[BwayDani]

Hey- New grad here. I have an interview coming up at a Dr office and not sure what to do if i'm offered the job. Hospital jobs have been slim pickins in my area (NJ).......... How does the salary usually compare with hospitals? Any advice?
Thanks!
Dani

[Ann Vandalay]

I would honestly have to say that I believe every RN should have at least a year of Med/Surg experience before doing something else. That is a great place to spring board your career from and you greatly increase your future options that way. If you decided that your are happier in an MD office then that is fine, however the experience of med/surg will always be of value to you. In my experience, the hospitals pay more than MD offices. On the flip side, doctor's offices generally work more traditional hours and no holidays, etc. Just think about where you want your career to take you and plan a good foundation for that.

[P_RN]

I did and learned more than in my 5 years of nursing school.I worked as a MA for 6 years.

Dr. W was a saint. He's the one who convinced me to go back to school and become an RN.


I worked there 6 months after my RN. He took me aside and told me his health was not good and he would be retiring before the end of the year. I cried my eyes out. Not because of the job, but because my Dr. W wouln't be around soon. Best job I ever had.

[Ginger45]

I wouldn't but that is just me. They say that you need at least a year of med/surg when you are starting out. I did that. It did make me more rounded nurse. But on the other hand, some nurses really love working in Dr's offices so I am not going to discourage you. Do what you feel is right for you.

[BinkieRN]

I would not take a job in a dr's office as my first RN job if I ever wanted the option to work in a hospital. If you want to work Mon-Fri for the rest of your career then I'd say go for it.

[EarthChild1130]

I would personally not be comfortable because my experience has been such that I got wonderful peer education and was able to hone my assessment skills on a variety of patients in the hospital setting. However, if you need a job and it fits your personal criteria, put it on your short list...best of luck whatever you decide!

[aloevera]

Although it would be beneficial to you to get a year of med-surg under your belt, as you say, sometimes you have to take what is available..on the plus side...you could always transfer to the hospital when an opening came up...you will learn a lot in a Dr. office, get good use of skills in assessment, labs, blood draws, giving meds, learning different med, dx, hx, computer skills, history assessments, etc. I say, go for it for now...the hours are great and weekends off and NO ON CALL !!!!

[BwayDani]

Thanks everyone! Your advice really helped. I'm back to applying to hospitals. I want to be the best nurse I can be! Interview today in my specialty- wish me luck

[Esther2007]

I would take the Dr office job and work per diem at a hospital. That way you getting some med surg experience. Good luck to you

[EarthChild1130]

That's a good idea!

To the OP: Hoping your interview went well!