New grad just hired- have to choose which unit I want

malenurseFl · Jan 15, 2013

I'd choose ortho

AZMOMO2 · Jan 15, 2013

I did my Preceptorship on a trauma ortho floor and it was HEAVY!

JessiekRN · Jan 15, 2013

I was an ortho nurse for three plus years. You will learn a lot about pre op/ post op etc. But it is backbreaking work- turning, lifting, many patients I cared for were obese and had worn out their own knees and needed replacements. It is very physical labor. I don't know what IMC is but you will learn a lot more on a neuro floor. Strokes, seizures- many more complex diagnoses, assessments, complications and interventions than you will find on an ortho floor. Congrats on the job offers- I'm sure I don't need to tell you many in your position would be lucky to have one offer!! Lots of luck in whichever one you choose.

llg, PhD, RN · Jan 15, 2013

Did one of the units just "feel" better for you when you interviewed there? If so, that's the one you should go for. Definitely follow your heart on this. You don't want to be stuck with a patient population that doesn't appeal to you -- or with a manager/educator/staff, etc. that doesn't fit with your personality well. This is not a decision to be made totally with logic about the type of technical skills and knowledge you will be learning. At this point of your career, it is most important that you find a place where you will "fit in" personally and be happy so that you can make a smooth transition from student to professional.

Also, do you get a sense that the orientation to one unit will be better than the others. That's a VERY important consideration at this point in yoru career.

If none of the units "feels" better than the others ... and if IMC stands for "intermediate care" ... then I would choose IMC. That would probably give you the most options down the road for later in your career. And the nurse-patient ratio is probably less there, which is something a lot of new grads need as they learn organizational skills.

Congratulations on the new job! ... and .. Good luck!

RxOnly · Jan 15, 2013

Did one of the units just "feel" better for you when you interviewed there? If so, that's the one you should go for. Definitely follow your heart on this. You don't want to be stuck with a patient population that doesn't appeal to you -- or with a manager/educator/staff, etc. that doesn't fit with your personality well. This is not a decision to be made totally with logic about the type of technical skills and knowledge you will be learning. At this point of your career, it is most important that you find a place where you will "fit in" personally and be happy so that you can make a smooth transition from student to professional.
Also, do you get a sense that the orientation to one unit will be better than the others. That's a VERY important consideration at this point in yoru career.
If none of the units "feels" better than the others ... and if IMC stands for "intermediate care" ... then I would choose IMC. That would probably give you the most options down the road for later in your career. And the nurse-patient ratio is probably less there, which is something a lot of new grads need as they learn organizational skills.
Congratulations on the new job! ... and .. Good luck!

This. Sometimes you just "know" ...do you remember any of the nurses on those floors? Was there an especially welcoming unit? Go with that one. And congrats on being brand new with so many choices!!

PediLove2147, BSN, RN · Jan 15, 2013

I'd go with IMC, like llg said, you will have more opportunities down the road if you choose that one now.

Do-over, ASN, RN · Jan 16, 2013

I'd go with IMC, but I may be biased.

I would think you'd see a variety of diagnoses, but more unstable or need closer monitoring. For example, ortho patients too "iffy" for the general ortho floor. At least that is how it is where I am.

Good for you, by the way. What a nice problem to have =)