Prospective CRNA applicant choosing between ICU offers — advice?

Hey everyone,

I have two offers on the table and am having a very difficult time deciding which one to take.

I’ve been in the general ICU at my current hospital (Level 3 TC) for 1.5 years now and I plan to start applying to CRNA programs this Fall. Looking to beef up my resume a bit more, I applied and was offered a job in the CVICU at the big level 1 trauma center nearby, a known feeder for one of the local CRNA programs. Last week I was dead set on taking this job until my manager countered the offer with a transfer to the CTICU within our current hospital. It’s a much smaller operation only 8 beds compared to the 30 bed unit at the other place, but comes with a pretty decent pay bump.

So, what it’s all boiling down to now is pay and familiarity vs prestige and acuity. The level 1 CVICU is a top heart program in the state, takes the absolute sickest pts in the area, trains and uses every cardiac device imaginable, and is the only unit that does VV or VA ECMO in the entire region. The caveat is I’d be taking a $7/hr pay cut from my current job and a $9/hr cut from the CTICU position I was offered, and there’s no room for negotiation.

As for the CTICU position, it’s definitely still a high acuity unit, just not THE HIGHEST possible, but I’d still gain valuable experience recovering open hearts and working with devices like the impella and IABP. It’s also just an 8 bed extension of my current unit so I already know the staff and managers very well, and am well liked there, which I figure will be indispensable when I need letters of recommendation

So, what do you guys think? Should I take the higher paying job and just do my best to master my craft in that environment or should I say forget the money, it’s all a means to an end and leave for the big CVICU?

Thank you guys so much in advance, any insights/advice will be greatly appreciated!