Surgical SAC transplant/extern questions

[mrsalby]

Hi,

I am really excited! I finished my med surge final today:uhoh3: , tomorrow is my birthday :balloons: and Sunday I start a new job :spin: as a nurse extern on a general surgery SAC transplant floor- 20 beds. Various types of surgeries, flow over from ICU and of course tranplants would be the patient medium. I am really excited, but really nervous at the same time.

I have done very well in my clinicals and my instructors commend my critical thinking skills. I am nervous because I don't know what to expect.

I really wanted to work in ER and eventually ICU. I was offered the SAC position and decided to take it. I was trying to think on a level head...ER yes... exciting, busy, grand, blood, gore etc. But I really thought the SAC unit would offer the opportunity to hone assessment skills and patient care skills (true?). Also, that SAC would be a good precursor to eventually move into ICU as I advance in education and experience (true?). I will be working at a well respected and huge teaching hospital which should have opportunities abound. I hope there will be the opportunity to learn skills, wound care etc...not just wipe butts all day (not that this isn't part of care and I am willing to do my share!).

My questions are.

1) Anyone work on a similar floor, is it interesting?

2) Should I go for excitement or adhere to career progression?

3) What has been others feelings or experiences starting as a new extern?

Thanks for reading!

mrsalby

:innerconf