New grad with a career choice - advice please....

Nurses New Nurse

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Hospice and Dialysis.

I graduated in May of 2012. In July I started as an RN on a cardiac pulmonary stepdown unit of a large hospital. It has been tough but I am getting it. I have been offered a job as an RN in a nursing home that will give me 80 hours per week instead of 72 and $4 more per hour. It will also be a day shift as opposed to an overnight shift.

I am torn. I would like the additional money and the day shift but I am worried that a nursing home will do long term damage to my career. Are my fears justified or unfounded? Your advice is appreciated. Thanks!

I would give the hospital a full year. That's just my opinion, but of course, you have to do some soul searching to see what's best for you.

I will definetely go with the hospital,

Specializes in Cardiac Care.

Stick with the hospital for now. The money is always a draw but the experience you will gain in acute care is much more marketable in the future and you can command more money with the experience in the long run once the "new grad" wears off.

I have worked in LTC and I speak from experience... the day shifts there are KILLER!

Specializes in Telemetry, OB, NICU.

I wouldn't go. Stay in the hospital, I think.

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