I think I made the right choice.

[foxypaws, BSN, MSN, RN]

Greetings fellow nurses!

New grad here. I faced a happy dilemma. I was offered two positions this week. Both weekend, both market wage (quite fair and good actually.) One was forensic psych which I worked before as a Correctional Officer… I am quite comfortable with that patient population. It tied in directly with a post-masters PMHNP program I have been accepted to. One hour commute and a 10-12 week orientation. Ultimately I did have concerns with a 1 hour drive, the possibility of being mandated, and driving through snow exhausted.

Second position was for OR, circulating nurse no scrubbing. 6 month orientation (this appealed to me A LOT), nurse educator on site, supportive and positive environment, no call, no mandating, and 15 minutes from my home. Set weekend schedule. Plus they will integrate training to be charge nurse since I have the advanced education but lack experience. The caveat - I have to delay my psych program 6-12 months.

It was a hard call to make, but I chose the OR position. Last semester I was sleeping 3 hours a night and I experienced extreme academic burnout and health problems. I made the judgement call that I needed a break, and to learn something entirely new that I might enjoy more. After shadowing in the OR I was convinced.

Has anyone else been in a similar situation? Have any of you worked OR? Tips, advice, etc? Ultimately it came down to taking care of my health. I couldn’t picture another grueling two years without a change of pace. The direct entry model wore me thin.