition, hospital B is actually pretty cutting edge and quite well-renown with one of the top cancer centers in the world (one of only 9 certified cancer centers in the US). Not sure where you get the idea that the "sickest of the sick" go to hospital A instead of B...again probably just marketing. The 100% tuition reimbursement is for real. There is a limit but it's per semester and it is equal to a full time load. Just for full disclosure I do work at hospital B but have been a nurse for a very long time and it is hands down the best one I've experienced. Sure it has its share of problems like any other facility but I think its benefits outweigh any of the negatives. The intern program is a terrific program where you are mentored rather than just oriented. The focus is education and growth not getting you independent quickly and it allows for many different experiences. A unit with 40% new grads sounds like a disaster waiting for a place to land.
if hospital a is in the same town as hospital b than i can tell you that the "prestige" is just bs marketing. you also didn't mention that hospital b will get you state benefits which are very, very, very good. plus you get paid holiday time for all federal holidays (president's day, veteran's day, etc). in addition, hospital b is actually pretty cutting edge and quite well-renown with one of the top cancer centers in the world (one of only 9 certified cancer centers in the us). not sure where you get the idea that the "sickest of the sick" go to hospital a instead of b...again probably just marketing. the 100% tuition reimbursement is for real. there is a limit but it's per semester and it is equal to a full time load. just for full disclosure i do work at hospital b but have been a nurse for a very long time and it is hands down the best one i've experienced. sure it has its share of problems like any other facility but i think its benefits outweigh any of the negatives. the intern program is a terrific program where you are mentored rather than just oriented. the focus is education and growth not getting you independent quickly and it allows for many different experiences. a unit with 40% new grads sounds like a disaster waiting for a place to land.
thanks for your input! your feedback is really helpful b/c i've been desperately looking for a nurse who works at this hospital. it's reassuring to know that you've had a good experience there after having been a nurse for a long time. would you mind if i pm you if i have any questions about your personal experience there?
and just so you know, hospital a is not in the same town...it's a distance away.
B appears to offers more experience, benefits and money in a better environment.
A offers a presitigious (sp) name but to be honest, I don't see that doing much for you. I think your next employer would be more impressed with what you can actually do (i.e., the skills you developed) than where you last worked. B appears to be offering you a better chance of developing that skill set than A does.
just wanted to thank everyone for their opinions/advice! i really appreciated all of the feedback.
i decided to go with hospital b. i just couldn't walk away from the awesome offer...the internship program, the hospital's reputation, the benefits, unbelievable tuition reimbursement, pay. it's a great package.
once again, many, many thanks everyone...wish me luck!
curiosity123
91 Posts
I think hospital B sounds the best.
However, research the 100% tuition reimbursement. There has to be some annual limit, perhaps a maximum dollar amount per year and/or number of credits. You don't want to get blind sided!
Also, check on vacation accrual and how long before you can take time off - 6 months?. How much input does staff have on the schedule and running the unit - is there shared governance?
My first job, I got every 3rd weekend off on a day/night rotation in 3 month blocks. My first summer I ended up with 12 weeks of night in a row. My "weekends off," I worked 7 PM Friday night to 7 AM Saturday. I left after a year.
Terrific for you to have choices !!