JessRN11

WOOOW! That is a lot!

Thank you for the words of advice. :) I can't imagine being that busy and being new. It is great to keep in mind; much appreciated!

hello, i am a new bsn graduate and would love some input about selecting a first job! i have gone through the application/interview process for a few positions. right now i have two job offers, for which i am very thankful, but am nervous about deciding between the two! the first position is for a 7 bed intermediate care unit in a community hospital, magnet status. the nurse/patient ratio is 1:3 and i would float to icu when needed. orientation includes icu preparation and requires us to pass the icu exam. we would be with a preceptor for only approximately 3 weeks. the nurse manager said i had an excellent interview and she feels i could fit in perfectly with the unit. this hospital is close to home and parking is a small fee/readily available. also, i could most likely have advancement opportunities due to the size of the hospital. on the down side, experience is limited to icu type patients, vents, sedated clients. it does pay less and i did not "feel" like the staff was warm/may be a rougher environment. however, it is part of a larger university system so the benefits, educational benefits are there. the second position is for a medical progressive unit in a larger city hospital. it is also part of the university system offering the same benefits, etc. the nurse/patient ratio is 1:5 on this unit (days) with support staff/aides available. cases on the unit are endless, so the experience would be excellent. the nurse manager is a visionary and is making great advancements with ebp studies and implementing new processes on the unit to improve care. i felt good reception from the staff and i love the values of the hospital because it is the only faith-based organization in the entire system. orientation includes about a 5 week preceptorship and review of progress at the end. on the down side, this is a farther commute into the city and cost of parking is definitely more. it is a larger hospital so if i did want to advance in leadership, i know it would be more difficult. however, the hospital does pay a higher salary. thank you for anything you can offer. i value your experienced input should i go for the higher acuity patients because of my love for detail/thoroughness or should i challenge myself with the larger patient load and excellent nurse manager with a farther commute?