Opinions Please

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I'm a newly graduated nurse about to take my first nursing job. I've worked in LTC as a CNA for the past 3 years.  I've got 2 job offers, both 2 hours away in the nearest big city and need help deciding which to take. 

One is on the neuro floor with 18 beds, nights. One is on the cardiac/tele floor 50 beds with alternating day/night. Both pay the same; neuro is at a level 2 small hospital with what I'm told more of a family feel.  Cardiac is at a level one larger hospital.  

I've always been fascinated by the brain, but I don't necessarily think that equates into taking care of neuro patients. I've heard that knowing cardiac is going to give me a huge advantage later in of I want to move, but I'm not crazy about the day/night rotation.  It's be one week 4 days, one week 4 nights.  

Opinions? 

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Hi there,

In my experience if you know a shift isn't your ideal liking then I'd lean away. If you feel strongly about getting cardiac experience (which is great!) then how long until you can secure a different shift? My unit had a wait list for days. I know this isn't a popular idea but I'd ask about the transfer policy as a back up with either place. 

Were you able to shadow on both units? When I graduated most organizations were not allowing shadows due to COVID. I felt it was hard to get that gut feeling. One recruiter was 100% up front that there was a waitlist 10 years deep for days, and I'd be working over 80 hours a week at certain times of the year. After reflecting upon it I realized that isn't my ideal workplace. 

I'm sure you will do well with either unit. The beauty of nursing is you can always find a new interest. Again, I know this isn't a popular opinion but remember you can leave before the 1 year mark. I am doing that myself. I made it 8 months.   

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Specializes in Med-Surg/Tele/ER/Urgent Care.

Are these 12 hour shifts &  will you be commuting?

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Relocate or else look for job offers closer to home. This will be a nightmare unless you can stay in the area either full-time or at least whenever you are working.

Next, rotating every week? NO. Just don't do it. There is no logical reason that hospitals must make that kind of demand. None. It is abusive. Trust me, you don't need them that bad. They are not all that.

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