to work in a hospital or not?

[rn4ever?]

I'm a new graduate and will be scouting for jobs in the area soon. I would like to know what are the advantages and disadvantages of working in a nursing home (like a geriatric facility) compared to a hospital? In terms of pay rate and benefits, how do they compare? Please help me decide. Any opinions? Also what factors did you consider in accepting your current nursing position? Thanks and have a great day!

[suzanne4, RN]

1. You will have minimum of thirty patients per shift that you are legally responsible for. Can be up to sixty, depending on the facility and the staffing.

2. Orientation is very short, perhaps only a week, even if promised more.

Nursing school does not prepare you to just jump right in, it is different from when you have your instructor and a preceptor there to ask questions of, now others will be asking you.

Way too many patients for a new grad to be responsible for.

Salaries are usually lower than a hospital.

[rn4ever?]

Thanks for your reply. How about working in a hospice or giving palliative care? Does anyone have an idea how hard or easy that is? Are there training programs given before one starts?