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Nurses New Nurse

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I'm about to take my first RN job very soon. I am actually considering 3 or 4 different hospitals. I will be so lucky to receive 3 offers but in case I do, I really want to know, from experienced nurses, what do you think is the most important thing a hospital can offer a new grad or what is the most important thing a new grad needs from his/her first RN job in an acute care environment? Whether it be a residency program, whether the hospital is a teaching hospital, length of orientation, ect.

What really helped you when you started your career or wish you would've had or researched more before choosing the job?

Thanks for any words of advice!!

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Length and quality of orientation

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Specializes in ICU.

reasonable patient ratios

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Supportive Work environment! If its miserable, you will be too! Insurance was a begone for me since I have children. Other than hat, a great orientation and preceptor.

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Too bad I cant interview my future preceptors then decide :-)

Thanks!

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Ratios have been quoted as 3-4:1 days and 5:1 nights...

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Specializes in LTC, med/surg, hospice.

A good thorough orientation.

The ratios I've been told were all lies except for ICU

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Oh boy... Thanks!

Is there anything specific I should ask about the orientation besides the length?

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Specializes in Med Surg, Specialty.

What floor are those quoted ratios for? Also, make sure you ask what the PCT-patient ratio is, and, if there is an admissions nurse or if you have to do admissions yourself. These two things factor largely into how your day will go, in addition to RN-pt ratios.

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Its a night position for a surgical peds floor.

Thanks for the input!

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