New grad, Oncology or Orthopedics?

[Circles900]

Question for the seasoned nurses..

I was offered two new grad positions and I need to make a decision. The 1st position is with Orthopedics on nights. I was told many of the patients are elective surgical patients. I heard there is a lot of customer service and much pain control. I didn't get to meet the unit manager for my interview, only her assistant which was disappointing. On my own, I did research and learned there is a lot of heavy lifting and walking patients, encouraging them to move after surgery. The unit itself has only been open a few months, it's completely renovated and beautiful. I also was told there is a waiting list for days.

The 2nd position is Oncology nights. The nursing supervisor was very supportive and made me feel very welcomed at my interview. She told me that I would learn a lot and be able to develop my skills quickly. I also was told that they are merging telemetry with oncology in a few months. The building was built in 1912 and it's old, old. Yellow walls, yellow flooring. Reminds me of a nursing home.

I want to eventually become an Emergency Room RN. Which position should I take where I would learn the most? I think oncology would be rewarding because I would be able to work with many age groups and provide emotional support, which I enjoy. But the Orthpedics unit is brand new, beautiful and uplifting atmosphere. But I didn't get to meet the unit manager on orthopedics, I worry she may not be great. I know unit managers can make or break you.

For seasoned nurses, what is your day to day like on these units? Which would you choose as a new grad?

[brownbook]

I saw a concerning post maybe two days ago from an orthopedic nurse who kept getting her hours cut because insurance is not paying overnight coverage for many orthopedic cases.

Even if I didn't read that my gut says oncology is better. Neither is really a direct path to ER.

[drkshadez]

I floated to an orthopedic floor for two shifts. Granted, I was not hired for that floor, but I felt it was boring. Most of the time I was just passing pain medication and a glorified physical therapist.

I floated to a cancer floor one time. Loved it and learned a lot on that shift. I was not familiar with some of the medications so I had to do patient education. I actually learned about patients conditions and histories.

That's just not own impression from very short times on both floors. If it was me I would choose oncology.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

I've done oncology off and on for years so maybe I'm biased but I'd choose oncology.

[Bubbly26, BSN, RN]

I'm biased but I would say oncology.

[MoonlightingNurse]

Oncology, especially if it's going to be a tele floor soon