STAT advice NEEDED

Nursing Students General Students

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  1. Which position should I accept?

    • 6
      ER
    • 3
      TELE

9 members have participated

I am graduating in May and have been out interviewing over the last few weeks....my focus has been Critical Care (i.e. ER, Tele, ICU) I have had some amazing offers....One of which is in a beautiful Level 2 ER....the orientation is a 6 month New Grad Residency Program....

They offer flexible shifts (i.e. 7a-7p, 10a-10p, 2p-2a etc....) , self scheduling, new grad nursing orientation includes 3 day-12 hour shifts with 1 full day each week being in a classroom and not on the floor....the will send the new grad to tele for 3 weeks and to icu for 3 weeks as well as have the new grad follow the IV team for a week....

they teach and certify you in all of your competencies and have you work with a preceptor for 9 months....on the shift of your preference....

by the end of one year....ACLS, PALS, and Trauma Certs will be achieved...

this hospital is 8 miles from my home....not bad

The other offer i am seriously considering is 1/4 mile from home....in Tele.....also a nice hospital....this one is union....has a few retention/night bonuses and when all is said and done pays $13,500. more in the first year....

They too said they would train me well (12 wk orientation/preceptor) pt/nurse ratio is 1-4 on days and 1-6 or 7 on nights....

WHAT TO DO !!!!?????!!!!!

Some say the ER is the opportunity of a lifetime.... esp. since just 2 years ago it was virtually unheard of for a new grad to be hired directly into the ER.

ANY advice for a new grad in this dilemma is welcome and desperately needed.....be brutally honest....my feelings won't be hurt...

Lisa

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Specializes in ICU.

ER is very difficult for a new grad because by it's very nature it requires a braod knowledge base it also requires teh kind of people skills to deal with outrageous situaations. Yes it is the opportunity of a lifetime but it may alos be overwhelming - especially at first.

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Wow, that is a hard one! But no matter what anyone elses opinion, it is a very personal decision. Have you listed the benefits, and disadvantages, of each one on paper? Sometimes it helps me to look at both choices written on paper.

I will be a new grad in May, and the most important thing to me was to find a position that would have a supportive staff and a good orientation program. I figured that as long as I am able to make a relatively smooth transition from new grad to RN I will feel more comfortable in learning new skills and gaining experience. Making more money can come later for me because I am married and my income will be second to my husbands, but I realize that not everyone has that option. What is more important to you at this time?

It sounds like the first job you described has a better orientation period, and that, to me, says they value their employees. I don't know much about unionized vs non-union, because none of the hospitals local to me are union. Have you talked to any of the nurses working at either of the hospitals? It might give you some insight about how they feel about working there.

Where is your heart telling you to go?

Sorry I didn't help much. Good luck in your decision!

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I am a tech in the ER now while in nursing school and I love it! So, if I were choosing for myself, I'd say ER for sure. You get to precept with someone for 9 months, that shoul take some of the pressure off to know it all right away. There is a learning curve, and at least at my hospital, the nurses and doctors all want to teach to those that want to learn (I am a little sponge!). Good luck and follow your heart, nothing else. In the long run, a few miles or bucks won't be worth it if you are unhappy with your decision.

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Specializes in CVOR,CNOR,NEURO,TRAUMA,TRANSPLANTS.

Im wondering why you are pondering allowing others to possibly judge a discission for you when you are capable of making it on your own? What area is it that you like, and if you like it list why, if it is what you wish to do then do it. Second guessing yourself on the area inwhich you want to work in only sets presidence for you second guessing yourself in the career. If you like on jump in with both feet and rise to the cause.

Zoe

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Thanks for all your responses....

In answer to your question Zoe, I am searching for the type of feedback that others have posted here....although i am pretty sure i know what i plan to do....others i have spoken to are divided in their opinion about the transition for new grad to ER....

I have an EMT background myself (6 yrs) and have been a medical asst for 5 years....i draw blood, and have had much exposure to outrageous situations....

I am very aware, howvwer, that regardless how much experience i have as an EMT...nursing in the ER will be a different experience....just looking for some feedback from others who have had similar experiences....

SO PLEASE....KEEP ALL THIS GREAT ADVICE ROLLING!!!!!!!!! :roll

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Specializes in LTC, ER, ICU,.

personally, i would accept the er position.

however, decide based on what you really want and what the hospital has stated it will provide. let us know what you decide.

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I vote for the ER position, sounds like you'd get all the orientation/training you will need. Good Luck, in whatever you choose. I'm sure you would do great in either position.

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Originally posted by RN2B~MAY4ME

Thanks for all your responses....

In answer to your question Zoe, I am searching for the type of feedback that others have posted here....although i am pretty sure i know what i plan to do....others i have spoken to are divided in their opinion about the transition for new grad to ER....

I have an EMT background myself (6 yrs) and have been a medical asst for 5 years....i draw blood, and have had much exposure to outrageous situations....

I am very aware, howvwer, that regardless how much experience i have as an EMT...nursing in the ER will be a different experience....just looking for some feedback from others who have had similar experiences....

SO PLEASE....KEEP ALL THIS GREAT ADVICE ROLLING!!!!!!!!! :roll

:D You know, before seeing what your previous experience was , I was not planning on responding because I felt it is a decision you have to make and I had not much to base advice on. But, while it's still your decision, I agree with the person who said you will precept with an experienced nurse in the ER and also you have prior experience as well as nursing school experience that put you ahead of the game. You are not a new grad with no prior medical background. After you spelled out all of your history, the answer sounded plain to me.

I have worked as an ER tech as well as an aide throughout the hospital while in school and this would be a great place to start if they are offering it. It seems like you would be comfortable in the ER. If you don't like it you can go anywhere you want. The world is your oyster, ya know.;)

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Please, Please!

Go with the union job. I wish I could find one around here.

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Let me go on. It is your decision and noone elses. But to find a union job in nursing is almost non existant here. In the nursing profession these days union is the way to go. A union headed by fellow nurses that work for YOUR best interests, not administrations. Better working conditions. Set pt/staff ratio.

I would not pass that job up for ANYTHING.

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Got my transition assignment today....ER!

Guess someone is trying to tell me something....

I will be the first student to ever have transition in the ER in this particular hospital! :eek:

Well, perhaps, after the first day I will know exactly what to do....i figure I will either love it :kiss or hate it :( ...

I will keep you posted

Keep the great comments rolling in.... :roll

It sure does help to get OBJECTIVE opinions.

Thanks Everyone....

Lisa ;)

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