My situation is that now I am debating between 2 jobs. I am a new grad just moved to a new state, so I dont know a lot about the hospitals here but I am very fortunate to have two offers.
Hospital 1: I accepted the job offer (new grad residency program-12wks) around the 11 of October, and finished my physical, reference and background check. I was getting ready for this job that starts on middle of November. There will be 8 total new RN in the same cohort, so we could get support. The bad thing is that the place is 60 miles one way from my place (will need to relocate again by myself first). I truly appreciate the opportunity they offered!!!!
Hospital 2: got a call today. A Tele position and patient ratio is 1:6. I also get 14 weeks of training. As a new grad, getting 6 tele patient is scared and I dont know if I will be ready by then in 14 weeks of training. The good thing is that it is about 10 miles from my place so I wont be moving again by myself.
A bit about myself: both my BF and I relocated from another state. If I pick 1, I will be moving by myself first since our lease is until 08/2020. If I pick 2, we can save money on rent/food.
Any input will be more than greatly appreciated!!!!!!!!
In my experience, the new grad residency programs are hands down better than just an orientation to a new job. Starting with a cohort of new grads gives you an instant peer group that is going through exactly what you are going through, and the support that brings can be vital for new grads. Residency programs generally show that the hospital is committed to helping new grads transition. You usually have scheduled education days with specific seminars and skills training that you will not get in a traditional orientation to a unit. I understand you're probably looking for feedback that says #2 is your better bet, but almost everyone I know that went through a new grad program is very happy that they had that experience. Good luck.
Thank you for the detailed input. I am looking for suggestions from everyone especially those who are nurses. Maybe they have insights that I have never thought of. Everything about #2 is good but just the thing I have 6 patients and they are high acuity and very busy floor. I dont mind to be tired but as a new grad, I just not sure about if I can handle such high acuity patients.
#1! I can’t imagine starting out in tele with six patients!
That sounds a lot, and I have been searching online if 6 is doable. Many people are saying it wont give you 6 right away but maybe they will start with 1->2-----6 eventually by the end of 14 weeks of training. but still!!!
Another vote for #1. It does sound like an absolute headache to move again so soon, but ultimately worth it to get a job that offers support and a residency program. A job that would regularly stick you with six tele patients as a new grad (or as anyone!) is not a great bet; that will be extremely stressful. Plus, if I'm reading your post correctly, you've accepted an offer from #1, but is there an actual offer from #2? Or they have called to express interest? I would recommend sticking with the offer you've accepted, as you do have a plan to make it work for the next year and you've already started the onboarding process.
You said #1 is within 60 miles, right? I know it's not ideal by any means, but if you work three twelves, any chance of making the awful commute a few times a week until your lease is up? I know a few people who did that and were able to either move closer the next year or get a job closer to home after getting their year of experience. Something to consider.
Hi, I think i forgot to mention this in my reply. They called me last week and it went to voicemail since I was driving. The recruiter was saying they are very interested to offer me the full time position. Is there a difference between "interested to offer" and an "actual offer"? Thank you a lot!!!!
9 hours ago, NightNerd said:
Another vote for #1. It does sound like an absolute headache to move again so soon, but ultimately worth it to get a job that offers support and a residency program. A job that would regularly stick you with six tele patients as a new grad (or as anyone!) is not a great bet; that will be extremely stressful. Plus, if I'm reading your post correctly, you've accepted an offer from #1, but is there an actual offer from #2? Or they have called to express interest? I would recommend sticking with the offer you've accepted, as you do have a plan to make it work for the next year and you've already started the onboarding process.
You said #1 is within 60 miles, right? I know it's not ideal by any means, but if you work three twelves, any chance of making the awful commute a few times a week until your lease is up? I know a few people who did that and were able to either move closer the next year or get a job closer to home after getting their year of experience. Something to consider.
Hi, I think i forgot to mention this in my reply. They called me last week and it went to voicemail since I was driving. The recruiter was saying they are very interested to offer me the full time position. Is there a difference between "interested to offer" and an "actual offer"? Thank you a lot!!!!
Thank you all for your wonderful inputs. Here are a bit more information.
-The distance for #1 would be about 120 miles for a day.
-#2 has $7/hr than #1, and I believe #2 has a better benefits and it has other programs for employees to increase their pay (according to recruiter)
-#1 community hospital (pts are more stable). #2 trauma center (more complex patients)
-#1 I asked this question during interview, and the manager said the ratio wound be between 5-6 per RN.
Overall: is 6 tele patients doable? thats my biggest concern and i have been told that here in my state right now 1:6 is pretty common??? no pt ratio.
I've done 6 tele patients quite a bit and as always, it just depends on your group. You will have 6 some days and have a breezy day, then have 4 another day and get your *** kicked. But having 6 as the norm might wear you out quickly.
Also, unless you're in a state where unions or some other body controls and enforces nurse/patient ratios, you will probably end up with 7 from time to time also.
$7 an hour difference is definitely not negligible though, plus all the drive time. I was voting for job #1 at first but now #2 is sounding more enticing.
Hi and thank you again. The recruiter said they strike for 5 pts but I think they "might be" working on that still? I was told that the unit is fast-paced and always packed. So I am sure that there will not be days to have 4 pts.
crystalpan
27 Posts
Thank you for the detailed input. I am looking for suggestions from everyone especially those who are nurses. Maybe they have insights that I have never thought of. Everything about #2 is good but just the thing I have 6 patients and they are high acuity and very busy floor. I dont mind to be tired but as a new grad, I just not sure about if I can handle such high acuity patients.