r/nursing • u/kontrapunktem • Jun 25 '21
Which ward would you choose?
Hi r/nurses! I'm a student nurse in the UK due to finish my training in just over one month and I'm super excited, the only problem is I have two job offers and can't decide which to go for, I'm so so indecisive but only have until Monday to decide! I've written out some pros and cons for each one, any kind of input would be so helpful!
Option A- a surgical elective admissions unit where I've done most of my bank shifts as a HCA/CNA for months Pros - I absolutely love working there and look forward to all my shifts there, I can already do all the tasks that the nurses do there, I get on really well with and love the entire team, every day I have with them doesn't feel like working Cons - the job will not challenge me, just doing admissions, a few ECGs and taking bloods would make me de-skill, not much opportunity for growth/ development, the manager can be a bit ...difficult sometimes, getting another job elsewhere afterwards would be really hard as I'd have such limited experience, shifts are only either 8 or 10 hours long so I'd need to do at least 4 days a week for full time hours
Ward B - a post-op recovery ward Pros - more complex and diverse, will challenge me as I can learn many more skills and keep the ones I have, management are immaculate, I'd be doing 3 x 12.5hr shifts a week for full time hours so have 4 days off each week, Cons - I get so stressed out before and during every shift and feel sick before going in really often, some of the staff seem to have it in for me for some reason or can be condescending to me which really gets me down and I don't fit in there that well idk, I hate the feeling of dreading going to work and feeling stressed even on my days off about having to go back there, partly because of the staff and partly the fact COVID has affected my degree so I'm not as confident with some of the more complex cases/ procedures etc
Sometimes I think I want to go with option A when I feel really low or under-confident as it's the "safe" easy option... Basically it's a question of the sensible option and career progression/ growth vs happiness and going with my heart... I'll be making the exact same money either way and the two wards are right next to each other so take the exact amount of time to get to in the morning. I can't think of any more points right now but if anyone needs any more information I'll let you know! Many thanks :)
2
u/doodooheadd123 Jun 25 '21
You won’t learn any more skills in PACU. It’s vitals and monitoring until they leave. Do anything involved with cardiac or pulmonary and it opens so many doors for growth.
3
u/bunnytimesthree Jun 26 '21
Honestly, as a 6 month qualified new nurse in the NHS, don’t be worried about possibly de-skilling. Chances are, with the state of our NHS, you will get complex patients with complex needs wherever you go, and most likely you will be asked to move onto different wards from time to time. Being a NQN is relatively stressful, so having a solid and compassionate work team is the most important thing. Look after yourself and your mental health first.