Which graduate position would you take and why?

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Hi guys,

Just wondering which of these 2 programs you would choose and why? I'm trying to pick the best for me... but I'm not sure what that is! Both are for grad positions in Australia

The first is at a semi-private/semi-public facility... they have offered me a rotational program which includes rotating through 3 areas before settling in the area I performed best in permanently... the areas it offers (no guarantee of areas) include coronary care, emergency, ICU, medical (all sorts), mental health, surgical (all sorts). Could be that you get 3 different surgical wards or all medical or you could get good variety. 3 weeks with a preceptor. No staff bistros, discounted parking, good access via public transport

The other is at a private hospital in the ICU (15 bed facility which is kind of 50% HDU, 50% ICU... no trauma/burns), 8 weeks with a preceptor. Other perks include free parking, subsidised meals and cheap massages/gym

Both hospitals have amazing reputations and have both earned awards for their excellence in teaching.

I'm not really sure what other aspects I should consider? I look forward to hearing your opinions :)

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I'd take option #2. You're guaranteed ICU, and ICU is such great experience that if you want to switch specialties someday, you can pretty much go anywhere. It also just sounds like an easier environment to learn as a new nurse if you're only in one specialty, rather than just getting the hang of something after a few weeks and then being rotated somewhere else, complete new all over again.

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i'd take option #2. you're guaranteed icu, and icu is such great experience that if you want to switch specialties someday, you can pretty much go anywhere. it also just sounds like an easier environment to learn as a new nurse if you're only in one specialty, rather than just getting the hang of something after a few weeks and then being rotated somewhere else, complete new all over again.

i agree! an icu opportunity for a new grad is great! you can do whatever you want after that!

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Specializes in psychiatry, community health, wellness.

I think you may have already made up your mind. Reading over what each offers that you write about I sort of hear an energy in your writing that describes you are leaning towards option 2. I do not think I nor anyone can tell you what to do. You must listen to your heart, your gut, and trust your decision. Both sound amazing; Australia sounds amazing!! I am jealous about that travel opportunity!! So go for it! And whichever you choose I know you will have a wonderful learning experience and get so much out of it. But just listen to what your body and soul is telling you to go for!! Good luck! Keep us posted.

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.
Reading over what each offers that you write about I sort of hear an energy in your writing that describes you are leaning towards option 2.

Wat.

OP: If you like ICU, take that one. If you want something else, take the other.

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Specializes in Cardiac, Derm, OB.

ICU experience is an awesome choice. They help you learn great amounts of information that school never really touched upon and hone your assessment skills to a science!

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Specializes in Rehab, critical care.

Option 1 is appealing because you have the chance to "test out" areas to find the fit that is best for you. However, I would only take that option if I got 3 weeks of orientation PLUS orientation in the specific nursing area once I made my choice. A total of 3 weeks would definitely not be enough, especially since you're in several different areas. I'm assuming you would have orientation once you chose your area....If that is the case, then I would take option number 1. It's a no lose situation...you get to pick the area you excel in the most, and that might be different than what you were expecting (maybe you love the ER, but end up excelling in CCU, for instance, and feel it's a better fit). However, if you only get 3 weeks total of orientation, then I would definitely choose option number 2. I would also ask how long my orientation would be in each area. 5 weeks might be enough in mental health, but it's definitely not going to be enough for ER or ICU. Good luck...a good problem to have!!

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I would take option 2. Like others have said ICU is a great experience that could land you a job easily in other specialties. Free parking, and an 8 week program on that particular area is sufficient.

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Specializes in CCU, cardiac tele, NICU.

ICU AND massages? Hello! I'd go with option 2. :)

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Three weeks with a preceptor seems a bit scanty to me and that would concern me. But 8 weeks with one in ICU seems scanty for that specialty as well. If both have a good reputation and similar benefits/pay, I'd probably go for whichever one made me most excited.

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Specializes in Peds Medical Floor.

I am someone who likes to have different experiences so I'd probably go with #1. Do you get 3 weeks with each or 1 week with each?

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Wow did not realise anyone had replied :S I didn't get an email!

Thanks for all your responses guys :) I'm going to go with the ICU program as I'm guaranteed critical care experience... Although I'd prefer emergency I'm sure I'll be more than happy in an ICU :D It's so scary picking programs... I worry I'll have picked the wrong one but any grad program is better than none ;)

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