New Grad Dilemma

[eventualnurse]

Hello all,

I am a new grad interviewing for jobs. I'd eventually like to be in the ER but I want to be well-rounded so I'd like to work my way there.

There are two hospitals in the area...

One is big and fancy with the trauma center and I could move up to the ICU fairly quickly (they're hiring lots of new grads to it, but I'm just not there in terms of my practice). However, the culture doesn't have a great reputation and 6 patients is pretty standard. I would work on the neuro floor if I go there because that interests me.

The other is smaller, doesn't have as high acuity and fewer doctors, resources, etc. But, people in general seem super supportive and they have better patient ratios.

I'm eager to get started and move up the ranks which is possible in this small pond of a town. I also really want to learn good, safe practices and feel that might happen if I have fewer patients (I've struggled to keep up in clinical).

Should I go to the smaller, likely more supportive hospital with better patient ratios? Or should I go to the bigger hospital where I'll get my ass kicked and it will be the hardest thing I've done but it might whip me into shape make everything else down the line seem less daunting?

Thoughts?

Thank you! Allnurses has been a guide and lifesaver through school.