Torn Between Two Hospitals as a New Grad

[Erica Renee]

Hello! I am seeking advice. I have been working in a skilled nursing facility for about two months so I am still considered a new graduate nurse. I currently have offers from two hospitals and I am having the toughest time picking one out. Both are offering the same amount of pay. One hospital is med surg tele, and the other is for an ortho/neuro unit. I am focused on getting my first year experience. I have heard some good and some bad about both hospitals but I feel that I will never know until I feel the vibe of both units myself. I will say I have already interviewed with both unit managers, and got a great energy from both. I know tele will give me a great base of knowledge for the rest of my nursing career, but Ortho/Neuro is close to what I am already doing in Skilled/Rehab. I don't want my choice to be the wrong one. Also, both are offering 12 weeks of orientation. Moral of the story is: please help! I have written out my pros and cons list for both and I am still stuck. 

[beachynurse, ASN, BSN]

I agree with the other responders as far as taking a new job when you are planning a move in the near future. However, once you do move and start looking for a job, I would try and find a new grad internship, or a job on a med surg floor. I am a huge advocate of getting a solid 2-3 years of med surg experience before moving on. Med surg is where you will learn the most and where you will sharpen your assessment and critical thinking skills. Once you have mastered that, you can go anywhere, and be confident in your skills.