How to decide your first nursing job

56 Posts

Hi all,

I graduate from nursing school in just 2 weeks. I have already had numerous interviews and was offered a position. The position is on a med surg unit where I have had clinical. It is the shift I want with decent hours and great starting pay. I have another interview at a bigger hospital for an extern position (starting before I pass NCLEX) on an acute trauma surgery unit. This unit does 7/70 shifts. It is inner-city and the patient population is a lot gang violence, drug withdrawals, drunk drivers and motor vehicle accidents. Sounds interesting but I think it might be a bit too stressful for me just starting out.

I thought a year of med surg at a smaller hospital where I am more comfortable may be a better fit. I think it will allow me to have a smoother transition too. I eventually want to do ICU and go on to become a CRNA. I think in the smaller hospital it will be easier to move around. I have the an interview for the extern position Tuesday but need to accept this offer by Thursday. I'm thinking it may not even be worth it to go the extern interview. Should I just cancel so I don't waste their time and mine and let them know I have an offer that will be a better fit for me as this time as I want some basic experience before working with a higher acuity population? It this acceptable? Any advice?