nperks

I am not sure grades really had much to do with getting the job, but I had a 3.72 GPA overall. I highly recommend volunteering at a hospital, or if possible, working as a CNA. I did both at different hospitals, and that's where I got the interviews and ultimately, offers. Hospitals take care of their employees and volunteers - they secure jobs for almost everyone already associated with the organization before any external applicants (I mean, you still have to apply, be prepared and work hard, but it's definitely a foot in the door). My school tried to get everyone involved in the clubs and organizations on campus, but most people that did that and didn't have any hospital experience outside of clinicals are still looking for jobs with no concrete leads. If it's not possible for you to volunteer or work in a hospital, definitely use your connections (friends, family, clinical instructors).

Thank you so much for your input! I really like the culture on the NICU, but I agree that the peds position will give me a broader knowledge base. I have to give my acceptance tomorrow - I'll let you know what I decide!

Hi Everyone - I'm a new grad BSN and have two job offers at two different hospitals. One is a NICU position and the other is peds, both night shift. The distance to the hospitals is about the same, and both are highly ranked on a national level. I'm really struggling with which route to go - I'm equally excited about both opportunities. My only hesitation with NICU is that I'm afraid I'll become unfamiliar with general medications and lose some basic nursing skills I've yet to perfect. I think I could love the NICU, but it's not something I always thought I was going to do. With peds, I know I won't get the same level of critical care experience as in the NICU, but it would be an easier transition (I actually already work at this hospital as a CNA and am familiar with the documentation, etc.) and I would see a lot of varied cases. Any insight would be much appreciated!