HELP!! New, Unknown PICU or Comfy ER !?!

DaisyRN, ACNP · Jun 23, 2005

Hi everybody!

OKAY... here's the deal: I am just trying to weigh my options here in a prospective new job setting. I really need someone to help me see both sides and make the right choice... I'm all eyes. :)

1. I have been working at this local ER for a while now on a PRN basis. They have extended a full-time offer to me, but it is a 1p-1a shift (yuck!). The manager said that I have first dibs at a day position should one become available. Also, this job is within 12 miles of my house. I have worked with all of the doctors there for a long time and am comfortable with them...and vice versa. Furthermore, I want to go back to school (online program for MSN-NP) and I think that this job would be good for that in that I will be close to home and this is an "easier" job (we aren't crazy busy and its smaller than the other hospital I worked at.) I also like my manager very much here.

THE FLIP SIDE...

2. Since I got out of school in '03, I have been solely in an ER. I know that I am a good ER RN and I know that I like it. However, with plans on going back for my NP, I wonder if I should take advantage of this time and try something else... i.e. PICU and see if that is something I would want to specialize in as a NP. I enjoy our (ED's) pedi patients and feel as though I have a certain "connection" with pedi's and their families. SO... I have found a job at a great hospital 35+ miles from the house, and DAY shift on the PICU. Keep in mind that I know NOTHING of a PICU and am, in all honesty, trying to find a job that I can do for the long haul... at least until I finish my NP. Another point to consider: THIS hospital is starting to utilize NP's in their hospital staffing (they are looking for a pedi NP right now!) ... at the other hospital, I would not even be considered for continued employment as a NP... unless I worked the clinic (which is NOT what I want to do.). BTW: This is a new pedi hospital built within a larger (stable) hospital system that has huge plans for new growth (hence, possibility of another NP position).

Given this info... what do ya'll think?? Should I branch out and try to do the PICU? Keep my PRN status current at the local hospital ER and always fall back on that if I do not like the PICU?? I am fairly certain that there will always be availability of a full-time position at the local hospital's ER.

Any suggestions/tips will be greatly appreciated. :)