Undecided! PCU or BMT/Oncology as New Grad?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi!

I recently graduated and have been offered two residency programs in Orlando, one is at a PCU unit and the other one is a BMT/Oncology unit. I liked both units and the average patient ratio is 3:1 with 11 weeks of orientation in both.

I always wanted to work in the NICU, L&D or any peds unit, but these were not available.

so, my questions is as a new grad where would I get the most experience? if I go into NICU later on, which unit would I benefit from the most now?

let me know your feedback! I need to make a choice asap.

thanks

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Specializes in oncology, MS/tele/stepdown.

Congratulations! You are really fortunate to have two great opportunities, even though they aren't your first choice. I really can't guide you on which is better; I was just impressed you had two great offers like that. If I had to choose, I would vote PCU as I think you'll have a wider variety of experiences. However, both positions will give you great experience that will serve you later in your career.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

If you are looking for the "most experience", hands down PCU is going to hold that card. If you are passionate about cancer patients, then the BMT/oncology unit will be a better fit. However, for overall experience, time management and exposure to a lot of different disease states, PCU is where it is at.

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

I'm sorry -- what is PCU? In the absence of knowing, I'd vote for BMT/oncology. BMT is fascinating, and it's a great place to learn. I don't think it would hurt your chances of getting into a pecs position later on.

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Hi.. PCU is a progressive care unit where they get critical patients but not too critical for ICU. I hear they get exposed to different diseases. Thanks for your response I hear the same thing for a BMT unit

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Thank you! I would have to relocate for either of these positions. I feel that both will give great experience I guess it's personal choicefpr which patient population I would benefit from

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
Hi.. PCU is a progressive care unit where they get critical patients but not too critical for ICU. I hear they get exposed to different diseases. Thanks for your response I hear the same thing for a BMT unit

You may get some really sick patients in either unit. My suggestion would be to make the choice based on the "feeling" you got from each place when you interviewed. Did one place make you feel instantly at home, or at ease or engaged? Did one or t he other seem chaotic or unfriendly or unwelcoming? You can learn a lot from either position, and either would be a good start to a nursing career. Go where you feel you'd fit in better, where you feel more comfortable.

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