Help! Which Position Do I Choose?

[CSTtoFutureNP]

So I am extremely fortunate to have been able to work as Nurse Technician in my hospital's ICU (a position designed with the intent of you transitioning into an RN role in that department after graduation). I know that my manager in the ICU is looking forward to me applying into the ICU, but the shifts are rotating so I'd have to work both days and night 12-hour shifts. I really love the ICU, but I am a terrible sleeper and feel as though the night shift would kill me. I had to transfer off of night shifts as a Nurse Tech because it was affecting my school performance during the year trying to flip between days and nights. I really love the ICU but I also feel quite intimidated by the idea of being a nurse there. However, the support and the team environment are phenomenal and I know I would never feel alone as a new grad! Plus, this Nurse Tech position is designed so that you can transition more smoothly into an RN role so that's something to think about. 

 

My other option is the Ortho/Neuro/Trauma floor at the same hospital. I completed my school clinical on this floor and really loved the nurses that I worked with on this floor. I used to work as a surgical tech, so I enjoy the surgical aspect and like the fact that I get to continue to work with a lot of the surgeons I used to work with in the OR. I was offered a position on this floor after being recommended from the nurses on the unit, and was offered a .8 FTE straight evening 8 hour shift schedule for about $3 more an hour. Now money isn't the only concern, but I do really like the evening shift and I would prefer not to work 12s if possible. The schedule on this unit is my ideal schedule for my life right now, and I love the idea of never having to work overnights and being a .8 FTE. However, from my ICU nurse friends, I've heard that this unit can be quite chaotic and has the highest turnover in the hospital because of it. 

 

So... which position would be better to choose? Do I go into the ICU where I will have to work 12 hour days and nights rotating or do I work the Ortho/Neuro/Trauma unit where I have my ideal schedule and premium pay? What would you choose??

[Orca, ADN, ASN, RN]

Given a choice between the two, I would choose the unit with the fixed shift. I have worked rotating shift positions before, and it is disruptive. I understand the concept - to be fair to everyone by having everyone work every shift, but the transition can be disorienting. I am pretty much wired for swing shift, but I have been in management for years and I am obligated to be on day shift.