Advice please: just got a job offer but scared and having 2nd thoughts

Nurses New Nurse

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Specializes in CCU.

Okay I have a dilemma. I've already searched the boards alot regarding new grads in ICU. I just graduated with my ADN, and don't have a date set for the nclex yet. I work as a tech at a hospital and have been eagerly looking for RN positions. I applied for CCU b/c there really weren't options and figure I should take anything I can get, and I ended up interviewing and later being offered the job, they offer 12 weeks orientation.

Another girl in my class accepted an ICU offer there as well, but was offered 12 cents more an hr plus a sign on bonus and I wasn't which I thought was a little odd. Anyways I accepted and am due to start June 8th, but I am having major second thoughts about it. I am the type that needs a lot of time to aquire skills and foundation and I didnt really get much experience from clinicals. And tech work is just tech work. I really can't say I fell in love with any one area in clinicals, I just am not sure you know. I thought about becoming a CRNA at one point but i think i only like the money aspect, i doubt i wanna go beyond a bsn. I don't like unsafe staffing ratios in medsurg but I am scared to death of the steep learning curve in ICU, but I like the idea of 1-2 pts in ICU to focus on and learn. Not to mention I wouldnt want the hospital to spend all time and money to train me and then I decide to transfer, I know the icu units only wants ppl who want to be there, and not waste time with someone who isnt 100% sure. I'm worried about this license that I am working hard to get. It's fragile so I'm trying to protect it.

My question is how can I express my concern without this looking bad for future job offers. I'm looking to stay with the same hospital but since I accepted this position, I feel obligated to follow through or either look irresponsible and not be given consideration for any other positions. Please any feedback is much appreciated.

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Oh my gosh.

Are you worried after getting a job to a specialty floor?

How do you expect to know your love of field right out of nursing school?

Just do it and be happy.

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Congratulations!

If your not nervous or uncomfortable than your not learning anything.

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Being a new nurse is a little scary. They must have faith in you if they hired you. Use your training and make sure you ask your supervisor who you can turn to and count on if you get stuck on something. I feel better when I know I have back up. That being said there are a lot of opporunities at most hospitals for internal employees. After you have worked for a while mention in casual conversation that you might like to try med surg or OB "someday" then when they have an opening your fellow employees will mention it to you and you can apply.It works well because it is best to have nurses in depts where they are comfortable and happy. This improves morale for everyone. I have rarely met a nurse who has only worked in one dept their whole life so it is okay to move around a little.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

IMO, don't stress over what your classmate's salary is. There are many factors that influence what your salary will be...perhaps she's got something that you don't (more experience, certifications, prior employment there, stronger resume), or perhaps she just was in the right place at the right time.

You'll never know because HR probably won't tell you. And she may or may not. But you have a job--which for a new grad right now is a hard thing to come by--and that's the most important thing.

This one's out of your control, so let it go. Focus on you and what's ahead of you.

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Specializes in CCU.

thanks everyone for the replies. I am glad to get a position but I just didnt feel it was ideal and what if they wont let me out after I've gone through orientation and such. I guess my issue is I don't have a clear idea of where I want to be at this point. I don't have experience and I'm paranoid of learning basic nursing skills along with everything special for critical care. I just hope that if it's not the right place for me that they don't give me a difficult time transferring to another unit. It seems they are looking for ppl who want to be there for a long time. Which is understandable, but I'm wondering if they are hire new grads b/c they can "mold" us better.

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You have to start somewhere, some time. If not this job, do you have another offer? Job offers don't come by the dozens lately. If I were you, I would take it and make the most of it. Besides, if down the road, it seems that this is not working out, you will have a better chance to move into another slot at the hospital as a transfer than as a new hire. Good luck, and congratulations on getting a job offer as a new grad.

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Specializes in NICU.

no offense..but it sounds like you need some help with your self-confidence. Think back through your time in nursing school; certainly there must have been something you were confident doing..? Being a new grad is scary, but you have to have faith and confidence in yourself that you're capable of learning more!

In regards to not being sure what unit you want to work on...might as well start where you've been offered and see how it goes. You never know, you might love it!

Good luck to you! :)

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Specializes in IMCU.

From what I read you were an internal candidate as you already work there in another position. So you would not be eligible for a signing bonus. There is nothing wrong with asking if you can be given the same terms as a candidate who wasn't internal and signing bonus but don't expect it.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.

Until you start, you'll never know what will be a good fit for you. Being unsure is normal this early, heck nursing is diverse and flexible... there are many options for you. Just never burn a bridge, communicate if it's not a good fit and jump in full force with anything you do. Good luck.

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Specializes in CCU.

Thanks to all i'm glad to hear it's okay to be unsure. I do not have another position lined up so I decided to accept the position because I need to start somewhere. It will be challenging but I'm looking forward to jumping in head first and being ready and willing to learn as much as possible. I think I need to give it a chance, i was a bit paranoid about being thrown to the wolves. Yes lindRdsnay, you are right, I often lack confidence in my potential and abilities, I've been told this before. I want to establish myself as dependable before reneging on a job I havent tried yet.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Congrats on accepting the position!! Have faith in yourself -- after all, you survived nursing school! :D

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