Which job to choose?!

[jnf7882]

I have been offered 4 positions, 2 at a large 1100 bed level 1 trauma teaching hospital (ED and med-surge) 1 in the CCU at small 350 bed community hospital and 1 doing outpt surgery at a large 800 bed inner city hospital. I think I've ruled out the outpatient job but I'm pretty stuck on the other 3. I do realize how fortunate I am to be in this position but I want to make the right choice...my ultimate goal is to apply to NP programs in the fall and I have about 2 years of step down experience under my belt. I've never worked ED and it's at a very very busy emergency room. Part of me feels like med surge would be a step in the opposite direction and the CCU sounds great but it is at a small, old facility that doesn't get very many complex cases...it almost reminded me of an LTAC facility. They are all day positions except the ED...I've worked nights thus far and I'm not a night owl to say the least. Any suggestions or viewpoints as to which one could be beneficial to my long term goals ?! Thanks for reading

[sourapril]

What NP specialty would you pick? Maybe that can help us help you.

[jnf7882]

Adult Geriatric Acute Care or FNP

[MattyIrie]

I'd go ED and here is why: for FNP no other unit will give you the exposure ED will. Most condition across all life spans, even better if the hospital runs out of beds and you hold those pts for multiple shifts, then you are forced to be ED, ICU, med-surg, Tele (heck...even OB)nurse. And with level 1 trauma cases you get good Ortho and neuro experience. For acute care it would be good as well if you don't know what specialty you want. I would not choose ANY ccu that doesn't have a progressive heart program in the hospital. Basic caths get old quick and those pts aren't often sick post PCI. Mow a GOOD ccu is different... those are often the most complex ICU pts you'll see, bad valves, CABG, cardiogenic shock, post arrest... these people get sick but you'll only deal with that... not ideal for fnp but great for acnp working in cardiology....... go ED, and move units in a year if necessary. and if this is an academic facility? Even better.

[sourapril]

I vote for med-surg since you would see more varieties and it's a day shift.

[guest769224]

Emergency department.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Moved to Nursing Career Advice section for best chance member advice.