Two job offers, unsure which one to choose

[rubyagnes, BSN]

Hello,

I'm a new grad and recently started interviewing for various positions. I've been offered two jobs, both very different from one another. I'm interested in both but unsure which would be best for my first job...

The first position is a psych RN job in an eating disorders unit. The orientation is two weeks and the facility is a reputable psych-specific hospital about 15 minutes away from where I live. It starts in about two weeks. Shifts are 8 hours, 5 days a week, and I'd work every third weekend. I'd be rotating day (7am - 3pm) and evening (3pm - 11pm) shifts.

The second position is for a new grad labor & delivery RN at a conventional hospital about half an hour away from me. The orientation lasts 16 weeks, and the position starts in May. Normal 12 hour hospital shifts. I'd initially be put on night shift after my orientation is complete.

Both jobs pay about the same...

I've always been interested in both OB and psych, which is why I applied to both positions. Psych seems more relaxed, obviously much less invasive compared to L&D. I am a little intimidated by L&D but the extensive orientation/training makes me feel a little more relaxed about it. These positions seem very different from one another, and I'm just not sure what to go for. I'm can see pros and cons in both :/

Anyway, I know this is a very personal decision, but I'd love any feedback you might have...

THANKS!!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Two weeks orientation for a new grad nurse? Nowhere near long enough in my opinion. Granted, I've never worked psych, but still, that's a very short orientation.

[OrganizedChaos, LVN]

I'd take the L&D position just because it comes with so much more orientation than the psych position & it's so important for a new grad.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Grab that L and D job.

[ORNerd, BSN, RN]

I'd take the L&D job if it was me.

[2mint]

I've always been interested in both OB and psych....

THANKS!!

A word to the wise: It's a jungle out there, OP you need to start looking out for yourself.

In that spirit, IF neither requires a contract, accept both and start at Psych--should you fall in love, good; if not L&D will be waiting with open arms. And you STILL have legitimate reason(s) to resign from the first should Sky in Cincinnati is not Blue.

Don't be like the recent poster who gave her 2-wk notice and at the last minute lost both jobs.

[doxielover304]

I'd take the L&D job in a heartbeat but that's just me. I loved my L&D clinicals

[amb218, BSN, RN]

I'd take the L&D position simply based off of the more comprehensive orientation...as a new grad, you're going to want as much support as possible and 2 weeks isn't long enough of an orientation on any kind of floor in my opinion...

[rubyagnes, BSN]

Thanks for all of your advice... I actually just accepted a job in the ED!