I’m a new grad RN and genuinely torn between two offers. Would love advice from people who have been through this already.
Background:
ADN grad
Goal is ICU eventually, then CRNA later on
Currently in south Texas with my husband
Family lives in south Florida
Offer #1:
Cardiac PCU residency in central Florida
Base pay: $32.79
Nights: +$5.50
Weekends: +$4.54
Closer to family support
Feels more aligned with ICU goals
Offer #2:
Possible MedSurg residency in south Texas
Base pay: $27.50
Nights: +$4.50
Weekends: +$2.50
Would stay closer to my husband/current life
Probably emotionally easier transition
My biggest struggle is deciding between:
Taking the “better career move” now
vs
Staying close to home/support and building experience more slowly
I know people transition from MedSurg to ICU all the time, but I also know PCU can be a more direct path.
For those already working as nurses:
What would you choose as a new grad?
Does the PCU experience make a big difference long term?
Is moving away during your first RN year worth it?
Would really appreciate honest advice, especially from people who started in MedSurg, PCU, or relocated for residency.