I have an interview in a level 1 trauma center, need advice!

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Hello everyone

I am currently facing a dilemma and I need some guidance. Today, I received a phone call to go in for an interview next week for a staff nurse position at a level 1 trauma center ER. I can't even say I am a new grad because I will graduate this May (they are aware of this) but my point is that I feel lucky to have been called for an interview this soon and this could be a once in a lifetime chance as this is also a magnet hospital and they will open a brand new 84 bed ER next year. The only BIG problem I have is that they are offering me to work the night shift and I really don't know how I feel about working nights. I have never worked nights before so I don't know how I will function. I asked about eventually switching to day shift and they said there is a wait list for that.

What should I do? This is one of the only two level 1 trauma centers in town and the other hospital will not consider new grads, they only hire nurses with at least 1 yr of ER experience. Would I be totally crazy to pass up this opportunity just because it's the night shift?

Ill say it like most of the ED nurses here will....Im sorry but if you really want this opportunity than your going to have to suck it up, pay your dues on nights and then maybe go to daytime when you have been there longer.May I also point out your a new grad, level 1 trauma center and you got an interview I'd LOVE to have.....if you cant make the interview....I can :)

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.
Ill say it like most of the ED nurses here will....Im sorry but if you really want this opportunity than your going to have to suck it up, pay your dues on nights and then maybe go to daytime when you have been there longer.May I also point out your a new grad, level 1 trauma center and you got an interview I'd LOVE to have.....if you cant make the interview....I can :)
My level I trauma center won't even consider new grads and *all* new hires, even intra-hospital transfers, go onto night shift, period. Shift preference is based solely on unit seniority.
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Specializes in being a Credible Source.
Would I be totally crazy to pass up this opportunity just because it's the night shift?
Obviously.

So what did you decide? Did you go for it?

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The real question is what degree do you have(ADN or BSN)? What's the name of the facility in San Antonio, TX and how do I get a piece of it?

Please don't take the job and drop my name instead :-)

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Thank you everyone for your input, I talked to my instructors and they said the same thing as you guys. The interview is tomorrow morning and I decided to go for it, IF I do end up getting an offer. I'm very very nervous!! But I have done my homework and I feel prepared so I will definitely post here how it went when it's over :)

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Good luck! You should be nervous, and that's why your going to have an orientation. Just stay calm and think your way through things and youll be ok :)

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Well it's done and over with, I think I did pretty well for the most part. Some questions I did hit a wall on but I still answered as best as I could. I got pretty good feedback from the peer interview panel, they said I had a positive attitude and they liked that I emphasized "teamwork". They gave me a pretty good tour of the entire floor and pretty much introduced me to everyone, which I think was a plus. But now I'm playing the waiting game and the suspense is killing me! I just want to know if they will hire me or not!!

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Specializes in ER.

My jaw literally dripped when I read this. I graduated last May and right now I am fighting tooth and nail for a HOSPICE job. I'm going in for a second interview in the morning. If I was in your position I would be doing back flips! Take the job!

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We only have a few level 2 trauma hospitals and they are highly competitive, let alone the competitiveness of a level1 trauma hospital. I'm still a new nurse and have tried for 3 years to get an ED position. I was just offered an ED position an I can't wait!!! I told them I would take any shift, expecting to get a night shift. How I ended up being offered a day shift is beyond me but I am incredibly grateful. You'd be silly to not accept whatever opportunity they offer if ED is really what you want.

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.
I was just offered an ED position ... I told them I would take any shift, expecting to get a night shift. How I ended up being offered a day shift is beyond me but I am incredibly grateful.
In some facilities, many people would rather work nights due to less interaction with management and a generally more relaxed atmosphere.
You'd be silly to not accept whatever opportunity they offer if ED is really what you want.
Claro.
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In some facilities many people would rather work nights due to less interaction with management and a generally more relaxed atmosphere.Claro.[/quote']

I was thinking something along the lines of people wanting to see more "action", along with the more relaxed atmosphere. We'll see how it goes! :)

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Just wanted to say I got the job! Any advice for a new grad in the ED?

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