Should I settle for my first job offer in fear of not finding something sooner?

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I recently started looking for jobs about 2 weeks ago. I got a referral through a friend and immediately got an interview the same day I submitted my resume. A week later(yesterday) I got a call from HR extending a job offer. They offered me a full time position a family practice clinic starting at 24.50/hr and I'm told they do 2% pay increments every June for those who meet requirements after an evaluation, which after a year would still not break $25/hr. I realize I am not experienced and it is expensive to train a new nurse. However, I live in NY and I am told that is so grossly underpaid for this area even for a new nurse. So I thanked them for the offer and asked for a few days. The same day I got the offer I got a call from a different place. A long term nursing home for acutely ill children. They tell me the minimum to start is 64,800 a year but require a 2 year commitment. His made me feel like I shouldn't settle for such a low paying job and maybe wait out to see if I get another job offer. At the same time the place that pays more seemed like they were desperate for ppl and the 2 year commitment makes me think they have a hard time keeping their employees long term. So I am scared it wouldn't be a good place to work and be stuck there for 2 years if i even get a job offer.

Opinions please!

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Write down all the pros and con's for each in a table. Think about this list then make the best choice provided the information given. Meanwhile should an even better offer come into play, then choose the best offer of all. Not many new grads get two choices for their first job. Congratulations.

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Thank you!!

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Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.

Are you an LPN or RN? 24.50 in NY for an LPN is not terribly low for family practice, especially if it is days and no weekends. The other job is probably tremendously more stressful. 2 year commitment means you won't leave on good terms if you leave before two years. If that is your plan now, this is not the job for you. If that was not your plan, don't worry about it, you could still quit if you need to. It doesn't necessarily mean desperation on their part. It may be that new grads tend to come in, work for a year and then leave for the hospital. They just want you to know that they expect 2 years before you leave. In NY, I would think that this does not apply to LPNs.

I think it would be a good idea to let each of them know you have two offers and that you really want to make the best choice. Can you shadow for a day to see what the work is like?

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Have you researched both places from current/former employees on glassdoor or other review sites?

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