New Grad Job Offers (ICU or PSYCH)

[HAL_APRN19]

So after hundreds of applications with no hint of interest from hospitals, I decided to apply to a psych hospital and was immediately offered a job. I was REAL happy and GRATEFUL about the opportunity considering how difficult it is to get a job....Let alone as a new grad RN. 2 weeks after I accepted the position, I was called in to do an interview for the ICU. i applied for it months ago. So I went (since my orientation for the psych job wasn't until the end of the month) So fast forward... Today was my first day at the psych job and I get a call from the other place offering me the ICU job. Should I stay or should I go? Ultimately, I'd like to be a bedside nurse and see where that takes me. however I AM PETRIFIED that I won't make it in the ICU. Any HELPFUL advice would be appreciated. Thanks everyone.

[lisaannej]

If you would rather be in the ICU, then I say take that job. I am sure they will give you orientation and training since ICU is so specialized. I think you should go for it!

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Actually, you would be a bedside nurse in either specialty--"bedside nursing" means you're proving direct patient care in a hospital. Patient need not be confined to a bed for this to happen :)

As for your dilemma..it depends on what specialty you want to work in more. If ICU is what you want, go for it. If psych is what you want, stay. You're going to (or ought to) get training either way.

Now if what you want is something entirely different...you're on you're own with that one.

Best of luck whatever you decide!

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

Where do YOU want to work? Only you can answer that question; none of us can make that decision for you.

Some things to consider, though...how long is orientation with the ICU position? Is there a new grad residency that you will be apart of? ICU is possible for new grads, but you need thorough orientation - not just a couple of a weeks and then they make you spread your wings.

Good luck with whatever you decide :redbeathe

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

ICU - much harder to get into than psych......