Which job offer should I take?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Congrats on three amazing job offers!

Choosing the best employer involves considering both professional opportunities and the well-being of your family. Here's an overview of the three options:

Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN)

• Professional development. Mayo Clinic is renowned for its comprehensive training programs, research opportunities, and focus on continuous learning. It's a great place to keep your nursing skills up to date, and you would learn a lot.
• Work environment. Known for high job satisfaction and strong support for nurses.
• Community and family. Rochester is a smaller city with excellent schools, low crime rates, and family-friendly amenities. The cost of living can be higher, but the quality of life is generally good.

Providence (Lubbock, TX)

• Professional development. Providence offers a supportive environment for nurses with opportunities for growth and development.
• Work environment. Smaller hospital setting compared to the Mayo Clinic, which might provide a more close-knit community feel.
• Community and family. Lubbock is known for its affordable cost of living, good schools, and family-oriented community. The weather is warmer, which might be preferable for some families.

Kaiser (Oregon)

• Professional development. Kaiser is known for its innovative approach to healthcare and a strong emphasis on work-life balance. Opportunities for professional development are available but may vary by location.
• Work environment. Generally positive, with a focus on preventive care and integrated health services.
• Community and family. Depending on your location in Oregon, you could have access to excellent schools, a vibrant community, and numerous outdoor activities. However, the cost of living in some parts of Oregon can be high, particularly in urban areas like Portland.
• Considerations

Work-life balance. Asemployer'semployer's flexible working hours, parental leave, and childcare support policies.

Support systems. Proximity to family and friends can provide additional support for your children.

Cost of living. Factor in housing, childcare, and general living expenses in each location.

Recommendation

Given your priorities as a nurse and a mother, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, might be the best option for professional growth and a supportive environment for your childrecity's city's family-friendly atmosphere aclinic'slinic's reputation for excellence can provide a solid foundation for both your career and family life.

However, Providence in Lubbock, TX, offers a lower cost of living and a warm community, which might benefifamily'samily's emotional and physical well-being.

Kaiser in Oregon could be an excellent choice if you prioritize work-life balance and outdoor activities.

Ultimately, visit each location if possible and consider the community, school systems, and overall environment to make an informed decision.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

You didn't say if you were moving with a partner or as a single parent. Your kids are young enough to require some kind of supervision while you are working so the availability of child care that's somewhat affordable might be pretty high up there on your list of considerations. 

Housing options within a good school district should also be something you look at very closely before committing to a move.  The housing market is beyond brutal in many areas.

Don't look at just hourly pay as an overly huge part of your decision. You specifically mentioned an offer of $34/hr as not being appealing. But that $34/hr might be decent pay in a low cost-of-living area, especially if the job offer comes with stellar benefits.  

[Kathy Whigham]

Dear Ms. Nurse Beth,

Thank you so much for your feedback with detailed information.  I am looking for cities with stellar Christian educations (elementary and middle school), extracurricular activities and nice Asian restaurants and grocery stores.  None of the job offers are in my preferred areas so my question is which of the RN experience would make me a better candidate when I apply for RN positions in the hospitals in my preferred areas in two years from now.  So which hospital would provide better outlook for me as a RN applicant after a couple years when I am applying for RN position in the hospitals at my preferred location, please.  Also pay difference is steep.  I know the pay will increase with experience.. but the resident pay is not appealing to me like $34.  I  just completed an interview with Baylor Scott & White hospital in Temple, TX. I know it is trauma level I.  What should I focus on when I am making the decision? Rochester MN does not have anything I want except Mayo Clinic. I am torn apart. Please advise