New Grad RN NEED ADVICE ASAP!! I have offers, but cannot choose.1. Duke Hospital in SICU2. Vanderbilt Hospital in SICU3. Huntsville Hospital in STICU4. VA Hospital (NOT ASSIGNED UNIT UNTIL AFTER RESIDENCY)

Stay away from Vanderbilt they don't support their nurse, they throw them under the bus. VA have great benefits. Good luck to you

I would avoid Vanderbilt due to their reported lack of support to their nurses...recent news stories

I agree with the previous answers…whatever specialty you feel drawn to. However, in this climate and with the overall state of healthcare, I would look for a place that you have longevity. The VA offers wonderful benefits and federal pension for nurses—a rarity in this field nowadays… I know a few people who work at one of the VA hospitals in New England, and the vetting process/background check can take time, but overall really enjoy working there and with veterans.

Dear New Grad, pozdravlja. Congratulations! Where do you live? With your knowledge and talent, you can go anywhere an airplane flies or a boat floats. What is our aspiration at the current time? Let IT lead you in the direction to first get your feet wet. After 1 year at the same hospital, your talent will show you the rest of the map. If I were you, I would pick the one that tugs on your heart bc we aren't in this for the money. We are in it for the healing choices we have. Good luck to you.

Vanderbilt has an amazing residency program. I’ve been at Vandy for 4 years. Never once have I felt unsupported. The media is exactly that…the media. Do your research and choose the location that will best suit you. I can tell you that I was on surgical stepdown for 2 of my 4 years at Vanderbilt and the interactions between us and the SICU were great. Best of luck to you!

I’d personally choose Duke unless you have specific interest in STICU or the VA. Avoid Vanderbilt-not the place to be a nurse at this time. Good luck to you!!

It depends on what you like. STICU will be trauma stuff too so you'll see some cool things. But Like the previous person said, whatever that is pulling on your heart strings is what you should go for

Vanderbilt is a great place. You just have to decide where you want to be. Good Luck.

Avoid Huntsville Hospital. Toxic work environment and the CEOs and doctors won't share their money with nurses

I live in California and just retired after 30 years as an ICU nurse. I don't know these specific hospitals, but
recommend choosing a teaching hospital as a new grad....better culture with support of residents/interns
so you never feel on your own. Also, these environments tend to be less hierarchical than private or community hospitals. Also, check thoroughly into their pension plans. There are wide ranges from nothing
to extremely generous. While it may not matter now, it will certainly make a difference in your retirement.
Also, make sure nurses are represented by a union, which is extremely important. I am not a huge union
die hard, but I would never have wanted to work at my hospitals without one! Unions give a stronger, collective voice to the nurses (unfortunately necessary).

Congratulations as you embark on your career. I wish for you new friends, a stimulating environment with
opportunities for growth and the wonderful feeling that comes with sharing your knowledge, skills and compassion with your fellow humans.

Hello New Grad,

I know it is hard to think of 20 years out; however. DO NOT SLEEP on the VA and the magnificence opportunity and experience as well as nursing support that will be afforded to you working for the VA.

Best Wishes! The world is ready for your success stories 😇

My friend worked at Duke as a new grad and did not enjoy it at all

Hello New Grad and Welcome to Nursing.

I'm a Veteran and the VA has always done me right for healthcare. However, I would eliminate them from the list as you might get assigned to a location you do not like. Based on your other offers, it does not compare.

Ask yourself these questions.
1. Where did you feel most comfortable during the onsite interview?
A) Was the Manager and staff warm and friendly or just looking to feel positions?
B) Did they let you meet your possible preceptor(s)?
2. How far are the facilities from my family, BF/GF or Significant other based upon the locations of these facilities?
(Emotional support system is very important. There will be days that you will need a real shoulder not a video chat. Also, someone to remind you not to burn yourself out in the first year.)
3. Where do I want to be in 5 years? (Set yourself up for success)
(Do a timeline. Include jobs positions (leadership roles), personal life (marriage and children), and continued education plans.

Not an answer, however, I hope this helps gets you to a solution.

Definitel

VA has pension and great benefits. Go there!!

I would be inclined to put Duke in the same category as Vanderbilt.

I had 3 job offers and I looked at pay which was about the same. Then benefits that was important to me. Schedule. Distance. Job description for example I new I did not want psych or rehab or on gun. I liked geriatrics so I accepted orthopedics then stroke med surg. I stayed in those positions 32 years. So in other words. Think what you are interested. Did a time in float pool