Medical or cardiac?

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · May 5, 2015

So I just graduated from nursing school and I have two job offers from the same hospital for a graduate nurse position. One is on a medical floor and the other is on a cardiac-medical floor. I'm having trouble deciding which one I should choose. I want to gain as much experience as I can. Eventually I plan on working in the er but I'm wanting to get floor experience first. Any advice would be appreciated!

Are the units both good environments for a new grad that is fully staffed with friendly people and a supportive and flexible manager? That should be the first think you look for. That being said, a cardiac medical floor will help you get into the ER better because you will probably get some telemetry monitoring experience and see a broader variety of patients. If you haven't already done so, ask for a shadow day (or for several hours) on both units to get a better feel. Congrats on having two offers!

Farawyn · May 5, 2015

I'm med surg here and I will always choose that!

Lev is right about the tele experience, though.

AnthonyD · May 5, 2015

All other things also being considered, Tele experience will likely better prepare you for the ED (or other higher acuity areas).