Best type of hospital for new nursing school grads

directcare4me · Sep 7, 2004

I think it depends a lot on what the particular job at each would be. What shift, what area, pay scale, mandatory overtime or not; I would probably try to find out from nurses who actually work at the hospitals you are considering, and see if they like working there. And if they do, why, and if they don't, why not.

I like working in a teaching hospital, but they aren't all alike. My work conditions are not the best; mandatory overtime, mediocre pay, limits on vacation use, all that stuff; but the actual work that I do, I like, and couldn't do somewhere else.

eltrip · Sep 7, 2004

I started in a large teaching hospital. I'm very glad that I did. I learned a lot & the institution where I worked has a fine reputation. The experience combined with the facility's reputation has continued to open doors for me years later.

In contrast, I worked at a small community hospital a few years ago. I met two nurses who'd graduated a year after I had. Neither of them were confident in their skills. Additionally, this hospital had mandatory overtime and as many restrictions in taking vacation time (if not more) than either of the large facilities I've worked in both before and after this facility.

I also found that a teaching hospital tends to be more open to change (though not always) based on research. I found the smaller facility to be very set in their ways & even frightened/threatened by the physicians. Granted, I always treat docs respectfully (as I do all fellow humans)...I just don't hold them in higher esteem than others.

Bottom line, go with your gut, not with what we have to say. You have to live with your decisions. Make them yours.

All the best,

eltrip

RN4NICU, LPN, LVN · Sep 8, 2004

My advice would be interview at both and go with the setup that works best for you, as every hospital is different. My experience with staffing issues in a teaching hospital is polar opposite from eltrip's. Our teaching hospital had mandatory OT and it took an act of God to get your vacation time, even if you requested a year in advance. I'm surprised they didn't require an excuse from God to get sick pay. The teaching hospital and one other h***hole in town had the same crappy policies: no extra pay on holidays, no weekend differential, mandatory 84 hrs/pay period - NO OVERTIME for the last 4 either. It's as if they thought the priviledge of working there should be benefit enough. :rotfl:

No surprise, both places are staffed almost entirely by new grads and travelers because once people get experience, they work elsewhere.

tadpol24 · Sep 8, 2004

thank you everyone, sage advice indeed.

My advice would be interview at both and go with the setup that works best for you, as every hospital is different. My experience with staffing issues in a teaching hospital is polar opposite from eltrip's. Our teaching hospital had mandatory OT and it took an act of God to get your vacation time, even if you requested a year in advance. I'm surprised they didn't require an excuse from God to get sick pay. The teaching hospital and one other h***hole in town had the same crappy policies: no extra pay on holidays, no weekend differential, mandatory 84 hrs/pay period - NO OVERTIME for the last 4 either. It's as if they thought the priviledge of working there should be benefit enough. :rotfl:
No surprise, both places are staffed almost entirely by new grads and travelers because once people get experience, they work elsewhere.

nekhismom · Sep 8, 2004

I'd also advise you to check out the north carolina forum so that you can see if anyone has offered any advice about either hospital you are considering.

Also, check out the new grad forum for some advice about sign on bonuses and the like.

Good luck!