Hi everyone,I have the privilege, and the difficulty, of being in a situation where I may be choosing between two jobs. I am a new graduate nurse and have finally landed interviews and received job offers. I have a fairly extensive research background but I also have a lot of hospital experience.I was offered a great position at an inpatient research company that has great day shift hours, fantastic pay, and no holidays or weekends. However, I was also offered a position in a hospital that is level 1 trauma center, in the trauma surgery center. I had clinical in a trauma center in nursing school so I know I would like this job as well. It is three 12s a week and includes weekends and holidays, along with day shift and night shift. The pay is less than the research job as well.I like both jobs but am possibly leaning more toward the research job. My big concern is..do you think I would lose my nursing skills if I jump into research immediately? This job is inpatient, so I would still be administering study drugs, doing lab draws, ECGs, IVs, etc. along with interacting with the patient to enroll them and complete the study.And, if I did do the research job, do you think I would be able to get back into the hospital in the future if that is what I want?As a new grad, I just feel so confused about what I actually want.Thanks for any help or insight you can provide. I realize I am incredibly lucky to be in this situation but I am just not sure what is best for me and my career. 0 Likes
ToughLover Nov 16, 2010 Well personally that research job sounds mighty cushy and I am SO jealous that you have that offer. Coming from a new grad who went straight to the hospital and into the ICU I'm definitely wanting an easier job now. However, I know that the experience I'm getting is valuable and necessary. I would absolutely recommend working in the trauma unit before you take a research job. You will definitely lose nursing skills (but to be honest you really won't have many to lose coming out of school) if you don't start in a clinical setting. Unless you plan on only doing research forever you need to get some experience as a nurse. 0 Likes