What would you choose? Dream Job or Dream Hospital?

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I've always wanted to start in med-surg it was one of my favorite rotations during school. I received an offer for a Med/Surg floor and I was beyond excited then my dream hospital called for an interview for a specialty I thought I wanted L&D but I'm not sure and I would hate to specialize so early in my nursing career when I don't have a burning passion. Understandably Med/Surg is a specialty as well. I know med surg I could eventually not like it but I plan to stick it out and hone my skills as a nurse. Right now however my heart is set on Med/Surg. I think eventually I want to work in the ER or ICU so med/surg might be an easier transfer. Right?

My choice right now: Dream job couple years from now my dream hospital will probably accept me because I'll have the experience anyways.

What would you choose?

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Dream job for a couple of years in M/S and then down the line you can apply to your dream hospital on a unit that you'd like.

The M/S experience will be great as a new grad and you state you like it. :)

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I would say M/S. Especially because you don't seem all that excited for L&D. Get your experience and then you will be able to apply to different positions at your dream hospital when the opportunity arises. Why is this your dream hospital??

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Dream job beats dream hospital! It's the people that make a unit great and you are likely to have great people in any hospital...not that many new grads get lucky enough to get dream job though. Take it!!!!

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I would say M/S. Especially because you don't seem all that excited for L&D. Get your experience and then you will be able to apply to different positions at your dream hospital when the opportunity arises. Why is this your dream hospital??

It's my dream hospital because I did some of my clinicals there and it was just a great environment. The hospital also has a great reputation in the community. It is non for profit. Both hospitals will be offering a training program. The hospital with the med surg position has a terrible reputation in the community but I did clinicals on that floor and loved it. The reputation in nursing school was that people only go there to die.

I just wonder if when I actually start working as a nurse on the floor if it will be a good environment. Both jobs come with a two year contract.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

I agree, do the med/surg job. A couple of other things to consider are the pay, distance from home, and how many hours per week they can promise.

If you had a good experience at that hospital in clinicals, I say go for it. If nothing else, in 2 years, you can change it up.

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Updates: I didn't get an offer from the labor and delivery until after I started the new grad program for the med surg unit. I am happy where I am at now and if I ever become unhappy in 2 years I will have the experience to switch units or hospital :-) don't think I was truly ready to specialize in L&D.

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