Need help w/ decision!

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Specializes in Medical/Surgical, Ambulatory Care.

Hi! I will be graduating in May, and I already have two job interviews/offers:). Please keep in mind that I am married as well :-)

My first job interview is in Oklahoma for a Med-Surg position, and I feel very confident that I will get it, as the manager really expressed an interest in me. My husband will be stationed there for a while and then go to HI, so I figured I could start there and get some experience and then go to HI later on (since they dont like new-grad RNs). However, I am from VA/NC, and I just found out that I have a HUGE interview with Duke University Hospital's OR!!!!! Going to this interview would mean that I would be separated from my husband for 2 yrs d/t the contract, but this is the opportunity of a lifetime!

I really need some honest advice, and my first question is: Which one would be the best start: Med-Surg, or the OR? Is it good for a new-grad to start in the OR? Also, would it be easy for me to get a job in another specialty (such as an ICU, L&D, or a Telemetry Unit) when I decide I want to take another avenue (if i would want to)? Im really confused and need some help. Im not sure how employers would look at someone who has OR experience. My interviews are next month, and I just want to know what would be the best for beginning my career.

Thanks for the help:redpinkhe!

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I would take the med-surg job. You'll keep up on your skills!

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I agree the Med-surg job will open the doors for any future opportunities you decide to switch to, but the OR experience would limit you to OR, PACU and other surgery related jobs. Plus 2 yrs is a long time to be away from your husband. But its up to you.

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Specializes in Hospice.

ill go with staying with ur husband.. it's so hard being far away from him...beside uv'e got this job offer in med-surge, u can learn alot of skills here; but it's up to you..

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

The med-surg job will serve you better if you stay a minimum of one to two years. If you leave before a year is up it will be as if you didn't really get any experience at all from what others who have done the same are saying. Hawaii is a tough market. Be aware they are not really military spouse friendly there in the hospitals as they know you will not be a long term hire (we did a three year tour there). Add to that being an inexperienced new grad and it sounds like it will be extra hard to find work.

As far as the OR opportunity goes, it is a good opportunity but from what I understand transfering to another specialty from the OR can be pretty hard.

Tough decisions. If I were you I would take the med-surg and stay there at least one to two years.

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Specializes in Medical/Surgical, Ambulatory Care.

Thank you all sooo much for your responses! I am strongly leading towards going to OK and staying for the 1-2 years! Again, thank you all soooo much!

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TMartin,

Are you attending the "New to the OR open house" at Duke University in May 2011?

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