New Grad: First job jitters!

[sar7amanda]

After applying to over 100 different positions I got 2 jobs in the same week!
Now, I'm faced with choosing which job to take.

Option 1: Mental health facility, I'm very familiar with the work and have friends that work there. I will be scheduled less than 20 hours per week and have the option to pick up extra hours. Possible benefits available after 6 months. Close to my home. Only sub-acute care & non acute care. No holidays or nights required. Lower base pay than hospital.

Option 2: A floater job at a hospital on the renal, medsurg, vascular, and pulmonary floors. Great experience, but in the interview all the nurses talked about how "hard" this job can be. Great staff and really connected with the nurse manager. No benefits offered until after 1 year and then full time position will be available with GREAT benefits. 40minute commute to work. Will be gain acute care experience. Scheduled 24 hours a week & expected to pick up third shift relieving nights. Must work holidays. Will work more hours than option 1.

AS a side note, I'm working PRN 1-3 times per month at a waterbirth center on call for the L&D.

The choice:
I want the acute care experience, but I know I'm good at working with the mentally ill.
Option one poses good things for me immediately with less opportunities longterm.
Option two is what I have always wanted to do, but the RISK is a year long.

I want to be a dialysis nurse, I want the experience in acute care, I don't want fear to be my decision maker....

The decision: I'm going to work for the hospital and stay on-call at the waterbirth center. (I may get to squeeze in 1 or 2 of those great birthing experiences every few months)
I got the jitters: I NEED ENCOURAGEMENT!

[sarakahn]

Welcome to the site. Congrats to you and good luck!

[JohnKutheRN]

You have the jitters because you are pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. And this is not a bad thing! Sounds like great experience!

John Kuthe, BSN, RN...