Piloting a new unit as a new grad?

[pinkdoves, BSN]

Hey guys! I have been working at a well-known children's hospital for almost 3 months as a nurse resident. HR called me today and offered me a position on a unit they are piloting. Apparently, this unit will be a "test run" unit for new equipment/technology. Would you think it's wise to take part in this pilot as a newer nurse? They told me they are hiring new nurses, seasoned nurses, and all new management--basically like any other floor but we'll all be "new" in our roles (me especially).

Has anyone piloted a new unit or have advice? I'm not sure if considering this as a new grad would be detrimental? The HR rep told me this is a great opportunity to put my name out there and know hospital leadership personally since this their brand new project. IDK if that was just something he said to have me accept (LOL?) ?? It's worth noting they asked me because they cannot hire anyone externally due to covid. Hence, they are asking people who were recently hired in their roles to partake.

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

On one hand, newer nurses are better at adapting to new equipment and technology since you only have 3 months using the current equipment. More experienced nurses may be more set in their ways when it comes to their equipment. On the downside, you only have 3 months of experience and can not accurately evaluate the new equipment and technology and it's pros/cons compared to your current unit.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

"The HR rep told me this is a great opportunity to put my name out there ". Sounds like the hard sell to me. Must wonder why they are pushing it, if it is so wonderful.

With less than three months in, you should spend at least on year in your current role to learn the basic ropes.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Sour Lemon]

When I moved to California, my first job was on a new unit with all new staff. It was honestly wonderful, and we were a very cohesive group.

In the beginning, we only had 2-3 patients at a time, plus two RNs and a CNA. This was to "test run" the unit and make sure we had all the supplies we needed, the equipment worked, etc. Eventually, we worked our way up to 3 RNs, 2 CNAs, and up to 15 patients.

I had two years of experience at the time, which was the minimum to be assigned to that unit. I'm trying to imagine what it would have been like as a new grad, and I think it could have gone well if the unit was small enough, calm enough, and staffed with experienced nurses who liked to teach.

[Nunya, BSN]

Will management be people new to management? If so, heck no!

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

Sounds like an interesting opportunity...

[pinkdoves, BSN]

5 hours ago, NICU Guy said:

On one hand, newer nurses are better at adapting to new equipment and technology since you only have 3 months using the current equipment. More experienced nurses may be more set in their ways when it comes to their equipment. On the downside, you only have 3 months of experience and can not accurately evaluate the new equipment and technology and it's pros/cons compared to your current unit.

yeah, I'm honestly not sure what to think about it because I've never heard of an opportunity like this before!

[pinkdoves, BSN]

5 hours ago, Been there,done that said:

"The HR rep told me this is a great opportunity to put my name out there ". Sounds like the hard sell to me. Must wonder why they are pushing it, if it is so wonderful.

With less than three months in, you should spend at least on year in your current role to learn the basic ropes.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

that's what I thought too...but to be fair, I'm not sure if they know how it will turn out since it will only open up in June. I really like the floor I'm on now though so IDK if it's worth switching

4 hours ago, Sour Lemon said:

When I moved to California, my first job was on a new unit with all new staff. It was honestly wonderful, and we were a very cohesive group.

In the beginning, we only had 2-3 patients at a time, plus two RNs and a CNA. This was to "test run" the unit and make sure we had all the supplies we needed, the equipment worked, etc. Eventually, we worked our way up to 3 RNs, 2 CNAs, and up to 15 patients.

I had two years of experience at the time, which was the minimum to be assigned to that unit. I'm trying to imagine what it would have been like as a new grad, and I think it could have gone well if the unit was small enough, calm enough, and staffed with experienced nurses who liked to teach.

I am nervous because I am a new grad. It sounds like a unique opportunity though which is the reason I am considering it

[pinkdoves, BSN]

2 hours ago, Elaine M said:

Will management be people new to management? If so, heck no!

I'm not sure who the other people are!

1 hour ago, Jedrnurse said:

Sounds like an interesting opportunity...

it really does! If it was any other company I would be wary, but knowing the place I work is reputable I think it could be very rewarding. I feel kind of nervous rejecting this opportunity for fear of regret, but I really like the unit I work on now. IDK, it's a tough decision

[EDNURSE20, BSN]

Sounds interesting. But what happens if it fails? Do you still have a job? Also it could be a awful unit that you regret. (Only saying this because most other comments have been positive, it could be great. maybe)

If your happy where you, stick with it. It’s very rare on this site to hear a new grad say they like there job!

[pinkdoves, BSN]

14 hours ago, nznurse93 said:

Sounds interesting. But what happens if it fails? Do you still have a job? Also it could be a awful unit that you regret. (Only saying this because most other comments have been positive, it could be great. maybe)

If your happy where you, stick with it. It’s very rare on this site to hear a new grad say they like there job!

I am still part of the hospital system, so no worries--I would just be internally transferred to another floor. I'll let you know what I decide!