Have an offer, plus another interview - advice?

[Rosehip]

Firstly, I realize this is a wonderful "problem" to have, especially in this economy and I'm very grateful.

I am a newly graduated nurse and have been interviewing. Last evening, I got a call offering me a position at a hospital that is very convenient, seems like a good place to work and where a relative of mine works, which would be nice when starting at a new place. The downside is that the position is not in the unit I want - they don't start new grads there. I would be expected to complete a year on the other floor before being eligible to request a transfer to the unit I really want.

This morning I'm interviewing at a another hospital. Pros: I'd get right into the unit I want (which is relatively unusual for new grads). This, combined with some other factors about the hospital make it IDEAL from a purely career point of view. Cons: It's about 60 miles/70 minutes commute. I'm not in a position to move, so I would be commuting and/or finding a place to crash for a few hours post-shift so that I could drive home safely. Plus, of course, I don't want to pass up my current offer, and then end up with no offers...

WWYD, both in terms of considering a place that's so far away, and juggling having an offer plus a new interview? I told HR at the first place that I was SO excited, but just wanted to think about it a little. I figure I can drag it out a little bit by asking questions. I actually do have a couple of questions, re: pay, b/c the info they gave me doesn't compute in terms of what they say the hourly pay is equaling what they say the yearly salary is.

[amma_mama]

If the second opportunity is not "ideal" enough to risk having no job at all, then it is not worth jeopardizing a good offer. For me, personally, that 60 mile commute would be too much, especially given that you would have to rest after shift before even starting it - that is too many additional hours for me to be away from home. Also, one year in a different unit is a very short time if you like most everything else about the employer.

Maybe make a list of all the things that make you think that the other position is "ideal" and really evaluate what aspects matter most and compare the first with that shorter list. Look at the whole picture of work-life balance, the longer term career potential, etc.

In any case, do take the time to get all your questions answered before accepting any offer.

Best of luck with whatever you decide to do!

[Rosehip]

Originally Posted by amma_mama

If the second opportunity is not "ideal" enough to risk having no job at all, then it is not worth jeopardizing a good offer. For me, personally, that 60 mile commute would be too much, especially given that you would have to rest after shift before even starting it - that is too many additional hours for me to be away from home. Also, one year in a different unit is a very short time if you like most everything else about the employer.

Maybe make a list of all the things that make you think that the other position is "ideal" and really evaluate what aspects matter most and compare the first with that shorter list. Look at the whole picture of work-life balance, the longer term career potential, etc.

In any case, do take the time to get all your questions answered before accepting any offer.

Best of luck with whatever you decide to do!

The big thing about it being in the unit I want, is that is the unit in which I must have experience to go on to the masters I want. So, I'm thinking of how long it will be before I can apply to the masters program. But, I think the commute is probably going to be a deal-killer for me too.

[dawningmama]

Yes, that commute would be a deal-breaker for me. I'd take the first job and keep feelers out/applying for jobs that better suited my continued-education plan.

Good luck and congrats on that offer!

[Rosehip]

Update - I took the local, but less optimal career/personal preference wise. I start July 12th!

[Happiestever]

I was going to stay take the local job, but it seems you already did. Congrats!

[LittleBattleAxe]

Congrats!