Deciding between ICU nurse residency programs

[Jfrance3]

Hi guys!

I am graduating this December and have two different job offers lined up. On is at a CTICU that offers 12 weeks orientation and a year long nurse residency commitment. The other is at a surgical/trauma ICU with 6 months of orientation and a 2 year contract. I love them both but are in completely different areas of the state I live in. Both are in level 1 trauma centers. Does anyone have any advise how to decide between the two? What is the best option for a new graduate nurse?

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

If the two jobs are in two different areas of the state, think about where you want to live and why. Is one of those areas much more attractive to you because of the logistics of traveling back home to see your family, because of climate, because of recreational activities available in the area?

If one of the areas is less attractive, is the job that is there attractive enough to compensate?

All other things being equal, I'd take the job with the six month orientation and the two year commitment. It takes two years to become competent as a nurse, and spending the two years at the same job makes it that much easier to become competent rather than wasting time learning a new job, facility, specialty, logistics, etc. And a six month ICU orientation seems about right. Hopefully that allows you enough time to learn the job and get to know the unit and the people so you'll be successful.