Landing a Job... what is most important as a NEW GRAD

[CandyGyrl]

Help me to understand:

Some of us are, or have been at the cross road transitioning from school to career, and I was just wondering as a new grad what is more important in your orientation as a new grad-- having exposure to a variety of patients and cases in a fast paced environment with sharp experienced nurses with uncertainty about the dynamics of the staff and management--- OR certainty that you will orient in a supportive environment where you know the manager is fair and flexible the staff welcomes you although the acuity is much lower the environment is much slower pace and the nursing staff has lesser experience?

[spongebob6286, BSN, RN]

i guess it would be where you will be able to work harmoniously with other nurses. it is because in times of stressful situations, it is your co workers who can help you. you will work as a team.

[RNMom2010]

What is most important to me is actually FINDING someone who will hire me!!! I have 13 weeks until I am done with my ADN program, but I am not wanting to start working until middle of April or May 2010 because I am due to have a baby in Feb. I am so scared of getting through the program, passing NCLEX and no one wanting to hire me!!!

[Mike A. Fungin RN]

Help me to understand:

Some of us are, or have been at the cross road transitioning from school to career, and I was just wondering as a new grad what is more important in your orientation as a new grad-- having exposure to a variety of patients and cases in a fast paced environment with sharp experienced nurses with uncertainty about the dynamics of the staff and management--- OR certainty that you will orient in a supportive environment where you know the manager is fair and flexible the staff welcomes you although the acuity is much lower the environment is much slower pace and the nursing staff has lesser experience?

Well if those are you're only options... 1 kinda sucks because you're not sure about the staff/mgmt dynamics, 2 kinda sucks because it's slow.

I'm going through new grad in a busy neuro/trauma ICU at a level II trauma center, with supportive nurses and great mgmt. That's better if you can find it.

[I_See_You_RN]

I would say choice number one because it is very important to me develop my nursing skills and be proficient in as much as I possibly can and therefore I would thrive in a fast paced unit with people who know a lot about what there are doing. As long as the stuff isnt nasty then I am happy. I would love to be apart of a welcoming staff right off the bat but I feel that even if the staff isn't like that automatically, once you prove yourself and you're working there for six months plus then they will warm up to you. You'll be sharing patients,.. swapping stories, sitting there together christmas night examining a bed pan of poody (is that blood u think?.. is that a worm i see). You will bond over experience. so don't sell yourself short. Get the best educational experience that you can.

However, if fast paced isn't your deal and challenges truly aren't what you want for yourself.. and that is fine and normal, then go for choice number 2.

[CandyGyrl]

Thanks everybody... I had chosen the fast paced environment because I felt if I could get it in early, I could go anywhere. However that was not in the cards for me so I will remain in a supportive environment, at a slower pace and a great manager who has offered to let me start Monday, at my choice of shift and all the fixings. We'll see.

Thanks again!

[llg, PhD, RN]

I believed most experienced nurses would tell you that a positive work environment is more important than the skill mix. You can survive a slower environment. However a negative work environment can eat you for lunch and spit you out, leaving you burned out, insecure in your skills, and bitter towards your chosen profession.

A slower pace may delay the development of a few of your clinical skills ... but you can use that delay to develop in other ways ... while maintaining your sanity as you gradually gain experience.

[wee_oneRN]

I don't think there can be one 'best' new grad training for everyone. You need to know what your personal strengths and weaknesses are. Some people do not do well with chaos or pressure, while others need the extra push to stay motivated and focused. One of the best qualities a nurse can have is to 'know' themselves. Good luck and congratulations on your new position!