what field is better to start your nursing career?

braden74 · Jan 31, 2003

Depends on your goals. I started in the ICU and I wouldn't want to work anywhere else. If ICU is your eventual goal then go for it. It's wonderful. If your skills aren't that strong or if you feel like you want more time go to tele. You can pick up a lot of good skills there.

Good Luck

sjoe · Jan 31, 2003

In general, doing at least a year in med-surg is a good idea. It is good preparation both for future jobs AND so that you always remember what it is really like (helps you appreciate your new job more).

baseline · Jan 31, 2003

I firmly believe that there is nothing that can hone your skills like a busy med-surg floor. That is where you learn to prioritize, organize and sharpen your instincts. Don't pass it up. It is a golden opportunity. Your transition to other nursing areas will be much smoother because of the experience you will gain.

llg, PhD, RN · Jan 31, 2003

Go where your heart tells you to go -- but preferably, it should be an environment where you will get the education and support you need to make the transition from student to professional nurse. A med-surg unit CAN be a good training ground, but if you hate med-surg nursing and/or the unit is understaffed and too busy to support you, then it can be a terrible way to start your career. You don't want to end up burned-out and crabby after a year or two!

The particular type of unit is far less important than some people make it out to be. Go to a unit that will make you feel happy and fulfilled as a nurse and one that will be supportive. To get your career off to a good start, you want an environment that will help you feel good about yourself and your career choice. That's the most important thing.

I could say the same thing about money. Don't just pick the place that pays the most. They may be paying more because it such a terrible place to work that no one will work there unless they pay more. Again, pick the place where you will be happiest and receive the most support. After you have made the transition from student to professional successfully and you have security and confidence in your skills -- THEN and ONLY THEN should you consider sacrificing the quality of your work environment in order to meet some specific objective you may have (e.g. more money, specific work hours, learn specific skills, etc.)

llg

fergus51 · Jan 31, 2003

Depends on the hospital. I would never recommend a new grad start on med surg of the floor is understaffed and terrible to work on.

K O'Malley · Feb 1, 2003

Start out in the field which interests you the most. Med-surg can turn you in to a crispy critter and make you wish you had never become a nurse unless that area is truly your first interest. I never worked med-surg other than floating, started out in CCU and then went to MICU. MICU is a place to really pick up a wide variety of skills and knowledge. I highly recommend it if you think you might like ICU nursing.

mumseyllama · Feb 1, 2003

I started in psych 18 years ago and have loved the field. Spent 6 months in med surg in 2000 but was so upset at not being able to adequately care for patients that I went right back to psych. Go where your heart is. We need you everywhere!

Chiaramonte · Feb 1, 2003

If Critical Care is your goal, find a hospital that offers a critical care fellowship.

Not only does that whole educational process offer you the tools to practice safely and efficiently in the Critical Care Areas but you soon realize exactly what your "Nursing Education" didn't give you to work efficiently. The fellowships are a cushion for your post nursing school education. Consider it the best education you will get on the job under the preceptor's umbrella.

Good luck!!