Advice on which job to take...

RhinoRocketRN · Jan 20, 2012

I am a new graduate nurse and my hundreds of applications are finally turning into interviews and offers and need some insight and advice on the pro's and con's of each/what you would recommend.
Option 1:
Part time SICU night shift
45 Minute Drive (without traffic)
No benefits as it is part time
12 week orientation 10 weeks day shift then 2 weeks night shift
I have interviewed and was informed today I am the top candidate and the person they want to fill the position however the hospital is currently deciding whether or not they are filling vacancies in all of their units or not and therefore I will not know whether I will be hired until the next few weeks.
Option 2:
Full time (Day or Nights) Neuro Intermediate Unit
10 Minute Drive
Full Benefits
New Hospital
16 week orientation/paid internship
I have an interview on Tuesday and am unsure of the details other then the information posted above.
Im torn because in the future I am considering CRNA and Acute Care NP and would love to have the SICU experience but am unsure of whether it is a stable job or not especially considering that the hospital might be going on a hiring freeze. What to do....

Wait for your interview to decide.

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Jan 20, 2012

I'd take the full time Neuro unit, especially since that's the only actual job you officially have. I don't see why you couldn't transfer to SICU eventually at that hospital down the road.

The reasons I suggest this is:

It currently is the only official offer you have. People can say a lot of things, but until the HR oks it, the opportunity really isn't there.

It's full time, you need full time experience to really learn everything that you need to know.

I'm guessing this is a stepdown unit? It actually may be more manageable as a first job anyway. ICU can be overwhelming as your first job. The stepdown will give you a taste without throwing you to the wolves.

The benefits/insurance, etc is definitely a lot more money, unless the SICU job was going to pay significantly more, usually you can't be the benefits, it almost typically doubles what you are truly making. And if you currently have no spouse or anyone else providing you health insurance, you need it.

The drive. Imagine a 45 minute drive trying to stay awake after a 14 1/2 hour shift from he!! It happens to all of us, it will, especially in SICU when your patient codes at change of shift.

As a new grad it's hard when you want certain things now, but the fact that you have a stable job offer in this economy, you won't regret it.

Good luck to you!

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Jan 20, 2012

Wait for your interview to decide.

I think she already interviewed?

canenurse · Jan 20, 2012

I do not have an official offer from either although I expect to hear that the part time SICU will be hiring as they were interviewing for the position for months. I know that it could be overwhelming as a first job but I have been in trauma and icu units throughout my clinicals in my accelerated program. The manager also mentioned he only hires part time so that all of the certifications and online modules can be completed that help with the transition to the SICU unit. It would be a stepdown unit however I don't want to be stuck doing GCS scales all day and lose the experiences I would gain from a SICU unit. Right now I am covered under my parents health insurance for the next few years however the benefits would still be a plus with the Neuro position. The decision might be made for me if i find out that the SICU is not hiring at this time or if I do not get an offer from the Neuro unit but I am staying positive and preparing myself for a tough decision. Thanks for your advice!

canenurse · Jan 20, 2012

HE* but I have only interviewed for the SICU unit and am expecting to hear back from them with an offer next week which is the same time as my interview for the Neuro Intermediate/Stepdown

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2012

What kind of hospital doesn't offer benefits to its part-time employees? At my institution, one only has to work 20 hrs/week to be considered "benefits-eligible"... the cost is astronomical for part-time employees but they are eligible, nonetheless.

This seems like a no-brainer to me but I couldn't afford to work a part-time job with no benefits. If you don't need benefits and can afford the part-time salary, if SICU is what you want, go for it. Then again, as you said, the decision may be made for you...

canenurse · Jan 20, 2012

What kind of hospital doesn't offer benefits to its part-time employees? At my institution, one only has to work 20 hrs/week to be considered "benefits-eligible"... the cost is astronomical for part-time employees but they are eligible, nonetheless.
This seems like a no-brainer to me but I couldn't afford to work a part-time job with no benefits. If you don't need benefits and can afford the part-time salary, if SICU is what you want, go for it. Then again, as you said, the decision may be made for you...

He mentioned that it should open up to a full time position within six months to a year but that he only hires part time to start due to the pressures of the job and the necessary modules and certifications that have to be completed. With the economy though i think the promises of it opening to a full time position might not happen if nurses stay on the floor rather than retire or go back to school. I guess we will see what happens but I dont want to turn down the part time sicu position and then not get an offer from the neuro unit...

srobb11 · Jan 21, 2012

I just had to log in and say.....GO CANES!!!!!!!

If your ultimate goal is CRNA, and you can do part time, then I would go with the SICU experience.