Newgrad.. ED or PACU?

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Specializes in Emergency.

I am currently on my final placement (elective) in the PACU and so far I am really enjoying it. I like the hours and the high turnover of patients. I had done a placement a few months ago in the E.D and absolutely LOVED everything about it.

Heres my issue... I have been offered a newgrad position for PACU in a different city which includes two paid-for postgrad papers and a guaranteed job at the end of the contract HOWEVER I have also been offered a newgrad position in my current city in the E.D without any postgrad papers or a guranteed job.

Do i choose PACU because of the perks... or E.D because it's my passion? help me decide!

Also.. i've read in a few posts on here that a lot of people don't encourage newgrads to enter the E.D but when I used to live in Canada (i am currently studying/living in New Zealand) i worked with EMS for awhile so I feel that my experience doing that will help me cope with the emergency setting better than the average newbie... or is that wrong to think that?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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Specializes in Cardiothoracic ICU.

Start in which ever you liked better. I feel that optimally ED and PACU nurses would be best suited doing ICU first but this is not always possible. ICU seems to teach the root of all nursing and i think those that are in the ED and PACU w/o ICU experience will always lack an element of care.

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Specializes in Medsurg/ICU, Mental Health, Home Health.

I have never seen a new grad hired in the PACU. A lot of places want nurses with ICU experience or at least quite a bit of surgical floor experience.

But...if there is a new grad position available, go for it! I worked in PACU as a tech when I was in school, and I think PACU experience can only help you.

That being said, PACU can be one of the most stressful places in the hospital (even more so than the ED).

Still...I say go for PACU!

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

It sounds like you can't lose to me. Congratulations :)

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I am in the ED as a new grad. I love it and of all my nursing school experiences ED always stood out to me.

What are guaranteed papers?

I agree with ndy : either sounds great. Do you have any idea how you'd like your career to shape up long term?

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