Pros/Cons of Two Major Job Offers

[pixelpanda]

Hi all, I am seeking advice because I am stuck on two job offers with major hospitals.

1. NYP - part-time days: 7 shifts/month, Med Surg ($46/hr) (w/ potential to pick up more shifts based on seniority), 45 min commute

2. Northwell - full-time nights, Med Surg ($49/hr), 1 hour commute

*Both affiliated with NYSNA

I am a new graduate RN BSN, and I know that these are two major health care companies. I intend on pursuing my NP in the future and I want to weigh each offer with pros/cons.

Originally, my heart was set on NYP because I volunteered there prior to applying to the hospital BUT its the "part-time" aspect I am worried about. As a new graduate, I want to spend as much time as possible working in the hospital and developing my nursing skills. BUT, NYP is one of the top 5 hospitals in the US to work at.

As for Northwell, one con that is holding me back is that it's not one of the "major" campuses. It is one of the lesser-known ones that is still affiliated under Northwell.

I would greatly appreciate any helpful advice (especially if you're working in either NYP or Northwell).

[OncologyCat, BSN, RN]

For me I’d rather do the full time position, have a year or so of experience under my belt and then apply for a position in NYP if I desire. There’s no guarantee that there’ll be extra shifts every week that you can pick up, not to mention if the extra shifts are already the ones you’re on schedule for.

It shouldn’t matter whether you worked in a major campus or not as a new grad. Yes the brand name can be attractive on resume, but it’s the experiences you gain as a nurse that should matter. You probably won’t learn as much when you only work part time as a new nurse; the exposure to pt care is utmost important.

[Michala Martinez, BSN, RN]

Well, what gets me is the one hour commute. This will be problematic for you going forward. It is best to live as close to your workplace as possible for work/life balance. Working at night and then a one hour commute home can become very scary very quickly with nodding off and driving while drowsy. I think you should go with the first one because it is closer and because you preferred it to begin with. The best way to be HAPPY in a nursing job is to be #1 where you WANT to work #2 Having a good work/life balance and HEALTH. If you are miserable where you work and you are unhappy with the impacts of a challenging commute TRUST me you will regret working at the second option.

Part time is fantastic. You can most likely secure more shifts (and be looked at for full time) and you will be the first person people will come to to propose switches or if they want to drop a shift completely. You will have an opportunity as a new grad to pursue not only your nursing clinical career, but also pursue things that make you satisfied at home whether that is family or outside hobbies. These things are SO SO SO important for nurses to consider and I wish more of us would. I have worked high paying night shift jobs far from home, and I am SO much happier now with my current part time day shift surrounded by wonderful coworkers and working in my ideal hospital.

Luck to you,

Michala