Vanderbilt vs Duke vs VA For New Grad

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Dear Nurse Beth,

I am a new grad RN and need advice ASAP! I have offers in different locations and can't decide on the best move. I am being super cheap LOL and can't decide if I want to take money out of my pocket.

1. Duke Hospital in the Surgical ICU. - Pay is good, I would have to pay rent (up to $1,200 a month + utilities + groceries). No sign-on bonus, but a $1,500 relocation bonus.

2. Vanderbilt Hospital in the Surgical ICU. - Pay is maybe $2 less than Duke. I would have to pay rent (up to $1,600 a month + utilities + groceries). 10K sign-on bonus and 2K relocation bonus.

3. VA Hospital in Sacramento (not assigned unit until after residency). - salary pay, I have a home in California so rent is not a problem only commuting (gas). the salary pay is around 60K, which is like $30 an hour. no sure about this one, but it's my dream to stay living in California.

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2 Answers

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear New Grad,

Congratulations! Three  job offers!

It's interesting that Vanderbilt is offering a 10K sign on bonus to new grads. Often this indicates a severe turnover problem and internal issues. I would be wary of going there because even though they are highly ranked, the nursing department could be unstable at this time. When there's high turnover, it hurts new grads because there's not enough depth to fully support new grads. Ten thousand dollars paid out in installments and taxed is less than it sounds-nice, but not enough to sway your decision.

Duke University Hospital in North Carolina is a nationally ranked teaching hospital. You would most likely get an amazing experience.

The VA hospital in Sacramento only has 60 beds although it does have a cath lab and surgery. 

Your dream is to stay in California, but if you relocate, you could always come back after your all-important 1-2 first years.

Also, there's more to your compensation package than hourly salary. Compare benefits as well.  How much does your medical/vision/dental insurance cost? Is there tuition assistance?

Best wishes on your decision,

Nurse Beth

Specializes in Surgical Trauma / Cardiothoracic ICU.

Be weary of those sign-on bonuses... they're heavily taxed more so than straight income. I barely ended up with half of mine and I'm in Florida. 

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