TraumaRN316

These types of decisions can be very hard to navigate. I am also a new-ish grad, and I had a very similar predicament after graduation. I will stress that training and experience that are gauranteed are worth their weight in gold!! The hospital that is close may be more convenient, but the cross training in that position to the PICU or ER is not gaurenteed whereas the other position is. I accepted a position in the trauma/surgical ICU at a level 1 trauma center as a new grad. It would suffice to say that I was nervous to say the least. After less than a year in my current position I have never once looked back and thought what would've happened if I took the other offer. The training you receive as a new grad is vital to your success later on down the road if that is indeed what you want to do. Being nervous and unsure of your skills is a good thing when you're starting out. That mindset keeps you hungry for knowledge and experience. Being over-confident is what is dangerous. My advice would be to go with the hopsital that is offering you a greater opportunity for the future. But in the end you have to go with your gut, and make the decision that is best for you and the career path you want for your future.

Some people will tell you that you should avoid ICU, ER, etc. until you have some experience as a floor nurse. I was hired by a level 1 trauma center hospital into the trauma/surgical ICU as a new grad. I was told dozens of times that it wasn't a smart choice, and that I would regret it. I can speak from personal experience in saying that if you are interested in any position wherever that might be, then go for it! Even if the opening states they are looking for nurses with experience, they won't turn away a candidate that they see potential in. I received 3 months of orientation with a preceptor and was offered longer than that if I felt that I needed it. I have loved every minute of my job, and I'm glad I didn't listen to those who had "experience". Everyone's experience and success in any position is highly individualized. But if you feel the desire and passion for a certain area of nursing, then do everything in your power to pursue any opportunity available to you. Just my two cents!

Hannah, Congrats on starting your nursing program! Its good that you have already started looking into which field of nursing you'd like to begin your career in. However, I think you should allow your clinical rotations to help you make a final decision on where you'd like to end up. I was lucky enough to be able to start my career in the trauma ICU. I didn't have a clue where I wanted to work until about the last semester of my BSN program. The adrenaline rush of trauma is what pulled me in and has kept me loving my job. I graduated about a year ago, so I have some idea of what the hospitals I interviewed with are looking for in a new grad ICU candidate. I think the most frequent question I was asked during my interviews was what type of personality I had. ICU coordinators are looking for driven, energetic, type A personality nurses. The best thing you can do to make yourself marketable to recruiters is to go above and beyond in your program. Do what you can to maintain a GPA that paints the picture for what type of work ethic you have. It also helps to become involved and attain a position of leadership in your class. It also helps if you can show recruiters that you've gone out of your way to get some experience (ie shadowing/externship) in the field you're applying for. Do yourself a favor and remain open and receptive to all areas of nursing. You will find that certain clinical settings will speak to you and draw you in. Hope that helps and good luck to you!

Hi Everyone, This is the first time I've posted to this forum, so pardon me if I'm not posting in the correct section. I was recently offered two positions and have only a day to decide which one I should take. One is in the ICU at a smaller hospital that is getting ready to move into a brand new 600,000 sq. ft. facility. This is a new grad position, and the pay is around $18 plus shift differential of $2.75 with no weekend diff. However, they are offering an $8,000 sign on bonus contingent upon me signing a 2 year contract with the hospital. The other position is in the Trauma/Surgical ICU at a level 1 trauma center hospital. Their pay is around $20 base with a $2.75 night diff, and a $3.75 weekend diff. This position does not require me to sign a contract. I am wanting to eventually apply to CRNA school and continue my education. My question is for all of you nurses out their that have been through this before: which position would set me up for success in the future, and what questions should I ask the hospital before accepting? I would appreciate any advice you guys could provide!