Stuck between two job offers

[NURSEJSS]

Hello everyone! I am a new grad aspiring to be an ICU nurse because I love it. I am stuck between two really great job offers and I need help from peers and experienced nurses to help me analyze which option would be better since I, of course, am new.

I have a job offer in one hospital for a new grad residency program working in a step down cardio unit. The training program lasts 16 weeks. The new grad program has a really great reputation and is said to really prepare new grads. If I take this job, I have to work at this place under a 3 year contract, which I would have to pay $10,000 if I break it.

The other job offer is at the ICU at a trauma level II county Hospital where I precepted for 3 months. The staff and managers really loved me and offered me a place with them. This hospital does not offer a new grad residency training program like the other one, and I would only get 10 weeks of orientation. Aside from precepting here, I have been working in this hospital for 7 months on the med surg floor as a nursing assistant. Since management loved me while I was precepting, they transferred me to work in the ICU as a nursing assistan so they could hire me as a nurse right after I get my license. I have been working in this ICU as an aid for 1 month now. So total, I have experience precepting here as a nursing student and working in the hospital as an aid.

I am caught between these two options. I really love working in the ICU and I think its a great opportunity that I can go into the ICU right after school. But my concern is the little training ill get (only 10 weeks). My heart wants to stay here but I am concerned that I will be declining a great opportunity if I turn down the new grad program at the other place.

There are a lot of pro's and cons: pros- I have precepted in this ICU and have worked in this hospital therefore I know how things works and know people as well. Cons: im a new grad and I know a lot of people say not to go into the ICU right way. Plus theres 10 weeks orientation...is that enough?

Im sorry for my long post, but this has caused me a lot of worry. I havent been able to sleep at night either. I need some guidance.

Thank you in advance!

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Be advised... nobody loves you. You are a commodity both facilities want to obtain. The 6 additional weeks of training is not worth being owned for 3 years. Your time spent in your current facility is a huge heads up over a new facility.

[flying_ace2]

If it was me, I'd go straight into the ICU. That's the specialty you want in a hospital you're already familiar with. Yes the orientation is shorter, but if you are already acclimated to the facility and the people, you will probably find more that are willing to help and guide you as a new nurse, even after your orientation period is over. Especially if, as you say, they already love you!

I also think that $10K to break a contract is outrageous - what if you get into the other facility and find out that it's absolutely the wrong place for you to be professionally or personally? You're either locked in for three years of misery, or you have to come up with a boatload of money to get out. Neither are good options in my opinion.....

[nutella, MSN, RN]

I went to an ICU right after graduation (ok - that was many years ago but still..).

Like you, they knew me already from clinical. It was a specialized neurosurgery ICU in a large university teaching hospital. I did ok -- it is definitely possible. Also, it sounds like the ICU is in a county hospital and probably less acute as opposed to a trauma level 1 hospital ICU. It is a huge advantage when people like you!! You will definitely do better in an environment that supports you, plus you already know the logistics.

The other place would put you in a step down unit - you will have to take more patient as opposed to ICU, less support than ICU and you do not know the place, right?

If you start in the ICU and stay there for a year or two you can get great solid first experience. After that - if you want to make the change to a more acute place or go back to school for a graduate degree you will be in good shape.

Good luck with your decision!

[AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

I would go with the ICU job, especially since there is no contract signing involved! Three years is too long and there is no telling what your life will bring!

[ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP]

Three years and 10k is ridiculous. So much can happen in that time, and what if you don't like the unit? Then you are stuck for an entire three years. No thanks!

Also, this is going to be unpopular, but a new grad residency program isn't all that impressive. I am in one and we only meet up once a month for a few hours. Nothing intensive or extensive.

The ICU will open up plenty of doors. You already have a feel of the floor. 10 weeks is very short, but if you are in a supportive environment, then it should be enough for you to succeed.

[NRS86]

100% agree. Any place that offers sign up agreements like that, stay FAR away from. They have those agreements for a reason, and its not usually a good one.

[Libby1987]

I understand why they do it but unless you can afford to put your 1st 2 mos of wages away to buy your way out I wouldn't make such a deep-seated commitment.

[lavenderskies, BSN]

I'd go with the ICU and ask for there to be an option to extend orientation another 3 weeks if necessary.