Accepting a job while waiting on another one to call?

Guys I was offered a job about a month ago now, and they finally contacted me and told me I can start this week. Problem is during that time I had an interview with the local hospital, and the interview went great. The hospital called my references the very next day, and friend of mine who works there said she told him I was going to be offered the job.
Now the problem. I called back a week later just to follow up and she told me the hospital has a hiring freeze on right now, but she is trying to get her bosses to approve her hiring someone. So here I am needing to start the job at the other place this week, and waiting on the hospital job.
So what do I do? Start the other job, and if I do what do I do if the hospital calls say 2-3 days later and does offer me the job. Without a doubt the hospital job is the better job. More money, insurance starts very first day, 5 mins from home compared to 30 for the other. What should I do? I would hate to work for a few days and than have to quit, but at the same time I would be crazy to turn down the hospital job if I am offered it.
Answer #1
Ideally you should take the position that you have been offered.
After all, the hospital position isn’t confirmed. If you turn down the first position, then you are running the risk of losing BOTH. Then your back at square one with no job.
I say take the position that you have currently been offered. If the hospital decides to take you on, then just say to your employer that the job isn’t for you, and your going to continue looking for other work.
Answer #2
take the position that you have been offered
Answer #3
Take it. If the other place calls to offer you the job, weigh your options and choose the best one for you.
Answer #4
I would say never forget they probably make more money out of you than you make out of them, so IMO it’s ok to think of nr 1 in situations like that… I imagine at first it’s a trial period where both sides can end the contract without repercussions? In that case think of yourself, go for the first job and if the hospital comes along go for it if you really prefer it… Good luck!
Answer #5
It may sound crazy but I would hate to work a few days and than have to quit. Would hate to upset someone, but if offered the hospital job I would be crazy not to take it.
Answer #6
I know what you’re saying, I’m a bit the same, but this is a situation where you have to think about yourself first… It’s easy to say, maybe less to do. In your place I would have scrupules as well but wth it’s your life ey. They’ll find someone else soon enough. And since work encompasses a rather large and important part of your life it would be foolish not to try to make it as much to your liking as you can…
Answer #7
if its a definate on the hospital job, then i would wait your call when you can start!!
Answer #8
Take the one you were offered…
Answer #9
I would say take the one you have been offered even if for a few days. If there is a mandatory period of notice that you have to give eg. a month, then just go off sick (and hand your notice in at the same time) and take the other job if given it.