First job offer - Cardiac Rehab

[amalbon]

Hey all-

I'm a new grad (graduating in two weeks). I got my first job offer today and would love some input.

The job is on a 22 bed cardiac rehab floor. (it seems much like medsurg though). The patients are all post MI, CABG, angio, etc. They come out of PACU and go to an acute floor for a couple days and then are transferred to this inpatient unit. The patients were described to me as generally complex and though usually stable they can turn unstable very quickly. In the nurse manager's words "we call the MRT somewhat often". My original worry was that I wouldn't gain many clinical skills working on this kind of floor but I can see after my interview and tour of the unit that would not be the case.

I would love to work at this hospital, the nurse manager seemed great, it's a great stepping stone to cardiac ICU, etc. On the flip side a lot of hospitals in NY (Manhattan, where I am looking) won't interview until you take/pass your NCLEX. Therefore, i haven't really interviewed anywhere else yet and won't have the chance til Feb/Mar. PLus with the economy and the status of some hospitals I don't know if I should take my chances at finding something better..

Two drawbacks:

1. The nurses on the floor have all been there for years. They are all older and seasoned. As a new grad I am worried about not being welcomed to the floor and about them not being eager to teach/precept. Does anyone have any experience in or wisdom about a situation like this?

2. I would be starting on nights. There's only 2 nurses on the floor during the night shift which means I would be reponsible for 11 patients. I'm worried. It sounds like a ton. I have great organizational skills and decent time management. But I am worried I am going to be over my head. Granted, they are rehab patients but the manager described them as complex (Wound Vacs, IV abx, heparin drips, etc.) Is 11 rehab pts too much for a new grad?

Anyways, are these reasons enough to turn down an otherwise good job?

Thanks!