Cardiology or Cardiothoracic Surgery?...help?

[coles2]

Hi everyone,

I could use some help. I just graduated this May from nursing school. Today I had two great interviews that both turned into job offers by the end of the day. One on a 50 bed cardiology unit with high pt turnover rate. The other on a 21 bed Cardiothoracic-Surgical Unit where the pts stay a little longer. I liked both units very much, they both have a 4:1 ratio which is great. I have made a pros and cons list but I am still having trouble deciding what would be the best fit and offer me the best experience as a new grad. I would appreciate any advice or insight you might have to offer.

Thank you!

[smiles04]

That is wonderful you should proud to be offered those jobs. heres the deal the cardiology unit will have more critical pt than a typical med or tele unit lots of cardiac meds and test chf resolution diuretics bp meds in and out diagnose go home follow up with cardiologist. Surgery these people are up in 12 hrs usually. chest tubed sometimes more critical lots midsternal wounds some healing some not with complications back to surgery sometimes they may have breathing diff or arrythmias. etc. Its a challenge but if you like surgery its cool. Support to fmily is important in either job. You know which one your truely excited about. If your a little scared of the decision trust youll do great. After all your a little scared thats why you here. thats okay weve all felt that. Have confidence in yourself. They will not turn you out on your own straight away youve got a precepting period. Youll do great... GOOD LUCK believe in yourself.

[smiles04]

ps sorry about the spelling Im sitting all crocked and didnt spell ckeck.

[coles2]

Thank you for the great advice and encouragement. Right now I am leaning towards the cardiology unit because I feel like it will give me a better "medical" experience, where the pts may have other underlying medical problems besides cadiac. Plus the orientation seems like it is just a little more structured. However I am nervous about the high volume of pt discharges and admissions, although as long as there is a 4:1 ratio I guess it doesn't mak etoo much of a difference. Both managers on both units seem very supportive so I don't feel as thow I will be thrown out to the wolves if I am not ready.

Thank you so much!