Job options for somewhat new grad- M/S, ortho, or supervisor

[freemirini]

I am a new-grad nurse with six months of LTC experience. I have two job offers - one as a supervisor in a LTC (responsible for unit 24/7) and another as a med-surg nurse in a hospital. I also have a third possibility as I have an interview for an ortho unit at another hospital this week. The supervisor position pays more and would offer some great insight into nursing management. The acute-care position pays less, but I'd only be working 3 12-hour shifts per week. I ultimately plan to pursue an NP degree.

Any advice? I am shocked that I have these choices now. I have submitted hundreds of resumes since I graduated.

[ImThatGuy, BSN, RN]

What type of supervisor position is it? Director or assistant director of nursing? It's pretty common around here for even brand new BSN graduates to get ADON jobs because nobody likes nursing homes. Nursing homes aren't my cup of tea either, but I'd handsdown rather do aministration than medical-surgical or orthopedics especially since you've got a higher salary. I've been in an administrative position before so I like that type of thing. What kind of career are you wanting? If you want admin, over NP, although you could still get an NP-based MSN, you'll certainly start out right for that in your nursing home admin. role.

[ObtundedRN, BSN, RN]

Just remember that management isn't always that much fun. Is the position salary? If so, you'll end up working way more hours then in med/surg, and with no overtime pay. By the time you work those extra hours, you may be making less money per hour then if you worked in M/S.

[freemirini]

The management position is not ADON or DON --it's for a unit. It is salaried. I am curious which position would help me best advance as a relatively new nurse. I think it's valuable to understand management principles, but I also think clinical experience is very important. I appreciate your feedback. It is helpful to hear from experienced nurses.

[ObtundedRN, BSN, RN]

If your plan is NP, you should go for the clinical experience. Not only do many new grad NP positions require several years of experience on the floor (offten even ICU), new grad NPs with little or no clinical experience as an RN are not any good. Scary in fact...

[freemirini]

Thank you!