cardiac residency vs acute dialysis new grad position

[Lillian11]

Hi all!

Just passed NCLEX, and now figuring out my first job.

I have two definite options:

cardiac residency program beginning in may or june

or

acute care dialysis position beginning in about 2 weeks

I have worked as a CNA in both, and I love both populations.

Not sure which route to take....

It would be nice to begin working ASAP, but I don't want to make a decision based only on when the job begins. The dialysis position pays several dollars more per hour, as well, but with the extra money does come the negative that I will be taking call.

Anyone's thoughts would be great! Thanks!!

[Cardiac-RN]

Of course I am biased (see my user name lol) but I would pick the cardiac residency position. Acute care dialysis is very, very specific- almost too specific to pick up a broad foundation that is really important in the first couple of years post-licensure. You can get a very broad foundation on a cardiac floor- it is med-surg + the cardiac component + portions of the critical care spectrum if the unit is considered to be progressive. I also imagine that it would be more difficult for you to transition from the acute care dialysis position to another specialty than from the cardiac residency position to another specialty. Definitely not trying to put down dialysis nurses or their roles, just my thoughts on what would be the most beneficial to you as a new graduate. I also think that going into a dialysis position as a new graduate is kind of a risky thing, until you have a very honed assessment and can pick up the subtle changes that signal danger in this population, and the level head to deal with emergent scenarios semi-independently until help arrives (depending on the staffing of the dialysis unit).

Consider skills/ situations that you will get exposure to on the floor that you may not as a dialysis nurse- placing lines and foleys, care of chest tubes, wound care, management of patients pre+ post-op, telemetry reading, etc.

Hope this helps, congrats on passing boards & good luck with your choice! Wonderful to be in a position where you have multiple offers.

Cardiac-RN

[Lillian11]

Of course I am biased (see my user name lol) but I would pick the cardiac residency position. Acute care dialysis is very, very specific- almost too specific to pick up a broad foundation that is really important in the first couple of years post-licensure. You can get a very broad foundation on a cardiac floor- it is med-surg + the cardiac component + portions of the critical care spectrum if the unit is considered to be progressive. I also imagine that it would be more difficult for you to transition from the acute care dialysis position to another specialty than from the cardiac residency position to another specialty. Definitely not trying to put down dialysis nurses or their roles, just my thoughts on what would be the most beneficial to you as a new graduate. I also think that going into a dialysis position as a new graduate is kind of a risky thing, until you have a very honed assessment and can pick up the subtle changes that signal danger in this population, and the level head to deal with emergent scenarios semi-independently until help arrives (depending on the staffing of the dialysis unit).

Consider skills/ situations that you will get exposure to on the floor that you may not as a dialysis nurse- placing lines and foleys, care of chest tubes, wound care, management of patients pre+ post-op, telemetry reading, etc.

Hope this helps, congrats on passing boards & good luck with your choice! Wonderful to be in a position where you have multiple offers.

Cardiac-RN

Thank you so much for your response. I have gone back and forth a few times, but finally decided on waiting for the cardiac position. This really helps me realize I have made the right choice.

:-)))