Is this a wise career move?

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So, I am a new grad with a BSN. I have been working for about 4 months now on a medical surgical unit as a per diem (but working full time or close to it). So far, I have been loving my job. It is not without is stress and I am still anxious before work but overall I am happy and feel like I am thriving (thanks in HUGE part to amazing coworkers.)

However, I have always wanted to work in the ICU. At my hospital, prospects to move to a different unit are slim. According to some nurses on my floor, it will pretty much never happen unless you get outside ICU experience. Our ICU does not train.

Well I just so happened to find an open position in ICU at another local hospital for a nurse with less than 1 year of experience. It would be full time. I am TOTALLY assuming that I even get an interview, let alone the job (which I very well may not get either). But, if I were to get this position, would it be wise for a new grad?

The listing specifically states it is for someone with some experience, but less than one year. I make my own schedule being per diem so that would not be a problem. I guess I am just fearing "burning out" by having two jobs. If I don't work enough on med surg, I also fear I will lose my work flow and forget how to have 5 patients. I also wonder if it will be too much to keep switching my brain from ICU mode to med surg mode to home mode. And from hospital A mode to hospital B mode.

I also just don't know how likely it is that I will get this opportunity again in the future. (Again, I realize I don't really have an opportunity yet lol). I just don't want to sabotage my career.

Thanks for any words of wisdom.

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Specializes in Hematology/Oncology.

One hired you as per diem and the other one is offering a full time position. I think it is obvious which one to choose.

They are taking that chance to hire you as PRN and it is going to backfire on them. I wouldnt think twice. You need benefits, regular schedule and guaranteed hours..

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I think you should go for the ICU job. You can always cut back your time at the per diem job to 2 shifts a month. That is enough time to still stay in the hang of things and taking care of 5 patients.

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I would definitely go for the ICU position. It is very important that you keep your foot in the door with your med/surg position because if for whatever reason you don't like that ICU position, at least you have something to fall back on that you know you like.

I know from experience because I had recently cross trained from the ER to ICU at my hospital and before I realized it, I absolutely hated ICU and wanted out real quick. So always keep that safety net until you find out for sure that this particular ICU position, at that hospital, with that staff, works well for you. Good luck.

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Mk oooo

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Sorry guess I wasn't clear: I do NOT plan on quitting my current per diem job. I love this job and facility. I eventually want to work in their ICU but can't do it without outside experience. I also really like being per diem. I enjoy the flexibility and extra pay. Taking on full time would be a bit of a sacrifice to me, honestly.

I am just wondering if it is too soon to start a new venture like this? I don't know anyone else going through such a situation.

Than you everyone for your comments!

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Sorry! Ignore my last post! My kid must have gotten on my phone 😁

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.
Sorry guess I wasn't clear: I do NOT plan on quitting my current per diem job. I love this job and facility. I eventually want to work in their ICU but can't do it without outside experience. I also really like being per diem. I enjoy the flexibility and extra pay. Taking on full time would be a bit of a sacrifice to me, honestly.

I am just wondering if it is too soon to start a new venture like this? I don't know anyone else going through such a situation.

Than you everyone for your comments!

You seemed to have made your choice. You have NO ICU experience to get into the one at your current hospital and you have an opportunity to be hired into one who is willing to train someone with less than 1 experience.

Good luck.

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Thanks. I actually have not made up my mind. Being so new to nursing, I reiterate, I do not want to rush things. That is my main concern. However, I know no oe can make my mind up for me so I will continue to weigh pros and cons and hopefully make the right choice.

Thanks again everyone.

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