I am graduating in May and have been out interviewing over the last few weeks....my focus has been Critical Care (i.e. ER, Tele, ICU) I have had some amazing offers....One of which is in a beautiful Level 2 ER....the orientation is a 6 month New Grad Residency Program....
They offer flexible shifts (i.e. 7a-7p, 10a-10p, 2p-2a etc....) , self scheduling, new grad nursing orientation includes 3 day-12 hour shifts with 1 full day each week being in a classroom and not on the floor....the will send the new grad to tele for 3 weeks and to icu for 3 weeks as well as have the new grad follow the IV team for a week....
they teach and certify you in all of your competencies and have you work with a preceptor for 9 months....on the shift of your preference....
by the end of one year....ACLS, PALS, and Trauma Certs will be achieved...
this hospital is 8 miles from my home....not bad
The other offer i am seriously considering is 1/4 mile from home....in Tele.....also a nice hospital....this one is union....has a few retention/night bonuses and when all is said and done pays $13,500. more in the first year....
They too said they would train me well (12 wk orientation/preceptor) pt/nurse ratio is 1-4 on days and 1-6 or 7 on nights....
WHAT TO DO !!!!?????!!!!!
Some say the ER is the opportunity of a lifetime.... esp. since just 2 years ago it was virtually unheard of for a new grad to be hired directly into the ER.
ANY advice for a new grad in this dilemma is welcome and desperately needed.....be brutally honest....my feelings won't be hurt...
