Does which hospital you work at matter?

nutella, MSN, RN · Apr 28, 2016

I've been working at a large hospital in my city for the past year, which is ranked in the top 10% for medical care nationally... If I were to choose to switch to another hospital in the area to gain experience in a different specialty unit that is unavailable in my current facility, would it be viewed as a step back to go to a lesser ranked hospital? Or does that even matter? As a relatively new nurse, I'm uncertain of this, but don't want to make a foolish move. Anyone got any advice for me?

I worked for top ranked hospitals and left to work somewhere else. Of course it looks good on the resume but what is more important in my opinion is your overall satisfaction. For example, my drive was very long (more than 1 hour) and it started to really bug me. One place had a problem with attitude towards new nurses and it was not worth for me.

If you want to specialize and that is not available in your current place you may have to leave. But look at the overall picture as well like pay, benefits, culture, commute, parking, chances of advancement, tuition reimbursement....

I do not regret that I worked at large teaching hospitals but I also worked in the community and now at a community hospital and personally like that a lot better due to differences in culture and how people treat each other.

elkpark · Apr 28, 2016

Unless you're really desperate to get away from your current place, it would be a good idea to stay longer than a year. The other specialty will still be available at the other hospital later on.