Civilian RN job in Army ED vs. Civilian ED

[kayburton24]

I currently have offers for both an Army ED and also the local ED (level III trauma center). If I take the Army ED I will make A LOT more money ($15/hr more!) but I'm afraid I won't have the trauma exposure that I'm used to. Right now I work in a small ER but due to our location we see a good amount of trauma compared to other small ERs (1-2 cases a week for me personally) to be stabilized prior to transfer to the nearest trauma center 30 mins by flight away. I love my job and I love to feel like I actually have made a difference. The thought of dealing with low acuity makes me nervous I will end up loosing skills.

If anyone has any experience I would appreciate any advice! Thanks!!!

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

I currently have offers for both an Army ED and also the local ED (level III trauma center). If I take the Army ED I will make A LOT more money ($15/hr more!) but I'm afraid I won't have the trauma exposure that I'm used to. Right now I work in a small ER but due to our location we see a good amount of trauma compared to other small ERs (1-2 cases a week for me personally) to be stabilized prior to transfer to the nearest trauma center 30 mins by flight away. I love my job and I love to feel like I actually have made a difference. The thought of dealing with low acuity makes me nervous I will end up loosing skills.

If anyone has any experience I would appreciate any advice! Thanks!!!

I would take the Army job and then pursue a PRN position with the civilian job. Best of both worlds! That's what I do - full-time Army ED, per diem/casual in the local Level 1 ED.

[jeckrn, BSN, RN]

If your civilian offer is at a level III it's still a small ED without a lot of trauma. The ED you work at now sounds like a level III or a low level II.