Which job should I pick as a new grad RN?!

Nurse Kyles, BSN, RN · Jun 9, 2013

I would go with the cardiac ICU. Then again I started out in a Cardiac progressive care unit, so I might be a bit bias. I can't believe how much I have learned so far. Really a cardiac foundation will prepare you for anything. What a great opportunity as a new grad! Good luck! Let us know what you pick.

beeker · Jun 9, 2013

Both are great opportunities! You will learn a lot either way. Did you shadow the units? I would try to get a feeling for the unit and see which one you feel more comfortable in. I think you cannot go wrong with either choice. Trust your gut!

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Jun 9, 2013

flight nurse/ER......go to the Cardiac ICU......It's the critical care they will be looking for.

Sun0408, ASN, RN · Jun 9, 2013

I would pick the cardiac ICU also. Neuro can be difficult, head injuries, TBI's, stokes etc.. This pt population are often times confused, some are aggressive, or child like depending on the area of the brain that was damaged, their speech, the ability to eat ect have been taken away from them. I deal with my fair share of neuro pts in the trauma ICU, and they are often times exhausting to keep safe, in the bed, keeping IV's, foleys etc in.. It can be a very sad area at times.Never a dull moment that is for sure. Don't get me wrong, it is also very rewarding to see them "wake up" one day and know who they are or finally move a limb they previously couldn't.

Im sure you will see your fair share of spinal, cervical type surgeries as well..

Sun0408, ASN, RN · Jun 9, 2013

Great idea.. Shadow both units and get a feel for the pt population and the culture on the unit..

calivianya, BSN, RN · Jun 9, 2013

I would definitely do cardiac ICU, but I love ICU so I'm biased. :) ICU experience would be more directly related to ER/Flight nursing than a neuro unit.

Also, what Sun0408 said about neuro is totally true. I worked on inpatient rehab as a CNA and the vast majority of our patients were brain injuries and strokes... all I have to say about that is never again! I loved it when I got to float to other areas of the hospital because neuro patients can be absolutely the WORST to take care of. You have to have a very high level of patience to survive a neuro floor IMO.

NO50FRANNY · Jun 9, 2013

Congratulations on your job offers, I think you will find either of these specialties both interesting and challenging. I am a firm believer that working as a ward/floor nurse (regardless of specialty) for a year or so after graduating is extremely valuable prior to undertaking a critical care role such as Emergency or ICU. It's a tough decision given the equally valuable skillsets you will gain, obviously you will learn airway management and other pertinent skills in ICU that directly relate if you plan to work in flight nursing or Emergency down the track. However, working on a neuro floor is an excellent environment to get your new-nurse groove on so to speak. I think it was a good six months after I graduated before I developed any real confidence as an RN working on my ward (oncology) and I started working in Emergency 10 years later.

Developing time management skills, patient assessment, dealing with Docs, drugs etc., and transitioning into a new profession is a lot to handle as a new-grad. Confidence comes with experience and having these skills prior to working in Emergency/retrieval nursing will give you solid grounding for the pace and autonomy expected. I see a lot of new grads in ER / ICU struggle and I hate seeing new nurses have their confidence knocked. If possible, find out as much as you can about the support / education you can expect from both areas for your grad year. The great thing about our ER is that a lot of our nurses worked in some sort of ward specialty prior to coming "downstairs", so there is always a nurse who is an expert with neuro, or haem or ortho and so on. Whichever way you venture, best of luck. Hope this helps :)

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Jun 9, 2013

I'd go with Cardiac ICU if you are confident with basic skills. The ICU will Also require you be a quick learner and possess good critical thinking skills. Some of this will take time and practice of course, but the ICU is not for everyone.

copegirl21 · Jun 9, 2013

Thanks for all the input! A few more things to mention, both jobs are full time overnights and the ICU job is weekend option. Also, I'm relocating about 200 miles south from st. Louis to Springfield mo. Both jobs said training and teamwork are great on their floor, and I haven't had an opportunity to shadow. I guess I've heard from other nurses that if you work neuro you can work anywhere. And I don't know about working the weekend option... Something about the neuro floor and interview made me lean towards it more but I don't want to pass up a good opportunity. Cardiac and neuro were my favorite subjects to learn about in school, but this is just such a hard decision for me..

baptistbsn · Jun 11, 2013

Cardiac. Then go meet some flight nurses. Ask their advice on a career path. I'd take them out for drinks as a thank you (we have some gorgeous flight nurses! All ex-military) :sarcastic:

copegirl21 · Jun 12, 2013

I just accepted the cardiac ICU job! I'm very excited to have this opportunity and thank you for everyone for their input! I know i still have a long road ahead of me but i like a good challenge and i know this experience can help develop a lot of my skills as a nurse.