Hi !!
I'm a new RN as of the end of Feb.....I work in a pediatric hospital.....I really like where I am....my facility is affiliated with a medical school and I think it has its good points and bad.....some of the new residents are truly clueless at times so that can be frustrating. But I really do like the fact we are a teaching facility. Our hospital is in the top 10 of pediatric hospitals according to Child magazine and we are a magnet status hospital. I think those things are important too.
I work on a (cardiology/transplant) step down unit ( just outside the PICU doors) and I love it....my training(orientation) was 10 weeks long and I felt that was sufficient. I had originally considered the PICU, but changed my mind after hearing some negative things about their management. I'm not so sure I want the PICU now, I have enough "excitement" where I am.
I know I can't help with any long term experience or wisdom, but just thought I'd give my two cents