I have job offers in the progressive care unit and PACU. Where would you recommend I start off?

Question:

Dear Donna,

I’m going to be a new graduate in May 2009, and I’m having some trouble deciding where I should work first. At this point, I am more of a book smart person rather than hands on. I feel like I’m not good at hands-on tasks, such as starting IVs. (I know it comes with experience.) At this point, I have job offers in the progressive care unit and PACU. Where would you recommend I start off? All I know is I’d rather work with an adult population since I get too emotional with kids.

Reena

Dear Donna replies:

Dear Reena,

How wonderful that you will be graduating soon and already have two job offers. Both areas are good places to work. But since PACU is a critical care area, you may choose to start on the progressive care unit until you feel a little more secure. However, they are very different units, and the care is different as well. I suggest that you do an informational interview (http://www.dcardillo.com/articles/thescoop.html) with several nurses who work in both specialties to get a good feel for each unit. If possible, ask to shadow a nurse for a half-day or at least get a tour of the units if possible, meet the staff, and get a feel for the place. Then go with your gut.

For additional tips on choosing your first job and building a solid foundation in nursing, be sure to read my book Your First Year as a Nurse: Making the Transition From Total Novice to Successful Professional (http://www.nurse.com/CE/7010). And if you’re nervous about your IV skills, you might want to consider one of Nursing Spectrum’s IV Certification courses. Information is available at http://events.nursingspectrum.com/seminar.

Best wishes,
Donna

Donna Cardillo, RN, MA, well-known career guru, is Nursing Spectrum/NurseWeek’s “Dear Donna” and author of Your First Year as a Nurse: Making the Transition from Total Novice to Successful Professional and The ULTIMATE Career Guide for Nurses: Practical Advice for Thriving at Every Stage of Your Career. Information about the books is available at http://www.nurse.com/CE/7010 and http://www.nurse.com/CE/7250, respectively. To ask Donna your question, go to http://www.nurse.com/asktheexperts/deardonna. Find a “Dear Donna” seminar near you: Call (800) 866-0919 or visit http://events.nursingspectrum.com/Seminar.