Nervous!!!

Hi everyone,

I'm almost halfway done with my last semester of my BSN program and I'm TERRIFIED. I feel like I know nothing and am constantly worrying about how to make the transition from student to nurse, medications, prioritizing, delegating, etc. Now, I will add that I am a worrywart by nature, so this is my norm.

I have gotten a couple of job offers that I'm considering and weighing the benefits and drawbacks.

The hospital that I currently work at as an extern will give me 6 weeks of orientation. That seems very short to me...but I don't have to sign a contract. I can do a residency at the same hospital and get 12 weeks of orientation, but even then I only get 6 weeks on the floor and 6 weeks in a classroom, and I have to sign a 2 year contract. A benefit to the residency is that I can get ACLS certified...but being certified in that right off the bat when I'm brand new scares me as well. This is a small hospital and I've noticed that it is extremely cliquey, but laid-back. I don't know that I fit in or how I will be responded to when asking for help, although I do enjoy how laid-back it is.

I used to work as an extern at a large hospital in the area, where I am also doing my preceptorship now. I do regret leaving. I know that the nurses there will be more than willing to help me when I need it and answer my questions. I also feel like I'm valued and part of the team. However, I don't know their specifics of orientation and contracts, and the floor is extremely fast-paced and crazy pretty much all the time.

Really though, I know I need to focus on finishing, graduating, and passing the NCLEX...it's what comes after that that's scaring me the most.

I'm sure that this is a completely normal feeling, and I know I'm not alone in it. Does anyone have any advice or can share their experience? How would you base your decision when choosing between two different offers? I'm just at a crossroads in decision making...