New-Grad with 2 offers and need help choosing: Tele or ER

[RNDude2012]

Hello,

New grad associate RN here who is fortunate enough to have two job offers. I have to choose before March, and I'm not sure what to do.

Choice #1: Telemetry at a veterans hospital (I did my preceptorship here, and it's very difficult to get into the VA system because people hardly ever leave).

Pros: Great pay (considerably more than choice #2), 12-week orientation, federal benefits, great retirement package (pension, 401k matching), possible student loan reimbursement, no layoffs, no call-offs, 26 days paid vacation, difficult to get fired, rare to have a female patient/no PEDS (never been comfortable with this population), difficult to sue the feds, I'll be working days.

Could lay a good foundation to get me into my unit of choice (ICU). I also LOVE this hospital, Love the mission statement, and enjoy serving our vets. Can't beat starting out with a cardiac background as I could go into the ER or ICU.

Cons: BUREAUCRACY, transferring to another unit may take 2 years.. if not more, needy long-term patients who don't really need to be an inpatient, I wanted to start in ER or ICU, I'll move up the payscale slower since I'm starting here as a new grad.

Choice #2: Emergency Department position at level 2 trauma center.

Pros: I get to start out in the ER which could change the trajectory of my career (at least I know I won't be stuck in tele for the rest of my life), 16 week orientation, good benefits (healthcare, pension, etc.), i'll be working with a lot of grads who went to my school, LOTS of learning experience (THE BEST), very supportive of new grads, and i'll be working in a specialty i've always wanted to work in. I feel like this is a better fit for me since I'm male.

Cons: Very low starting pay, 2 year contract, nights, what if I get tired in the ER but find myself stuck because ER is so different from everything else, this is an inner city hospital so the ER is always SLAMMED, oh and did I mention..low pay. I would finish out my 2 year contract and use the experience to get in a better paying hospital.

Please help!

-Chad

[MN-Nurse, ASN, RN]

#1, easy. Can always change later if you want to.

[SoullusRN]

Definitely choose number one based on the pros / cons you listed. Like the other person posted, you can always leave and apply else where if it doesn't work out.

[EMP, RN]

Agree with previous posters. Number 1

[Neriah]

I would go with #2. The experience would give you a basis for life that is best obtained when you are younger and fres. I would ride that wave because it could be an exceptional experience.

[ckh23, BSN, RN]

Number 1. I wish I could get 26 days off.

[Perpetual Student]

I'd lean toward #2 given the provided information. The only thing that makes me leery is the whole 2 year contract thing. What are the penalties for quitting before 2 years?

[MJB2010]

I am so jealous, both of your offers have a pension! I would probably take number 1 if I were you, UNLESS your heart is in the ER. You really need to follow your gut here, because you will always regret it if you do not. It is not about the money as a new grad, it is about getting a good foundation and good experience. Happiness and job satisfaction go along way. Do you know how the employees feel at each place? You mentioned people hardly ever leave place 1, that is a big deal. How is the turnover at hospital number 2? Are both places staffed well?

Honestly congratulations on being in such a good position! Your really cannot go wrong with either one. Let us know what you pick!

[NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN]

First of all you are so blessed to have two job offers. Second, pick number 1.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

If it was me, I'd go for #1. I think it sets you up better for future options than #2, plus you can transition into ER from Tele if you really wanted to.

Best of luck whatever you decide!

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

You never mentioned any future career goals. Why the preference for ICU or ER? Is this related to a desire to pursue specialization as an APN later on?

If I was to make the decision, I would pick #1. That's a job with the feds in a network that includes VA hospitals across the nation (and even overseas). It may take you longer to move from one unit to the next but a long career with the VA is well worth it given the long term benefits of pension. One caveat is that VA hospitals have somewhat of a reputation for "crappy" nurses (not making this up, I just hear it all the time from residents who rotate there).

#2 will offer you a wealth of learning opportunities. Given the inner city setting you will either love it or hate it. I worked as a nurse in a Level 1 Trauma ED right smack in a high crime, low income neighborhood of a major midwestern city. I didn't mind the patient population and actually enjoyed caring for the patients -- it's the constant hard work during each shift that could burn you out. You will need a good team of nurses and co-workers and a supportive management to make it through that kind of setting.

[OCNRN63, RN]

Since you don't want to take care of female patients, pick the first one.