vegechik_RN

First of all, congratulations on having such a great choice to make! My two cents: I started as a new grad in an ED two years ago, and switched ED's about 6 months ago when my husband's job relocated him. I have had the benefit of being a newbie in two different environments, and seeing two ways to train new grads. I think there are two important considerations to make: First, how does each department train its new grads? How long is the training program for each one? (I would recommend 12-16 weeks for a new grad critical care nurse). Is the training department specific, or are you lumped in with other new grads from med-surg and other units for your classwork? In my experience, a lot of the general one-size-fits-all training is not geared toward ED/ICU nurses and it may not benefit you as much as your counterparts who are working the floors. Second, what is the atmosphere/environment/culture in each unit? (This might actually be number one.) Is it a team environment? Are coworkers eager to help teach and encourage new grads? Does it foster your ability to learn, encourage questions, and does it do this in a safe manner where you are not putting your license or your patients at danger? I would talk to anyone you can find who is currently employed in these units, or better yet, nurses who have gone through the training in each unit. This might give you the best idea of what to expect, and what the strengths and weaknesses of each program are. As far as ED vs ICU first, I know lots of ED nurses who are transplants from ICU. There is a definite "type" - these nurses are super smart, very knowledgeable, and always thinking about the hows and whys with their patients. The ones who successfully make the transition to the ED pace are amazing resources to have. I love to pick their brains about pathophysiology and specialized equipment/procedures. You will ultimately decide which environment is best for you. If you enjoy the fast pace, the variety, the push to get patients through quickly, and the opportunity to be a bit of a detective, the ED is a great choice. Remember, you will still have critical care patients in the ED, along with peds, geriatrics, psych, trauma, med-surg and all the rest. If you enjoy spending more time getting to know patients, having the chance to analyze what is wrong with them, and watch them recover, ICU might be more your thing. That's another factor to consider: does the ICU you are considering have a variety of patients? Some focus more on cardiac, some have trauma, others have a variety of patients. Ultimately, either job will make you very marketable, so it comes down to what you love and which is the best environment for you to learn and grow as a new nurse. Good luck with whichever one you choose! It sounds like you will be successful.

Hi all, looking for advice and info! I'm a Northern Cal (newer) ER nurse moving to the Tacoma area in the next few months looking for a busy ER with a great team and work environment. We are relocating due to husband's work; I love my current workplace and work team. I've looked on glassdoor and other websites, but was hoping to get real feedback about local jobs so I can find the right workplace. I've done some research and am leaning towards Providence St. Peter's and St. Joseph/Tacoma General, but am definitely open to other locations. I would welcome any help or feedback you can provide! Thanks in advance! :)