Trying To Decide Which Way To Go For a 1st Job

[kayleo22]

I am a new nurse. I just passed my boards and got my license. I applied at a LTC and at the local hospital. The hospital called me first and I went in and did all my blood work, backround check and physical and was waiting to be cleared. Well then yesterday the LTC called me and offered me a job with them and told me to come in tomorrow and do a physical. Well then this afternoon the hospital called me and said I was cleared and I can start orientation on Monday. I am so confused about which position to take. Would a hospital or LTC be past for a new nurse. Any input from others would be great.

Thanks to All....

Karen

[HeatherLPN]

There's good and bad things about both. I guess it depends on what you feel you want to do down the road and what experience you'll need to get there. Is there any way you could do a few days a week at both, or be full time at one and PRN at the other and see which is more for you?

[nursemelani]

There's good and bad things about both. I guess it depends on what you feel you want to do down the road and what experience you'll need to get there. Is there any way you could do a few days a week at both, or be full time at one and PRN at the other and see which is more for you?

That is not a bad idea. Or consider the rate of pay, the hours/schedule they are both offering, and how close they are to your home. Is the hospital job in med-surg? I hear from many nurses that med-surg is extremely stressful. I think LTC is a little lower stress. Maybe make a list of pros and cons about each. Congrats on getting two job offers as a new grad !!

[kayleo22]

Thanks For the advice, thats a good idea of making a list of pros and cons when I go in the morning. LTC, I would have 32 patients I would be caring for, and it's 30 minutes from my home, at the hospital it's on the float pool but it's only about 5 minutes from my home, but I go tomorrow to both and I will make a list of questions tonight.

Thanks Again for your advice, keep you posted..........

[nursemelani]

Good idea to be prepared for both. Remember in LTC, you have a lot of patients, but they are not acutely ill like in a hospital. Find out what schedule they can offer you and the pay rate. I wonder if you could speak to some employees before making your decision......