Help to a New Grad trying to choose a job!

[KateM345]

Hello, I'm new to this website but I've been reading it for a while and found it very helpful! I'm in need of help and any advice anyone can offer!

I'm a new grad, I just graduated in May and will be sitting for the NCLEX in the up coming week.

I was offered a job in an Emergency Department at a small inner city hospital! I couldn't be happier with the opportunity to work in an ED! Then today I was offered another job on a Med/Surg unit in a large inner city hospital, which is much more advanced than the smaller one, with a better reputation.

Both RN positions are in a RN residency program.

Either way I know which ever I choose I'm going to be learning a ton.

I can't make a decision and I wanted to hear from nurses who have been there to see what advice anyone has! Thank you!

[Art_Vandelay]

I have an answer for you. You take one and I'll take the other. Problem solved.

[KDS1313]

Hi! I too graduated in May and passed the NCLEX 2 weeks ago. Congrats on having 2 JOB OFFERS! I understand your problem as I too want to be an ED nurse and yes you would learn a ton there. I did my preceptorship in the ED and LOVED IT...however, there is so much to learn in order to be GOOD in the ED, such as time management and priority setting...that became very frustrating when things got busy and you didnt have a moment to catch your breath. I dont know what size city your in...either position I'm sure you are completely capable of doing, but I think to do a med/surg position at a large, new, updated, advanced hospital will give you more skills initially, as well as time to really develop the floor skills you just cant learn in lecture. Take that job and keep an eye on other job openings in that hospital, once you feel you've gotten all you can out of the med/surg position, apply for a transfer into that department. I have known a lot of people to transfer in and out of different positions, so I wouldnt worry about the standard 2 year contracts they give you.

Hope this helped? Good luck and Congratulations!

[Isitpossible, LPN, LVN]

i agree, i think the med-surge position would be better as a new grad

[KayRN910]

I would look at your personality. Do you like more stucture, or do you like more one minute at a time?

Honestly, the people that thrive in the ER are the ones that like organized choas. You learn great skills in med/surg, but it is way WAY more structured as far as your day goes. Personally, that would drive me crazy, because I like not knowing what my next patient will be. Do you work good under pressure? Because you will do a LOT of ACLS working in the ER with sick sick people.

Both are high stress. Both have good sides and bad. Just look at yourself and see what you think you will do best with.

[happyinillinois]

If ER is where your heart is, then take the ER. Rather than do 2 years in Med/Surg and then attempt to transfer to ER, do 2 years in the little ER and then transfer to the big ER with the better reputation. If they know you are a new grad and don't have a problem with it, then neither should you!

[studentkj]

I have an answer for you. You take one and I'll take the other. Problem solved.

haha, if you don't give it to her, GIVE IT TO ME :lol2::lol2::lol2:

[germanshep]

Go with whatever position you want. Just remember you will have to be there for x amount of time. Are you willing to be in med surg for that time? ER opens so many more doors.

[sj73201, BSN, RN]

hey. What state are you in?

[Studentsally]

I have been a nurse for 30 + years and have changed jobs a number of times. I think either job sounds like a good opportunity so pick the one you think you will like the best. Personally, I would take the job in the smaller hospital. They tend to have better jopb satisfaction among their staff.

[lapoRtaN]

That's great. May I ask what area do you live in? Because I am having a hard time finding a graduate Nurse program.

[KateM345]

Thank you all so much for all your help!

I'm in Maryland/DC area!