How do you decide what unit is the right unit?

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jul 18, 2016

Ask to job shadow on the units. This will give you a feel for the pace, personalities, and patient type.

Good luck, let us know what you decided.

mrsboots87 · Jul 18, 2016

Agree with job shadowing. For most, the right unit is the unit where you can go to work without absolutely dreading going lol.

littlemissbookworm · Jul 20, 2016

I worked in a float pool for a few months when I first started. I was able to see how the different units worked, learn various skills, and get to know the people that worked on each unit. One of the units I floated to was one that I did my final placement on and I still loved it as a new grad. I ended up applying there and that's where I have been working :). Some questions to consider: What type of units are they? (Surgery vs. Medicine, Cardiac, ED, etc) Is there one that interests you more than others? Do you know anyone who has worked on one of those units that you could ask about the unit routine? And don't be afraid to ask the hiring manager questions :).

adorkable8605 · Jul 22, 2016

I was offered a position on a Surgical PCU, Surgical-Transplant PCU, Neuro-surgical PCU, and Neuro-Medical PCU.

The I did my practicum on the Surgical-Transplant unit and I love it, but the nurses are a bit harsh and the MDs are harsher. Its a very busy floor with some management issues. The nurses are all new (maybe just a couple of experienced nurses) and they all want to leave to different units. I don't think I want to work here just because I've seen the way they treat new nurses and its terrifying.

The Surgical PCU is the sister unit to the Surgical-Tranplant unit...They specialize in abdominal surgeries, whipples, jaw surgeries, and just general surgery. There are tons of ostomies (lots of poo). Complaints galore, but I'm starting to think thats just because I am around the nurses due to practicum and hear them during their normal socializing and complaining.

I don't have a lot of info on the other units. The neuro-surgical unit cares for patients who under went back, neck, and tumor resection surgies. High patient turn over (17 discharges while I was visiting the floor and they said they will get 17 new admits by midnight). Neuro-medical PCU does 24 hour observation on patients with a history of seizures, cares for non-hemorrhagic strokes, and guillian barre patients plus any overflow. The managers seem great and invested in their employees and the floor was greatly stocked.

I'm leaning towards the Surgical PCU because it is busy, has a ton of drains, lines, pumps, and wounds and they offered me a little more for pay. I like to be busy and have things to do.