Which job would be a better fit for a new grad?!

[scnurse1020, BSN, RN]

Hi everyone, so I have been browsing on allnurses for about a year now but finally signed up and got an account. I am a new RN, just graduated with my BSN in May and passed the NCLEX and got my RN license this month. I received a job offer today for a night shift RN position on a neuro med/surg floor in an excellent hospital. It is a large and well known teaching hospital and I did my preceptorship at this hospital and absolutely loved it. Orientation is 8-10 weeks long with a preceptor. I told this manager I would let her know within a week if I will accept the offer or not.

However I also had an awesome interview today for a day shift RN position on a general surgery floor in a smaller yet still very well known hospital with a great reputation in the area. I did an externship on a general surgery floor at another hospital and absolutely loved caring for patients after their surgeries. I have always said since that experience that I want to work on a general surgery floor because I love interacting with patients and helping them to get better after their surgeries. This job has an orientation that is 12 weeks long with the same preceptor throughout the entire orientation period. I feel that the nurse manager and I really connected and she is someone I would love to work for. She said she thinks I would be a great fit and she is going to let me know within 5 days her decision but it sounds like I have a good chance.

I am leaning more towards the general surgery position if I am offered it because of the fact that it is day shift and it sounds like there are so many different resources for when I need help. The staff seem excellent and the hospital is religious based and very caring. I think I could really thrive here. The patient ratio is also 4-5 patients on day shift which I think is pretty good.

So basically, if you were a new grad with these options would you choose the smaller hospital but in your dream unit with a day shift schedule and lots of support? (BTW I think day shift is better suited for my personality, not a night owl) Or would you choose the larger hospital with a night shift schedule in a unit that you are not too sure about. Neuro sounds very interesting to me however I love surgery and it has always been a strong interest of mine.

I know it is ultimately my decision however I would love to hear what other people have to say about what they think is better suited for a new grad RN. Day shift or night shift? Big hospital or smaller hospital? Please share your opinions!

[AmyRN303, BSN, RN]

I'm a new RN, and it sounds like job #2 is a better fit for your interests. Smaller hospital aside, it has a good reputation, on a floor you want, on the shift you want, with a good orientation time frame. Good stuff right there.

[RunBabyRN]

Based on everything you posted, I would go with job #2, IF it is officially offered. Give it those 5 days, but don't let #1 slip away just in case, for now. I'm saying this based on your desire to work specifically with post-surgical patients, and that you feel that days is a better match for you. Follow your heart!

Good luck!

[scnurse1020, BSN, RN]

Thank you so much for the replies. I am definitely fortunate to be in this position but just don't want to make the wrong decision. I agree if I do get offered job number #2 and take it I will be following my heart and I don't think I could go wrong by doing that!

[L&DinOregon]

Follow your heart, this decision seems like it has already been made.

And congrats!

[Nola009]

Why wouldn't you go with what you're more interested in? Sorry, but I don't see the dilemma...

[guest744967]

Looks like by your paragraph you are leaning toward the dayshift surgery..thats a rare thing for our new grads in my area. So why not go for your gold...