Is My Only Option Med-Surg??

[VgsNrs]

Hey there everyone! I am graduating as an RN in December and have had a few interviews to hospitals out here, but the slots for new grad openings are very skimpy, especially when it comes to a specialty area. (I really want to work with peds or maybe an critical care unit) HOWEVER, I feel like everyone is pushing us into working Med-Surg first, so we get the "experience"! Well why won't they hire us into other areas for this so-called experience?? I just dred the thought of having to work on a Med-Surg unit for a year to 2, just from the awful memories I have had in Nursing School. I mean, I feel like I would come home and cry after work by just being so stressed out...Am I wrong here? Is this experience in Med-Surg really that critical to my career as a nurse? And if I do happen to commit to working Med-Surg, what types of things should I look for in a good working environment? I mean I REALLY want to like my job, and enjoy coming to work (most of the time) ANY ADVICE would be greatly appreciated from any point-of-view. They say we have such a nursing shortage, but I have learned that it they are short in "experienced" nurses, not new graduates...

[starcandy]

Working in medical/telemetry with a patient load of 5 to 8, I didn't feel as though I were being thorough enough with my patients. I felt as though I was being rushed through the shift and many times felt like I wasn't using my knowledge or skills to the best of my ability - but, that's me personally.

I feel the same way and I have been working med surg for 6 mths now. I would like to learn a lot of about my patients and it is difficult to fully know everything with 8 pts and you are spending your day putting out fires. This does not allow time for me to really digest what I have learned. It is not particularly organized learning process it is very scattered in my opinion. I am thinking of maybe going into Neuro ICU after my one year is up. Maybe going into a specialized area will help me increase my knowledge and skills.

[leisa22]

I am working med/surg now. I just began and plan on working here for about a year and then go to ICU or Peds. I think med/surg is good for me because its helping me with my basics and organization skills. I feel that when I go into another area I will feel more confident. Im glad I am doing med/surg first. I figure Its only a year and Im liking it so far and learning a lot.