CNA in nursing school, got two job offers. ICU or med/surg?

[michigan94]

I'm in school for my RN currently, almost done with my gen eds then I'll be able to apply for clinicals. I've worked nights as a CNA on a neuro med/surg floor. I decided I don't like neuro and have been applying for other jobs within the hospital. I happened to get two offers at once, once on day shift in ortho med/surg and the other on nights in critical care. I don't mind med/surg but I don't love it or see myself working there as an RN. On days I would basically be doing what I do now(vitals, turns, ambulating, accuchecks, ekg's, etc.) the ICU is a lot different. The pca's draw blood along with other duties. Eventually I would like to work in critical care and preferably even in nicu someday. So I am having a really hard time deciding which job is best for me. I have heard its recommended for new grads to start in med/surg, so I don't know if it would be more beneficial to stay in med/surg that way I'll have a job in the unit upon graduation, or if I should go to the ICU for the learning experience. I ultimately wanted days because I'm sick of being on nights. It's manageable but I think I'd prefer days and think it would be easier with school. I do know it's a lot crazier though. But I do want to see what critical care is all about and would feel bad about turning down the job. Advice please?

[ArmaniX, MSN, APRN]

While in school I worked my hospitals "Corporate Pool" at nights. I was able to make my own schedule (I always worked 3 nights) and would float to any and every unit, where ever the need was for that night.

If your hospital offers a position like this I think it is truly the best to see everything. Eventually people start recognizing and knowing your name. It is how I got my first RN job because the manager reached out to me, awesome feeling.

From the two options I'd go with the ICU. You'll see a different type of patient then what you are shown in school. If you're good, you'll pick up on what the doctors are saying and inquire when appropriate.

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

This is easy. ..pick the position that will work best with you being successful as a student..If that is days...then pick that one because you will be learning lots of new things in school and your job as a CNA only allows you to function on that capacity. You need to support your efforts to succeed as a nursing student.

[guest707142]

A couple of months ago I was in this same position - I was offered a CNA/PCA/whatever position on days on a neuro step down unit, and a position at another hospital on a pediatric neuro unit on nights. I ultimately chose the nighttime position because this is the institution I want to work for after I get my RN, and I don't regret my choice for a second. It was weird at first working on night shift and doing class/clinicals during the day, but after a little bit I got used to it and I'm so happy I chose my current job over the other (days) one. I would advise you to go work on the unit you're actually interested in, you'll be very happy you did!