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Discussion

First RN job level 2 vs 4 trauma centers. Future travel nurse!

Hey Friends! So I also posted this under Emergency Nursing.

So I am a new RN currently employed where I worked for 2 years as an LPN in radiation oncology. I got my first choice of preceptorship back in August and was placed in an ED, and I am now applying to different local EDs to start my career as an RN.

My question is:

Does it make any difference on future job prospects whether you are trained in a level 2 trauma center vs a level 4? Both are with the same company, and offer a residency for new grads. So far I have only applied to the level 2 trauma center ED, but was thinking about applying to the level 4 as well just in case I am not picked for an interview with a level 4.

My worry is if I luck out and get interviewed with both and they both magically like me, or if maybe the level 4 trauma center contacts me first prior to hearing from the level 2.

Should I hold off on applying to the level 4 because the level 2 would look much better on a resume?

Basically my future goals are all with emergency departments, but I will either be relocating after a couple years to a neighboring state, or possibly even travel nursing to EDs.

The level 2 is in a shady area and would be higher stress due to the population in the area. The level 4 is in a rich area and it's obviously a smaller ED. Not that any of this matters because I want to go where the training will be better and what will look better.

Thanks!

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    • Expert

    There is a great deal of difference between a Level 2 and Level 4 Trauma Center. I would always recommend going with the higher level if furthering your education in emergency nursing is your goal but you have to look at all things involved. Training, pay, benefits, schedule and commute all play a role in job satisfaction. As far as how it will impact you as travel nurse gets a little murky. It might look better on your resume to have level 2 experience but as a traveler you might be frustrated to find out that in real life you won't be the nurse assigned to the trauma/critical care rooms and instead will be relegated to fast-track (which is not to say fast-track is easy) or other less intense assignments.

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    • Author
    22 hours ago, Wuzzie said:

    There is a great deal of difference between a Level 2 and Level 4 Trauma Center. I would always recommend going with the higher level if furthering your education in emergency nursing is your goal but you have to look at all things involved. Training, pay, benefits, schedule and commute all play a role in job satisfaction. As far as how it will impact you as travel nurse gets a little murky. It might look better on your resume to have level 2 experience but as a traveler you might be frustrated to find out that in real life you won't be the nurse assigned to the trauma/critical care rooms and instead will be relegated to fast-track (which is not to say fast-track is easy) or other less intense assignments.

    Both hospitals are in the same company so pay/benefits/training will all be the same. I may just apply to both and see what happens. Thank you for your response!

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    • Expert

    You're welcome. May I ask what your "end goal" is? That might help clarify things for you.

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    • Author
    5 hours ago, Wuzzie said:

    You're welcome. May I ask what your "end goal" is? That might help clarify things for you.

    I know what I want to may change down the road as I become more experienced. I live in WA currently and am trying to move into Emergency nursing as I just got my RN license in September. I worked in radiation oncology for my first 2 years as an LPN. So right now just trying to make that transition ASAP since I had my preceptorship in an ED and many local hospitals are accepting new grads with an ED preceptorship into their residencies.

    So I want to get 2 or so years of experience in one of these. My wife and I are looking to relocate after that either to OR or to do travel nursing. Past that I am not sure what my plans are.

    Sorry I know that's not helpful.

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