[vicb74]

Not sure if this should go under New Grad Forum, but I would truly appreciate some advice from a seasoned pro. I graduated in August '05 with a BSN (this is a second career for me) and am currently interviewing.

I know what I want to be, I just don't know how to get there. I would like to be a SANE-A and eventually work with abused children. In what capacity, I am not sure, most likely as a psychiatric NP, but I'm not ruling out some sort of Forensic Nursing. I would love an ED position (I volunteered in a Peds ED and loved it), but have been told time and time again "we do not accept new grads in the ER".
I was offered a position on an adult psych unit (dual-diagnosis, substance abuse, violent) and felt completely uncomfortable with the fact that I would be in charge of the unit as the only evening nurse in just 8 short weeks. So I turned that down. Now the only positions that seem to be coming my way are med-surg. For some reason, I am completely turned off by most med-surg units. I'm not sure if it's because I had a few poor student clinical experiences or if it's just not for me. I feel nothing but dread going on these interviews because I know deep down, I'm not really into this. I know I will learn a lot and I respect the nurses who can do it, but I just don't feel it in my heart. It's darn near impossible to get a peds position (I think I'd like to start with adult medicine anyhow) and ED jobs...as I said before.

I don't know what to do and I really need some advice from those who have been there. For many reasons, I need to start working and make a decision asap. Where should I start? I might have a chance on a Neuro surgical unit, which sounds a bit more interesting to me, but will that help me reach my end goal and/or get me into the ED? Should I look for another psych or would it be more beneficial for me to get some experience in the medical side first, whatever that may be? I don't know anyone personally to ask, so any and all advice would be appreciated- thanks for reading this!

[earle58]

where i live, one of the universities offers a course on getting into the e.d.
perhaps it might be worth exploring what your area schools have to offer.
but no matter what, med/surg will give you the most well-rounded experience.

leslie

[IdahoNurse]

I did alot of med/surg/tele and rehab while taking a few of the courses needed for ER. Then moved into the ER field for three years. Can be done, but don't know how successful you will be without either doing med/surg/tele or going through additional critical care courses.

[nurseforkids]

Hello to you--
I am a pediatric nurse in the midwest and have over 10 years experience doing that. I think that the geographical area you are in may have something to do with your difficulty at this time. I work in a very large pediatric hospital and we hire many new grads every May and Dec. I will honestly say that you are looking to get yourself into an amazing career with rewards, and pain and heartbreak, and much honor. If I had to recommend something to you--I would say start in a peds med surg or PICU if possible. I worked med/surg for about 1-1 1/2 yrs before we assumed the cardiac floor role and I came in contact with numerous children of abused/sexually assaulted/neglected children and their parents. In our facility you could be transferred to the ed within 6 months--it could be similar to that in any childrens' hospital--I really don't know that. One thing I do know is that you will be terribly unhappy if you choose a position that is not right for you. That's hard to know at first---I absolutely swore I would never do pediatrics and only took a peds position because it was the only hospital that would hire a new nurse 11 years ago. It is and has been a part of the person that I am since I started. I wish you lots of luck.

[wincha]

I agree look at the pediatric hospitals. Also check at your state hospital for psychiatric for children. You might also check and see what residential facilities they have in your area for children with psychiatric conditions.

[Daytonite]

What about a med/surg in a children's hospital? An ER sees all kinds of medical/surgical cases coming through their doors all the time. Probably more than half the patients on medical floors get there through the ER. Once you have your foot in the door at a hospital then you are eligible to transfer to other units after a certain length on employment. That is one way to get into the ER.