Which job? Need advice.

Nurses Career Support

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Current job:

Local hospital, 7 miles away, 15min commute 56hour/2weeks, no benefits $27/hour 8 hr shifts

Job prospect:

University hospital (w/ magnet status), 35 miles away, 1-1.5hr commute 72hr/2weeks, full benefits $31.50/hour 12 hour shifts. $130/month parking

Both on the same type of floor & night shift. I need help deciding because I love my current job. I am a Decemeber grad, so I'm still on orientation at current job, but I worked there as a tech during school. I'm in a relationship, but living at home. No kids. Is it worth leaving the job close to home for a hospital with a better reputation? I felt like my interview went very well, so if they were to call me to offer a position, I'd like to know the answer id give them.

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Specializes in Home Care.

How would that long commute be after a 12 hour shift? What about winter?

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
How would that long commute be after a 12 hour shift? What about winter?

Great points. I've worked 12 hour shifts with the same commute time. It's never just 12 hours, so then you have a loong drive after a loong shift. Ontop of working nights, I think it's dangerous & I would stay at the current job.

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Thanks for the advice guys! I was just talking about the whole winter thing as well. We have had a nasty winter this year, and the commute would have been terrible. I'm leaning towards staying at my current job, but I just needed some advice from nurses who know what it's like!

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35 miles seems like a long distance to travel for a $4.50 pay raise. I know the job has benefits as opposed to not having any now but if I were you, I'd keep looking for something a bit more local. You said you love your current job. Not many people can say that about their job situations. Plus, what if you ditch your current job for this long distance job and then hate it? It doesn't seem worth the risk to me.

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If I were you, I'd stay put for now. Do you really want to change jobs in such a short time? Employers don't look kindly on people who job-hop.

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If I were you I'd stay put for now. Do you really want to change jobs in such a short time? Employers don't look kindly on people who job-hop.[/quote']

I have thought about that, and they asked me that. But I have an acceptable reason for that, it's because my current job cannot offer me full time or benefits right now. I'm not benefit eligible, and I need benefits eventually. I'm not married, and on my parents insurance. So in less than 2 years, I will be kicked off their insurance.

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I have thought about that and they asked me that. But I have an acceptable reason for that, it's because my current job cannot offer me full time or benefits right now. I'm not benefit eligible, and I need benefits eventually. I'm not married, and on my parents insurance. So in less than 2 years, I will be kicked off their insurance.[/quote']

Oh and I've worked there as a tech for 2 years before starting as a RN.

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I'm surprised nobody has said take the other job....I must have my answer then!

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It's good to be in a magnet status hospital and have all those fancy things buuuuuuut... It will speak volumes to your next job prospects that you stuck around with your first job. Shows that you are loyal to the company and you are not afraid to stay in one place. So when you are ready to relocate, you will be able to show the director during the interview: "look I was at this hospital since before I was RN, I'm only changing jobs now because I want to *fill in the blank an appropriate reason to find a new job *"

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I agree, but would they understand because it's one of the most highly ranked hospitals in country? Ughhh, everyone has a clear answer for me but for some reason, I am still going back and forth.

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I actually would def take the other job. It's more money, more hours, better benefits. It's not that far. You could afford to move closer to it probably.

I personally would never accept a job without benefits. Those benefits are easily worth another 10k per year in salary. Plus you said it's a university hospital. Do they have a nursing school where you might be able to continue your education inexpensively? That could be another big bonus.

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