NICU NEW GRAD CAREER ADVICE

[Newnurse555]

Hello:),

I just graduated with my BSN and have been offered two NICU new graduate positions and am deciding what one will be better for me. The level III NICU is pretty high acuity but doesn't have a surgical aspect. The hospital has a huge birthing center and delivers the third highest amount of new bones in California. It has 52 best and a NICU transport team. It is also a day shift position and in my hometown. The level IV has a very strong and formal new grad program that last a year. It is a surgical NICU, has 32 beds, a transport team, and is a children's hospital so I would not be getting trained for deliveries. Is that important? This position is night shifts and I would be moving across the country. Beyond grateful for both offers but would love to hear feedback as this is a huge decision for me!

[Wuzzie]

As a new grad starting out a new chapter of your life in a type of unit that is notorious for being a difficult environment I feel like you will need the support of your family, friends and a familiar environment. The lack of a surgical presence is a non-issue. Also, day-shift is the unicorn that so many people wish they could find. Take the first position. 

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Congrats on two fantastic job offers!! Wow!

I would give points to a formal new grad program because of the structured support and education, such as orientation, debriefing groups, and more.

Regarding the other two variables- it depends on how important day shift is to you, and whether staying in your hometown is a priority. Moving away can be an excellent opportunity for a young adult to explore life. However, the significance of a day shift or moving is a subjective factor that only you can evaluate.

A tiny part of me thinks offering a new grad day shift can mean high turnover. Just a tiny part, mind you, because sometimes, on a unit, a core group of senior nurses prefers nights.

Honestly, it could be a case of you can't go wrong with these two different but wonderful opportunities. Very best wishes ?

 

[Newnurse555]

Nurse Beth said:

Congrats on two fantastic job offers!! Wow!

I would give points to a formal new grad program because of the structured support and education, such as orientation, debriefing groups, and more.

Regarding the other two variables- it depends on how important day shift is to you, and whether staying in your hometown is a priority. Moving away can be an excellent opportunity for a young adult to explore life. However, the significance of a day shift or moving is a subjective factor that only you can evaluate.

A tiny part of me thinks offering a new grad day shift can mean high turnover. Just a tiny part, mind you, because sometimes, on a unit, a core group of senior nurses prefers nights.

Honestly, it could be a case of you can't go wrong with these two different but wonderful opportunities. Very best wishes ?

 

Thank you so much! They both have a lot of pros and cons. I haven never been out of my hometown and am not scared to move out. I think it would be a great opportunity for me. If I don't like it after a year, I can go work anywhere as well after getting training there:)