Lookin for viewpoints: large vs med

[Works2xs]

As I'm comin' down the home stretch of my nursing school, I've started to look for fellowships (for the OR). I've gotten an offer for one already and am fairly certain I'll get a second offer. Both hospitals are under the same banner, so I don't expect there to be an overly huge "corp culture" difference. One hospital is really large (probably largest in my area). The other is more of a moderate size. So here's what I'm trying to get a handle on -

The large facility will have a wide range of expeiences and opportunities. I've spent a day there observing and saw that at ground level. They do some incredible operations there and I'm sure I'll get the chance to become very well rounded (eventually). What struck me was the size of the operation. Will I get lost in the proverbial masses?

The other facility has a terrific, staff-oriented manager. The smaller size also seems to lend itself to being able to more easily "plug into" regarding becomming part of the group. Since I'll be a rookie, it may be that being able to plug in faster will be a benefit for forming the relationships and support network needed to make a decent transition from student to nurse. Of course, smaller size can also be an issue if, for whatever reason, you don't fit their culture. You can end up an outsider with no real option to work around those who choose to be stumbling blocks.

So, what are your experiences/preferences? Big crowd with lots of variety? Or cozier with a bit less of the "cool" factor? Any suggestions on which would be the best for a newbie entering the work force? What would you look for and why?

[Mississippi_RN]

I would say cozier. Big is NOT always better... depends on which you want more.

[Antikigirl, ASN, RN]

Medium by far! That way you can be learning in a smaller more comfy group as a new grad. It is like large vs smaller class sizes...same info, but what would you prefer?

I am sure you will get similar experience, just not be so overwhelmingly rushed like the larger hospitals tend to be. They want someone skilled and on the quick vs someone learning the ropes for pure census reasons! I can see some potential heartache there as you try to learn more.

I also had the choice...huge trauma hospital with lots of experience quick, or smaller rural hospital where I would get the same experience but may take a bit longer to get a range of patients (not that way anymore...small hospital, never can find enough rooms now!). I chose the rural..and very happy with that choice (other students got jobs at the other and burned out fast!).

I am very happy with my choice, and am really a team member with some wonderful staff (MD's, CNA's, PA, RT, RN...and the like). Little more homey feel, and I know many of the patients and they know me! That feels good!

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

The larger a facility, the more likely you are to become a "body" and get lost among the numbers of employees. Think of it as being a kid in a family of 20 kids. There's always help, but not always the kind of help and attention you want. People also tend to come and go and rotate around a lot in large place, I think. I learned a lot working in large teaching hospitals, but I also felt they were kind of cold hearted to the employees. I've also worked in a lot of community hospitals where there were about 200 beds. Everyone knows almost everyone else, there were yearly Christmas parties and people for the most part were friendly. You often ran into co-workers while you were shopping at the local grocery store.

If the medium sized hospital is also part of the same corporate group you should be able to transfer there after some seasoning in the medium sized place.

It's not that easy to get hired on in an OR right out of nursing school, so if you get an offer from one of these places make a decision and get in there because you were very lucky to get this.

[SFCardiacRN]

It is rare to be able to contrast management styles/personalities when looking for employment. It is your direct manager that will have a lot to do with how satisfactory your job will be. If you have found a "terrific, staff oriented manager", you should go for it! IMHO