Job decision for new grad

[ocdstacy]

Hi all!

I am a new grad in an large city area with little job prospects. I have been applying and interviewing just outside my metro area, so both of these job will require a commute. Here is my dilema:

My goal is to get several months experience so that I can then get a job in my immediate area.

The first job is at a huge teaching hospital in the Lung Diagnostic Center. It involves pre-op, intra-op with conscious sedation, and post-op for bronchoscopy. There will be critical care training and cross training in other areas in the unit. It is 4 8's, no nights, weekends, holidays, or call.

The second job is a med-surg floor 3 12's at a smaller regional hospital with 99 beds. The hospital is small, but fairly comprehensive in services offered and is growing a lot.

Which job would be best for me to be able to gain experience and join the workforce at in my city at a later date? My concern is that working in the specialty department in Lung Diagnostic may limit the jobs which would consider me for a floor nurse position later because they may not consider me to be experienced. On the other hand, would there be plenty of job opportunities for me with the experience I would have from Lung Diagnostics and what would they be? At this point, my goal is to choose the job that will offer me the best experience for finding another job later.

Thanks!!!

[cally527, RN]

It seems to me that the Med-Surg position is your best bet if you are looking for generalized experience to help you get a job closer to home.

[ocdstacy]

That was my initial gut feeling too. But, then I began to think that maybe there would be good job options in my area for a Pulmonary-Respiratory nurse with Critical Care cert and conscious sedation. I was afraid that job experience would limit me, but I don't know enough about the nursing world yet to say that for sure. Thanks!!

[azMissK]

I think you should first consider that this is a job you *should* be working for at least a year at and not just a few months until you can move a bit closer. Leaving after 6 months or 9 months really does not give you enough time to get competent or comfortable and most job listings want 1 year exp.

I personally think you should take the med surg job and soak up all the opportunities it provides! I love working 3 twelves and it provides a lot of flexibility in scheduling ( especially since you will be commuting! 5 days a week vs 3!) Med surg is a great basis and you will have the opportunities to advance your career in the future with this exp. While the lung diagnostic job seems ideal, I really think a 1year med surg experienced nurse will have better, and more, opportunities than the other job.

plus 32 hours of pay per week vs full time 36 hours ( if the pay is the same)

good luck with your decision!

[Angelrina,CCRN]

My vote is for the critical care experience. It's a great opportunity. You'll learn so much. You can take that learning to any unit. They'll be glad to have you.

[Merlyn]

Hi all!

I am a new grad in an large city area with little job prospects. I have been applying and interviewing just outside my metro area, so both of these job will require a commute. Here is my dilema:

My goal is to get several months experience so that I can then get a job in my immediate area.

The first job is at a huge teaching hospital in the Lung Diagnostic Center. It involves pre-op, intra-op with conscious sedation, and post-op for bronchoscopy. There will be critical care training and cross training in other areas in the unit. It is 4 8's, no nights, weekends, holidays, or call.

The second job is a med-surg floor 3 12's at a smaller regional hospital with 99 beds. The hospital is small, but fairly comprehensive in services offered and is growing a lot.

Which job would be best for me to be able to gain experience and join the workforce at in my city at a later date? My concern is that working in the specialty department in Lung Diagnostic may limit the jobs which would consider me for a floor nurse position later because they may not consider me to be experienced. On the other hand, would there be plenty of job opportunities for me with the experience I would have from Lung Diagnostics and what would they be? At this point, my goal is to choose the job that will offer me the best experience for finding another job later.

Thanks!!!

Go for the teaching hospital. Increase your skills and resume. All ways go for the one that will teach you the most. Free Learning in nursing is like gold.