Best unit to start for new grad?

[SamMo]

Hello all,

I have been a long time reader of allnurses but this is my first ever post. I just graduated nursing school earlier this month and I have been blessed with two opportunities already. I wanted to see if I could get some feedback from nurses new and old on what would be the best fit for a new graduate nurse with no experience. Here is what I'm looking at. If you can think of any other questions I might want to ask that would be great as well.

1) Progressive Care Unit- 4:1 patient to nurse ratio, 8 weeks of orientation. Mostly cardiac patients.

2) Oncology/Nephrology Unit- would learn both areas 6:1 ratio, 12 weeks of orientation

I never dreamed I would have a choice for my first nursing position. Both are working nights, both are approx 5 miles from my home, I am new to the area so not sure which is considered a better hospital overall. Also would like to add that I enjoy psych and if asked I would say that would be my first choice.

Any thoughts/opinions would be appreciated!

[SamMo]

What do you think a reasonable time to orient would be for a new grad? Especially PCU or ICU? I have a peer who received a job in ICU and her orientation is only 8 weeks, different hospitals, different states. Just wondering if that is the norm now? I always expected at least 3 months.

Thank you all for your responses.

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

A reasonable amount of time would be 12-16 weeks. 10 weeks is the minimum I would accept for PCU.

8 weeks is scary for a new grad in ICU. Recommend that she asks for more orientation. For ICU, I would accept 12 weeks at a minimum as a new grad.

[nrsang97, BSN, RN]

I was an experienced nurse who transitioned to ICU and got a 12 week orientation. I would not accept less than 12 weeks orientation in a step down unit as a new grad. The other position in an oncology/nephro floor sounds hard too. Oncology is difficult because those patients are incredibly sick, and can turn bad fast. Nephro can be challenging as there are many non compliant patients.

[ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP]

I would go with the one with the longer orientation. 8 weeks is ridiculous.

[Caffeine_IV]

I would ask for a longer orientation for PCU and pick that one if they agree.

You would learn a lot on each unit.

I think an oncology/nephro floor would be physically and emotionally demanding. My first job was on a general medical floor that took oncology patients and did chemo.

[SierraBravo]

The hospital I work at has a 6 month orientation for the ED and ICU's. I'm not sure about the step down units... For an experienced nurse, sure I can see 12 weeks orientation for the ICU. But for a new grad? Sorry, I can't possibly see any less than 4-6 months in that case.

[INN_777, BSN, RN]

Hi SamMo. I wanted to offer a resource to research & compare hospitals (and employers in general). Try glassdoor.com. There you can see employee evaluations of employers as well as read employee feedback on what they like and don't like about working for that particular company/hospital.

[scaredsilly, BSN, RN]

I agree with the others. The longer an orientation, the better, but a 1:6 ratio sounds steep to me. You have to base your decision on a few factors. First, what do YOU want to do? Are you emotionally prepared for onc? Second, what about pay, benefits, and employee satisfaction? One poster suggested looking at glass door, that's a great idea.

I took a job on L&D because that was my dream unit, pay is terrible for my area, benefits are good, 1:3 ratio, and the staff is better than anything I could have hoped for. Weigh all the options, but make your decision soon before one of them withdraws the offer.

[SamMo]

Tomorrow is the day I will let them know. I am going with the progressive care unit and asking for a longer orientation. My former clinical instructor said to approach the director after the fact to ask for longer orientation if needed but I'm just going to be upfront. My preceptorship was on a tele floor and although they were less critical patients I feel a little more familiar with with cardiac issues than Onc/Renal. The pay is better, the hospital has better overall ratings and the nurses there seem happier and friendly. I hope it's the right choice for me.

Thanks everyone for the replies!! Wish me luck :)

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

Hospital and unit culture can make or break your orientation. Good luck to you!

[INN_777, BSN, RN]

Good luck!