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Discussion

Choosing a workplace...

I'm 18...and start a pre-nursing major in the fall. I have been looking at the different hospitals within a 60 mile radius. One is in my hometown (pays the highest, but not a favorite of mine.), two are in Tallahassee (about 45-50 miles from here, pay is low I THINK) and the other is in Valdosta (I will do my clinicals there...).

Archbold Memorial pays $19 an hour. They pay $3.23 for evening and $4.25 for night. However, they are not friendly when you have to go there. The hosptital is liked by many and disliked by many....

South Georgia Medical Center pays $17 pr $18 an hour. Their shift differentials are around $2. I have never visited that particular hospitalm but I've heard a lot of good things about it. I am definately going to visit when in Valdosta. Plus they have a level 2 NICU.

Tallahassee Memorial Hospital pays $17.50 an hour. Their shift differentials are $2.10 for evening and $2.62 for night. They have a level 3 NICU and I love the hospital and love the NICU staff. I know them because I was in the NICU for 3 months at birth and go back to visit every year...

Capital Regional Medical Center pays $20 an hour. Not sure what their shift differentials are. hey do not have a NICU. However, when I was there to see my nieves born the staff was very friendly and it had a nice atmosphere. However, if I work there it will either be L&D or Oncology....not the NICU.

I am thinking that I may work at Archbold for 2-3 years on the Oncology floor or Maternity... and then transfer to one of the other hospitals. It is a plus that its in my hometown...and that they will give you $12,000 if you come work for them after college. I could save money in that amount of time... but I would not get the feel of a NICU. Which is why I would love to work in Valdosta in the level 2 NICU.

Which would you do? And what would you look at as pros and cons in this situation?

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I think that you have awhile before you need to make a decision about where your will be working as a nurse. Certainly it is always a good idea to scope out the field. By the time you graduate the hospitals may have different pay rates and differentials. Your life may take some twists and turns that may lead you to a different area or different state. You may decide that NICU, oncology, or L&D aren't for you after all. For now focus on doing well in school and learning as much as possible. If you are set on working in one of these hospitals, then maybe consider working as a tech or aide at one of them during nursing school. Good luck!

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What must one do to be an aide or CNA? I'm guessing you would have to take the CNA exam after you've been accepted into the nursing program?

Sounds like you're trying to plan you whole life out! You only just started pre-nursing. See how things unfold while you are in school and keep an open mind. When I began nursing school I was POSITIVE I wanted to work in peds, but as time went on I found I absolutely LOVE geri pts! :redpinkhe Six months was all I lasted in peds.

I am a new grad 7 months on a telemetry unit. I researched my surrounding hospitals to find out which one had the better new grad orientation and I asked the employees how they liked working there. The hospital I chose has a wonderful orientation, they don't just throw you out on the floor on your own. The staff has alot of longevity(that says alot). Don't just go for the money, cuz if they have to offer you a huge bonus to work there they are doing so for a reason. Teamwork, orientation, and benefits played a major part in my final decision.

just keep in mind that ga has a state income tax and fl does not, along with all other considerations!:twocents:

also--it's great to think and plan, and as you are obviously anal-retentive (not an insult..many of are, myself included!!) but see how the flow goes, too. sometimes life is what happens while you are making other plans.:idea:

plus, salaries change, hospitals get bought out, etc. so keep planning but allow for the flow...

best of luck--us ole' ladies know how much we need smart young nurses-to-be like yourself.:wshgrt:

I agree that you do not have to make this decision now. I didn't decide where to work out of school or even what specialty until after I graduated. After being in your clinicals you may change your mind.

Regardless, the NICU where you were born, the hospital you like alot? That one sounds like somewhere you would enjoy working in and be happy, as well as a level 3 NICU which would be great if you want to do that. You don't want to be anywhere you will be miserable and want to leave in a year. Sometimes it is a great thing to find somewhere you want to stay.

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