Which unit would be better?

[SydneyJo1]

Hi, everyone!

Here's the situation: I have been super lucky in my job search since graduating in May, and I actually somehow have ended up being able to choose between 3 positions. One is at an ICU in an urban hospital, one is on a med-surg unit and one is on an oncology unit. I think I've decided to decline the ICU positon because after touring the unit and seeing the high level of acuity the nurses were dealing with I came to the conclusion that I should probably get my feet wet in a unit that is not critical care. So that leaves the med-surg unit and oncology unit. They are at the same hospital, and they are both 2nd shift positions. One is three shifts per week and one is four shifts one week and three shifts the next week. I am going to be starting grad school part-time this Fall, so I didn't want something full-time, and both of these positions are part-time; one is a .6 and one is a .7, so not much difference. Can anyone give me an opinion on which unit might be better, all things being equal? Is it usually better to start on med-surg, or is it more desirable to start in a specialty, like oncology (which is one of my interests)? I realize this is a very good problem to have, but I'd love some feedback!

Thanks!

[newgradRN001]

Which unit seems like you'll get the most support from? Which unit has the nurse manager that you meshed well with? Was there a unit where the nurses seemed particularly happy and helpful? What is your gut telling you? With these type of decisions the gut is always a good one to go with. Also, do you know the turnover on these floors? A floor with high turnover can be a red flag. You have to decide this one for yourself but asking yourself these questions can help with making a decision. Congratulations and good luck to you.