New grad deciding on job offers, PCU vs. OR

[Jmorgan7]

I am going to be a new graduate in May and have had a couple jobs offered to me that I cannot seem to decide on. I live in a small town and the first job offer is about 25 minutes from my home. It is a larger hospital that has been newly remodeled and is the hospital where my nursing school does all of the clinicals. The position is on the Progressive Care Unit which I have done clinicals on. I absolutely love this unit and the types of pts that are cared for. In nursing school I never thought I would like critical care but I had a great instructor who changed my mind and made it at the top of my list. This hospital also has a great orientation program for new grads. Before I had even applied for this position I also applied in the operating room at a smaller hospital that is about 10 minutes from my home. They had never called me back so I moved on where I got offered the PCU position. Well just a couple days ago, the director of surgery from the smaller hospital called me and wants me to do an interview and she said she is going to try and get me to choose surgery. I think surgery would be really fun as well. This job is 5 days a week vs. 3 nights a week for PCU. I have a friend who works in the operating room so of course she wants me to choose that position and my husband also wants me to choose that position just because its day shift and he would get to see me more. I'm trying to think of my nursing career and which option would be better for me. I would GREATLY appreciate anyone's input, I'm so torn I don't know what to do! Thanks in advance!

[wsuRN09]

I would take the PCU position. You said that you "absolutely love" it and it sounds as if you're searching for reasons to "love" the OR job. I understand wanting to be able to spend time with your husband, but the job is only 3 shifts a week which gives 4 days off to spend with him. The night shift thing wouldn't be permanent, maybe in 6 months or a few years, a day shift will open up and then not only will you be working on a floor you love but you'll have the bonus of a great shift too! Anyway, go with what you want, not what others feel would be best for them. Congrats on the offers and good luck with the rest of school!

[Jmorgan7]

Thank you and I think you're right! I know in my heart that the PCU position is right for me and where I see my career going, I just wish my husband agreed! But it will be better in the long run if I make this decision now. Thank you!