Which first job to accept...

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hello,

i am a new bsn graduate and would love some input about selecting a first job! i have gone through the application/interview process for a few positions. right now i have two job offers, for which i am very thankful, but am nervous about deciding between the two!

the first position is for a 7 bed intermediate care unit in a community hospital, magnet status. the nurse/patient ratio is 1:3 and i would float to icu when needed. orientation includes icu preparation and requires us to pass the icu exam. we would be with a preceptor for only approximately 3 weeks. the nurse manager said i had an excellent interview and she feels i could fit in perfectly with the unit. this hospital is close to home and parking is a small fee/readily available. also, i could most likely have advancement opportunities due to the size of the hospital. on the down side, experience is limited to icu type patients, vents, sedated clients. it does pay less and i did not "feel" like the staff was warm/may be a rougher environment. however, it is part of a larger university system so the benefits, educational benefits are there.

the second position is for a medical progressive unit in a larger city hospital. it is also part of the university system offering the same benefits, etc. the nurse/patient ratio is 1:5 on this unit (days) with support staff/aides available. cases on the unit are endless, so the experience would be excellent. the nurse manager is a visionary and is making great advancements with ebp studies and implementing new processes on the unit to improve care. i felt good reception from the staff and i love the values of the hospital because it is the only faith-based organization in the entire system. orientation includes about a 5 week preceptorship and review of progress at the end. on the down side, this is a farther commute into the city and cost of parking is definitely more. it is a larger hospital so if i did want to advance in leadership, i know it would be more difficult. however, the hospital does pay a higher salary.

thank you for anything you can offer. i value your experienced input

should i go for the higher acuity patients because of my love for detail/thoroughness or should i challenge myself with the larger patient load and excellent nurse manager with a farther commute?

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From the way, you put it, I think you should go with the 2nd option. Go where you'll be happy and be around people you like. Our jobs are difficult as it is but the people you work with can make all the difference. Good luck with your decision.

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Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.

For me personally I would go with the second option I think. On a side note, I can't believe you have to pay for parking at the hospitals. :|

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

I've ALWAYS had to pay for parking at the hospitals where I've worked. Last taxation year I paid more than $1000 and I work part time!

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Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.
I've ALWAYS had to pay for parking at the hospitals where I've worked. Last taxation year I paid more than $1000 and I work part time!

That is so crazy to me!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, ER.

Off the subject but I work in the city at a major children's hospital and parking on site is $400/month!!

OP, the ICU is not all about sedation and vents. It's about titrating drips, monitoring changes in cardiac status, being able to think on your feet. You'll also see chest tubes, DKA, heparin drips, MIs, strokes (TPA), multisystem organ failure, shock, surgical complications, etc, etc....don't think of it as just sedated vented patients. There's a whole lot more to it! That said, go with what will make you happy. I've worked a 5:1 ratio on a post-op floor and THAT was crazy, can't imagine what it would be like with 5 intermediate care patients who may be on different drips. I also work at a hospital with a PCU and it's literally a dumping ground for

the ICU because it has tele...they get 5 patients who are on multiple drips and detoxing, etc, and it's actually not that safe. Most days they're pretty stressed out and short staffed, so just make sure you talk to staff and get a feel for the types of patients you'll get. I know that's not how this unit is presented to potential hires, so...maybe see if you can shadow? You might do really well in that environment and it could be an excellent unit, but just make sure you know the true picture of what you'll be getting, not just the unit manager's ideals of the kind of unit she wants to run.

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Thank you for the words of advice. :) I can't imagine being that busy and being new. It is great to keep in mind; much appreciated!

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I've ALWAYS had to pay for parking at the hospitals where I've worked. Last taxation year I paid more than $1000 and I work part time!

WOOOW! That is a lot!

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I can see the benefits in both positions, I probably would go with the one that has advancement opportunities.

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my concern is 3 weeks of orientation for new grad and icu...:confused:

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