Input on med/surg experience or jumping into specialty for a new grad

Nurses General Nursing

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I am graduating next month with my RN!! I am so excited and am asking for some very needed input! I know I want to work in labor and delivery and postpartum. I have always had a special interest in it, absolutely LOVED my maternity rotation, and am now precepting on a L&D floor. I have heard both arguments that support and oppose my decision to try and get a job directly into one of these units. I need more input on the pros and cons of not getting further med/surg experience and jumping into a specialty. Thanks!

Mickey

If you can get a position in this department, I say do it! I am generally a supporter of some med/surg experience first, however, if this is what you love, and you have the opportunity, don't let it pass.

Depending on where you are you might not have a ton of choices. If you do, however, I would go for your specialty. I started in a pediatric ER as a new grad and have no regrets. I would have been miserable in med surg or LTC (although I would have taken miserable and employed over picky and jobless). Just make sure wherever you go has a good orientation for new grads.

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