Seeking advice New Grad Cardiopulmonary unit vs Orthopedic unit

Hello nursing people,

I am using this website to see if anyone has any advice for a new grad who has been given the option of working at two different facilities. I have been offered a position in Twin Falls, Idaho at St. Luke's on the Cardiopulmonary unit and also been offered a position in Fort Collins, Colorado at Poudre Valley Hospital on the Orthopedic unit. What would a new grad be exposed to in these positions? I am looking for any advice from people who have experience at either of these facilities or either of these units. I didn't get a ton of exposure on a cardiopulmonary or orthopedic unit while doing rotations and want to be sure I'm making a decision I will be happy with and able to further my career as a nurse if either unit isn't perfect for me. I had a face to face interview with Fort Collins and really enjoyed the town and employees but had a phone interview with Twin Falls (they seem to also be a good group of people but town is much smaller). I feel lucky to have been given a choice and for all those out there still looking, stay positive and you'll get your foot in the door.

Thanks in advance for any input.

-Craig

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Lucky you! Sounds like you have two great opportunities.

Since it seems as though you are going to have to relocate for either one of them, I would advise you to give a lot of consideration to the location. You're not going to be at work 24X7 - which town would be the best fit for you in terms of housing? leisure activities? day trips on weekends? proximity to your family/support system?

Patient demographics may also be a consideration. Ortho units tend to have a much younger & predominately male population (due to the tendency toward "hey y'all watch this" phenomenon among males ages 18-35 ) Cardiopulmonary patients tend to be older, with more chronic, multi-system disease.

Best of luck no matter which you choose!

[38pearl]

I think HouTx provided some great advice! I'd also recommend to the OP to consider what are your long term career goals? Which job (unit and hospital/location) will help set you up to best achieve them? Sounds like a great predicament to be in!

[Lev, BSN, RN]

Ortho also has plenty of old ladies with broken hips and middle aged men and women getting knee replacements.