What to do, what to do?? Dillemma of sorts...

[AML09RN]

I'll preface this by saying I'm a very lucky woman!

Alright, I have an interview scheduled at 2:30 with HR at a nearby hospital (Hospital A). Initially, I thought I really wanted to work at this hospital because of their new grad pay rates, insurance premiums, tuition reimbursement, etc. As to not have all my eggs in one basket, I applied at some other hospitals just in case in the end I wasn't offered a job at Hospital A.

Well, a week ago I applied for a new grad. position at Hospital B in the middle of the night not thinking I'd hear anything from them until interview at Hospital A was over with. Boy, was I wrong. I was called the next day and had an interview and job offer within a week from Hospital B.

Here's my dillemma. Hospital B is 115 mi from "home" whereas Hospital A is 40. I'd most definately have to relocate. Hospital A has patient:nurse ratios of anywhere from 6:1 - 8:1 while my ratio at Hospital B would be 5:1. I know what floor I'd be on at Hospital B (ortho/urology) and Hospital A is unknown as of yet. I'd have every 3rd weekend off at Hospital B and would work every weekend at Hospital A.

Pay and insurance premiums at both hospitals are relatively the same. Hospital B does offer student loan paybacks, though.

So, what do you think? I guess I truly don't have a problem until I have a job offer from Hospital A, but it's still on my mind.

Thanks for letting me "talk this out" with you guys.

a.

[raerusse]

Hospital B!! (better ratios, weekend off, loan repayment, same pay). Based on your post it comes out to be the clear winner. I myself am choosing to relocate (and I hate moving) to a hospital with lower pay and higher cost of living for a better environment and schedule. Seems like in your case hospital B is the best of both worlds.

[joannep]

I agree, Hospital B

[nminodob]

Another problem with choosing A: 40 miles is just close enough you might be tempted to commute - and take it from me, commuting 40 miles each way is a drag! Relocating to B might mean you have a 5 minute commute, depending upon the area. and how close you find lodging. Go B!