What should I do?

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Specializes in NICU.

Hi all,

Right now I work at a small hospital as a PCT and monitor tech. I've been there for three years now and love my job. I have one more year of nursing school to go, and I am guaranteed a job once I graduate. Problem - it is a slow hospital, and I feel like I will not be getting the experience I need once I am an RN. If I work there as a nurse, I am afraid I will get comfortable with the slower pace and if I leave to go to a busier hospital, I will drown in the heavy load and fast pace. I hear from some nurses it's good to start out slow and organize yourself, and others say it's good to be thrown to the wolves and learn to survive. If I leave to go to a busier hospital now, I am not going to be guaranteed a job once I graduate because of the times. I know many people that have graduated this past May and still cannot find jobs, some even completing a program at their hospital with signed contracts and all.

So should I stay where I am and have a guaranteed job or find a job at a busier hospital and risk not having a job as an RN once I graduate?

Thanks for your input. :typing

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Medsurg.

If it were me? I would stay put. Aside from the fact that you are guaranteed a job, the fact that you HAVE a job after graduation will decrease your stress tremendously during these last months of school. Secondly, i don't think you will drown if down the road dyou decide to move to a busier hospital. You will have gained valuable experience which will help you transition. Learn everything and anything you can at the "slow" hospital and you will be prepared for more in time.

Good Luck.....thats all just MHO

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Medsurg.

Forgot to add.....you love the job!! Thats reason #1 to stay!!!!

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Specializes in NICU.

Thank you, that's really helpful. I just need to think more positive - maybe by the time I'm ready to go to a different hospital I'll be comfortable and ready for a new challenge. :up:

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I would say it depends on what field of nursing you would like to go into. If you have plans to be a nurse in the ER, maybe working at a 'slower' hospital is the way to get your feet wet. If you are planning on a field a little more slower, why not stay where you are? I have considered ER. The hospitals in my area are not what a city would consider a large hospital. I think they would be the perfect place for me to work first.

On another note, it's so hard to find work in a place you enjoy. You are lucky to be already working in a place that suits you. Maybe you should look at your long term career goals and go from there.

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Specializes in Operating Room, Long Term Care.

If you love where you are I would stay put. I don't think a slow paced hospital would be that bad. Just think of the great personal care you could provide. Working for a place that appreciates you is worth a lot.

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

I think that having a job is a big plus...starting out slow lets you get those needed assessment and basics down, then you can transfer as a "expirenced" nurse.....plus liking your job is a BIGG plus...

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Specializes in NICU.

Thanks for all the replies! They were really helpful. I'm going to stay where I am and focus on getting as much experience as possible!

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