I have an interview in a level 1 trauma center, need advice!

Specialties Emergency

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Hello everyone

I am currently facing a dilemma and I need some guidance. Today, I received a phone call to go in for an interview next week for a staff nurse position at a level 1 trauma center ER. I can't even say I am a new grad because I will graduate this May (they are aware of this) but my point is that I feel lucky to have been called for an interview this soon and this could be a once in a lifetime chance as this is also a magnet hospital and they will open a brand new 84 bed ER next year. The only BIG problem I have is that they are offering me to work the night shift and I really don't know how I feel about working nights. I have never worked nights before so I don't know how I will function. I asked about eventually switching to day shift and they said there is a wait list for that.

What should I do? This is one of the only two level 1 trauma centers in town and the other hospital will not consider new grads, they only hire nurses with at least 1 yr of ER experience. Would I be totally crazy to pass up this opportunity just because it's the night shift?

People would literally KILL to be in your position. You would be absolutely NUTS if you didn't take this position, and I really do feel like if you turn it down, you'll kick yourself later.

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I've been a nurse for 10 years. I work in a level 1 trauma center in a city where new grads aren't able to get jobs anywhere right now. It's overwhelming enough being a new grad, even more I think in an e.r. I don't usually recommend new grads to start in an e.r. get your organization skills down. Bottom line take what u can get, if its a night shift u will adjust and money is better. Good luck :)

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Hello everyone

What should I do? This is one of the only two level 1 trauma centers in town and the other hospital will not consider new grads, they only hire nurses with at least 1 yr of ER experience. Would I be totally crazy to pass up this opportunity just because it's the night shift?

Yes you'd be crazy to pass on this opportunity. But remember it's just an interview.

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Specializes in Trauma/ED.

You mentioned they are opening up a new hospital...maybe an earlier shift would open up at that time. I'd do everything I could to get my foot in the door if you want ED. Good Luck! Go prepared for your interview (see my recent post about it).

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wHAT DO YOU DO? You pray you get the graveyard shift job and then be thankful every night you are workign there. Seriously! Commit to one year and DO IT!!! Good luck on the interview and readjust your time clock.

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Specializes in Med-Surg-Onc.

You would be NUTS to pass up the job if you are offered it. You may find that you won't even be on nights very long before a day position opens... the wait list might not be as long as you think. As long as you have your foot in the door then that's all that counts. I was hired as a new grad for nights 24 hours, and before I was even off of orientation I had a job as day/eve 32 hours.

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Yes I am aware it's just an interview but I do not want to waste anyone's time if I decide I don't want a night shift, that's why I asked for advice. I think I'm gonna go for it, my interview is Wednesday so I will post how it went! Thanks for the advice everyone :)

Larry your post was very helpful!

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Specializes in geriatrics.

If you're interested working trauma, you shouldn't pass this up. Don't expect days as a new grad, as many positions involve nights. You can get used to working nights, and there are many threads on AN providing tips for night shifters. I'd accept. Job search over.

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As mentioned before New Grads do not have the luxury to be picky! If the ER is a specialty that you are interested in then go for it! The night shift is just as busy as the day shift at times so it won't be a slow floor where all of the patients are sleeping. You never know if this may be your only job offer for a long period of time because it takes some new grads months to even get a call! BTW congrats on your upcoming graduation!!

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Specializes in ICU/CCU/CVICU.

I started out in the ICU as a new grad. I was offered a night position and gladly took it because I really wanted to work in the ICU. I've been there about 3 yrs now and have been offered a day position numerous times but never took it because I ended up liking nights! I had never even stayed up all night before starting this job. TAKE the job!! I am so glad I started out in the specialty I really wanted to work in rather than one with better hours.

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.

It sounds like you've resolved you quandry but I would still like to share a personal experience:

When I share with people how I started my career out of nursing school 3.5 years ago, they invariably say something like, "Ewww. Why did you do that?"

My answer is always the same: "It was the first offer I had and I couldn't afford *not* to work."

I made a great many sacrifices in pay, shift, unit, and location simply in order to launch my career.

I would caution you away from closing any doors until you have one wide open in front of you.

Night shift has its good points, believe me... and I NOT a night person in the slightest and plan to transition to daylight nursing when the opportunity presents itself.

Level 1 experience is unlike anything else and if ED is what you're after, take the job if it's offered.

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Do the interview. Take the chance and see where it goes. Level I would be great experience. Working nights you will adjust it is a small price to pay for the experiences you will obtain.

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