job offer help

SteveNNP, MSN, NP · Nov 10, 2007

I wouldn't go with first impressions this time.... if you are looking to see a variety of cases, including preemies, ECMOs and cardiacs, I would go with the larger hospital. Any unit of that size is going to have a problem with retention. It also may be the reason they seem a little unfriendly. Units that size may have 200+ RNs to stay on top of... If they offer a great orientation, go for it. You will be able to find a few friends there..... it sounds like you may get stuck caring for older chronics in the smaller unit, and your clinical experiences may be few and far between with a unit that small. You already have that gut feeling though, I bet!

RainDreamer, BSN, RN · Nov 11, 2007

I agree with Steve. The bigger, busy units that take the sickest babies are usually great learning units.

And it sounds like they have an awesome orientation program, so take advantage of that!

Here's the thing that I want to ask though: Once you sign on to work there, do they have a contract that you must sign, to work for them for a minimum amount of time? If not, then GO FOR IT! If they're totally unfriendly and not supportive, then you don't have to stay. Orientation is usually long enough to know whether it's a good unit or not ..... you'll know if they're friendly, supportive, helpful, etc. By that point you'll know if it's a unit you want to continue working at.

Good luck to you, let us know what you decide!