Deciding between two NICUs

[raerusse]

I am graduating this spring and have a job offer and an interview in two different NICUs. Both are for 6 month internships in level III units in non-profit teaching hospitals. One is very high accuity hospital downtown that has a seperate level III and level II and the other will have me start out in transition nursery, level I, level II and then level III during the 6 month internship.( I will work level III but also have opportunities to take a shifts in the other levels after internship.) Both hospitals do surgeries but the second hospital sends cardiac pts to the first. The second hospital pays more and has better benefits than the med center hospital but has rotating shifts (2weeks days, 2 weeks nights) and 3 days on 2 off, 2 days on 3 off with me working every other weekend (fri,sat,sun) and every other week has 5 12s! I don't know if this schedule is better or worse than just 3 12s on nights. (it is more hours, so more training and overtime pay?) I am concerned with quality of life as well as getting the best start in my nursing career. I want to be in a good atmosphere but feel like both hosptials have good environments...just need a little perspective from some experienced NICU nurses. The downtown hospital would also require a move and higher rent...

[raerusse]

I took everyone's advice and accepted the 1st Nicu offer in the medical center (straight nights). It was hard to decide at first but after getting advice from nurses on this site and a lot prayer I finally got clarity and peace with my choice. I graduate in 3 days and am so excited to start my career in the NICU in June!! Thank you so much to all of you who responded to my post!!

[Florida NICU RN]

Good luck!! Congratulations on graduation, too!

[NeoNurseTX, RN]

Can't wait to meet you!