KPRN2011

Hi everyone!! I've come to this site since I was in college for advice, but this is my first post. I stepped out of college and landed a position on a step down in a highly acclaimed academic teaching hospital in MA on my graduation day. I was extremely lucky and am very grateful for the opportunity. I have been there for almost 2 years now. I have dreams of going to grad school, but the CRNA programs I'm looking at won't take my step-down floor as consideration. Meanwhile, I've always had dreams of traveling, as I went to college in the same state as I grew up in. On a whim, I started sending out applications to other academic hospitals, and landed not one but two ICU position interviews in NC. I am conflicted because on the one hand the hospital in NC is asking me to take a major (1/3 my current salary) pay cut, but I can't help but be intrigued by the opportunity. My question is if any one has experience on making this transition, and if taking a temporary pay cut would ultimately be worth the progression of my career. Or, if I should stay and attempt to apply internally at the hospital I am currently at, as I still have a large sum of student loans to pay. Any insight would be appreciated!! Thank you!!