HELP! First RN job> two offers on the table: ER and ICU

[amandammarie]

So, I graduated in May 2011, passed my boards shortly after, and have been looking for a job in the New Orleans area ever since(6 months!). Within this last week, I was offered TWO jobs. One in a level one trauma center ER in a public hospital, and the other in the MSICU in the same hospital. Pay for both is the exact same, as well as shifts. My question is: Is one better to start off in than the other? I had my ER rotation at this ER, and actually liked it...but I know nursing students don't get to experience the real deal...I saw more trauma than most humans ever will. It excited me to think that one day, I could potentially be in that trauma room helping save a life...although I am getting more nervous by the moment just thinking about starting my RN career period much less the trauma room! (Please tell me this is normal!) I know you save lives in ICU as well, but its a completely different atmosphere. I don't want to make the wrong decision here, if there is one! Any advice?? Thanks in advance!

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

What does the orientation look like? Have you had a chance to shadow in each unit? All things being equal, I think it really depends on you- your plans, your personality, what you think you'll like more. I think an ICU would stress me out and also bore me (not cause I'm a hot shot, but because keeping patients throughout a whole shift sounds hellish to me lol), but started in the ED as a new grad and LOVE it. Do you want to have a high turnover of patients, constantly shifting priorities, starting with very little idea of what is going on with your patients and getting rid of them once they're stable? Or do you want to spend your shift with the same patients, learning every detail about them and monitoring the trends and changes? Treat em and street em or possibly see the same patients throughout all your shifts in a week?

I hope someone can come give perspective on the ICU because I don't think I sell it well, lol. I spent some days in the ER and in the ICU in nursing school and loved every moment I spent in the ER and was sad and bored in the ICU. ER goes well with my ADD and need for constant, shifting stimulation.

[VICEDRN, BSN, RN]

I think its generally easier to take your ICU experience and transfer it to anywhere else because those units are smaller and harder to get onto. If your love is ER, go with that! If you plan to ask a bunch of ER nurses, then you are likely to hear "ER!" and that's my camp too but its your life.

Congrats on the offers!