Torn between jobs

[whygeeRN]

I've been an RN for 6 months now, when I started my job hunt I was lucky enough to to find a part time med surg day position at a private hospital, I've always been able to pick up extra shifts so I never felt like I was working part time.

now I'm being offered a full time position at a public hospital in the ER, this hospital is also much further away from my home.

Hands down I love the ER more than med surg, I felt excited to be there, however I'm not sure about the night shift or the commute.

Many people are telling me I'm crazy to leave a private hospital for a city hospital, while other tell me the ER is the obvious choice. I would love some more input

thanks

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

Do you need the money or benefits from a full time position?

Is there a chance you can switch to your current hospital's ER once you've worked there long enough to transfer.

How long is the drive to the other hospital?

[whygeeRN]

Right now I can't switch within my hospital.

The money is basically the same and aside from vacation and sick days I get medical benefits from both.

the commute is an extra hour both ways

[whygeeRN]

Above^

[RainMom]

If picking up extra shifts hasn't been a problem in your existing job, then how about staying prn with them while trying ER. Keep the door open in case the new job isn't as good as you hope.

[llg, PhD, RN]

How "nice" is the city hospital? Some hospitals are H***holes -- and others are actually nice places to work. Without knowing what type of place the city hospital is, I can't choose. But I like the option of trying the new job out if you can stay PRN at your current job. That gives you a good "out" if the new job doesn't work.

[mindofmidwifery, ADN]

The commute sounds ridiculous and I wouldn't do it. I would stay in your current position until you're able to transfer to a different department

[cynmrn]

For the commute alone, I'd stay in the current position. I can't stomach the idea of driving that far, especially if you have a job that's working out for you right now.

[whygeeRN]

The majority of the hospital isn't great looking but the ER is in the new building so it's really nice

[Mavrick, BSN, RN]

Well, if you're young enough to accept a little inconvenience for an adventure I'd say go for it.

A public city hospital ER will be a wild ride. The Discovery Channel doesn't film in quiet suburban ERs. You will need a little decompression time to transition from work to home so the commute might not be so bad. I don't mind driving and can pick music to rant at the injustice, soothe the soul or launch into song if need be.

Making a lot of assumptions here that you will work with an indigent population with multiple problems using the ER as a clinic, social outlet, drug dispensary and hotel. Physician residents in the learning stage of their career too. Doing more with less. Lots to learn.

If ER is your passion you have hit the jackpot!

[Mavrick, BSN, RN]

Did I forget the good side?

The excitement of all the good stuff that won't come out in the papers and stories to keep you the hit at any party. (interchanging/exaggerating details to protect patient privacy, of course)

[lavenderskies, BSN]

I had almost the same exact situation as you as a new nurse. I ended up taking the job in the dream department with the long commute. I almost killed myself driving home a couple times. I am not a night person. I'm not sure if I'd do it again, but then again I might have regretted not taking it. I'd probably take the job if I could move closer if I were you.