New grad- 2 different departments and locations

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Hi all,

I am 25 and set to graduate in the spring with my BSN from an accelerated second-degree program. I moved to the area just for the year and planned to move back home 2.5 hours away to work and move my life forward with my soon-to-be fiancee. Prior to nursing school I worked in an ED and I planned to go there to complete their 1 year new grad residency and start in the emergency department, which I love- doing quick focused assessments, trying to determine what is going on, never knowing what is coming in the door plus the education that comes with a mentored residency. However it is not a trauma center and doesn't have a cath lab, so we transfer many patients to higher level facilities.

However, I was offered an ICU position at the hospital system where I've had clinical rotations. The unit is recently renovated, 14 beds, with supportive management and happy staff. When I spent the day there I really liked how in-depth the nurse can get with the patients' history and the detailed assessments, bedside procedures, rounding with residents, etc. I would start right after graduation in June. I thought I wanted ED, but I am the type of person who spends a lot of time digging in the chart to find all the details and likes to think through the pathophysiology of the disease process. I think I would learn a lot starting in the ICU but having a hard time determining which is a better fit for me.

It boils down to-- do I want to stay in this area for an ICU job and spend an unknown amount of time away from my loved ones, putting other parts of my life on hold? Or do I turn it down and take my chances finding positions at a medical center back home when the applications open in the spring? How difficult is it for new grads to get ICU jobs in upstate NY?

Any words of wisdom or advice would be greatly appreciated!

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