I am a new grad (just graduated this month) and in the process of getting my NCLEX scheduled. I rotated at a local OR in a hospital for my recent / final clinical rotation which I loved. Since ending this rotation I have applied here and other places however I'm finding that I'm stuck in deciding between both.
I like the idea of working in the ICU because I will be constantly challenged and can gain a lot a great skills. However I know this can be a hard job. I currently have a job offer in an RN Residency in the ICU at a level IV hospital.
At the same time I am awaiting to hear back if I will be offered a spot for the OR RN Residency program at the hospital I did my rotation. I feel this could also be a good option for me (schedule, know the staff, familiar with the unit and routine). But I feel that I may be putting too many eggs in this basket if I pass up the ICU offer to wait for this and end up not getting in. I do see the downsides here like being on call on days off & weekends. And I won't be utilizing my nursing skills I learned in school as much as I would in an ICU unit.
I'm stuck in this decision because I am not sure if going in the ICU as a new grad is a good option but I know this can also make me a stronger nurse.... But what if I'm not cut out for this..( I do think about this).. On the other hand the OR won't be as stressful and somewhat a nicer schedule except being on call.
Anyone with experience in going into the ICU or OR as a new grad have any opinions? I would love to hear your experiences. I would also love to hear from people who have worked in these units for awhile too!
