NEEDED: Career advice for new grad.

Jolie, BSN · Apr 15, 2005

In the past, I have always taken whatever job was offered to me, now that I have several hospitals recruiting me, I can't decide what is the best move.
I have narrowed it down to three:
1) A Large hospital system with excellent pay and benefits, but a 45 minutes drive. Great orientation for new grads. Pt ratio is 5-6 for med surg. Specialized units. Written documentation, but working toward computer.
2) A medium sized hospital with great benefits and great pay, and they have an "internship" for new grads. 20 minute drive. Pt ratio 5-6. Computer documentation.
3) A small hospital with less pay and just OK benefits, but it is close to me and the people are so nice! Will "train" me with my input, but no formal orientation. I already know some of the docs, and some of the people who work there. Also, the beds are general med-surg, so I could get lots of experience. PT ratio is 7, but probably not as "sick". Written documentation.
I realize there is no "bad" choice, but I just can't pick! Part of the problem is that I am not sure what direction I want my career to go.
Any advice?
Thanks,
:balloons: Ali :balloons:

I would definitely choose a position with a well-established orientation program. I can't over-emphasize the importance of that. So, I would eliminate #3 right off.

Another consideration: what is the ratio of experienced ( 2 years or more) nurses to "newbies" on the various units you are considering? Do not take a job ANYWHERE that has less than 50% experienced staff. You will need to have experienced nurses available to mentor you and back you up as you begin to practice independently.

Good luck!

Ali_Oop07 · Apr 15, 2005

Another consideration: what is the ratio of experienced ( 2 years or more) nurses to "newbies" on the various units you are considering? Do not take a job ANYWHERE that has less than 50% experienced staff. You will need to have experienced nurses available to mentor you and back you up as you begin to practice independently.

Excellent point!!!!!!!

I will be sure to ask about that! Thanks!

mydesygn · Apr 15, 2005

I would definitely choose a position with a well-established orientation program. I can't over-emphasize the importance of that. So, I would eliminate #3 right off.
Another consideration: what is the ratio of experienced ( 2 years or more) nurses to "newbies" on the various units you are considering? Do not take a job ANYWHERE that has less than 50% experienced staff. You will need to have experienced nurses available to mentor you and back you up as you begin to practice independently.
Good luck!

I agree. As a nurse with 14 years of nursing who has been a "newbie" several times over. I would state really consider the orientation program, often facilities with an established nursing orientation have taken the time and resources to ensure that nurses are provided a good foundtion, you will be less likey to be left "floundering". Secondly, when a large percentage of staff have been on a particular unit less than 2 years, it is usually an indicator of poor orientation, difficult working enviroment, lack of support or teamwork. Many nurse won't remain in a position for long when those conditions are present.

Tony35NYC · Apr 16, 2005

I agree. I would go with either #1 or #2 because as a new grad you NEED to be properly oriented to the place, and by people who've been working there for a good while.

As a new grad, you don't need to decide right away what area of nursing you want to specialize in. You'll have many opportunities to go further in your nursing career after youv'e gained a little experience.

jeepgirl, LPN, NP · Apr 16, 2005

nix three right off. a proper orientation is important.

grinnurse, RN · Apr 16, 2005

I feel the same about deciding where I really want to go. I have one offer from a hosp that is 45 minutes away, the pay is decent (not as high in metropolitan area that I am close to), have a great internship program for new grads, and the majority of the staff has been on the unit for 10+ years. This is also a specialized area that drew me to nursing in the first place.

The second one is my "comfort zone". Worked prior to and while attending NS. Close to house, pay minimal, high turn over rate with 6 wks orientation as GN. Not what I really want to do as far as area.

Third is a State Hosp. that pays little with good longer term benefits, moderate turnover rate, close to house and something that I have considered doing.

The only drawback to hosp #1 is the distance and gas prices right now. And I have a small car that gets ok gas mileage. I am pretty sure I am going to go with hosp #1. Tried to get DH to help b/c he always sees the negative sides but he doesn't offer much help at all. I am tired of telling people I don't know where I am going yet........... :uhoh21: I think I am afraid to make a decision b/c I don't want to make a mistake.

How did everyone else decide?

purplemania, BSN, RN · Apr 22, 2005

I agree with above posts. Consider your career to be on a continuum. Right now you need to concentrate on getting confidence. Which facility is most likely to offer that? At some point you might want flexible hours, or broader education or some other goal. Then you choose to go or stay. But don't make a choice now for a goal that is down the road. Good luck.

Ali_Oop07 · Apr 23, 2005

I agree with above posts. Consider your career to be on a continuum. Right now you need to concentrate on getting confidence. Which facility is most likely to offer that? At some point you might want flexible hours, or broader education or some other goal. Then you choose to go or stay. But don't make a choice now for a goal that is down the road. Good luck.

Thank you so much! You are right, I should think about what is best NOW instead of long term, I have a lifetime to switch jobs!

BTW, still no decision! I have decided to take a two week vacation after finals and I will make up my mind then!

Ali