Stormin'n

Unfortunately, not an option at this time. I would do both if I could.

51, just got my BSN. Old kids rock!

I think it's "who you know." If you know anyone in medicine or nursing, talk to them. ask professors for references. Ask preceptors for leads. Give them a resume and a reason to pass info to someone else. Volunteer at hospice, hospital, or other related organization. Join a professional organization and meet some people. Don't give up.

I consider myself incredibly lucky to be faced with this choice: which job to take (or, to have an offer at all). Which would you take, and which offers the best long term growth? I am interested in both, and if I didn't need sleep, would take both. Not going to happen. Benefits are better with ICU, pay scale is better with ED (mostly cause it is an all nights and weekend position). Any advice from more experienced nurses?

I just finished an accelerated BSN program in 11 months, passed the nclex, and got two great job offers. I would recommend an accel program IF: you like to study and are willing to have no life for a year; you absorb info quickly; and your finances will stand it. Yes, you can work (several of my classmates did) but it will be tough. You might also consider a traditional program that takes 2 years to complete while transferring your credits. Make sure you have all the prerequisite courses complete prior to applying. I think getting accepted to a program is half the struggle.