Which way should I go?

Nurses Career Support

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That seems to be the question that I can't find the answer to. So, I thought I would ask for some advice. I am about to complete my ADN program and begin my career. Up to this point my focus has been to become an RN, and now that I am just about finished meeting that goal the question is... what is the next step?

My long term goal is to continue my education all the way to CNP, but I will be working on that over the next ten years. My immediate goal is to get my first job. I have had a lot of nurses tell me that the best plan is to spend a couple years on the medical floor to strengthen clinical skills and general knowledge. I have had the same amount of nurses tell me that I should figure out where I want to specialize and pursue a job there.

I would love to hear feedback form all of you as to whether or not you went straight into a specialty or not for your first job, and what you think where the advantages & disadvantages where.

Thanks for the feedback!

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Specializes in Emergency/ICU.

Went straight into my specialty (Emergency) right after ADN graduation. I love ER and I've been there 2.5 years. In order to strengthen my knowledge, I plan to be "dual employed" in the ICU starting in January at the same hospital (2 days a week in ER, 1 day in ICU). I feel like after ICU for about a year, I'll be prepared to branch out into just about anything. I don't think going into med surg would have helped me build knowledge any faster. I almost have my BSN, too. I am doing online school while working full time.

A disadvantage of going to ER is that I don't get to see what happens to the patients once they leave the ED (admitted to hosp). LOTS of advantages. I got to do what I loved instead of waiting. Best wishes to you.

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There is more than one way to get were you want to go.

I started in med-surg. Why? Because in the recession of the 1990s, they were the ones who would give a new graduate nurse a job.

New grads in a slow economy aren't in a position to be too picky.

Pros: hospital experience, employment, multi-tasking skills, senior nurses used to working with new grads.

Cons: didn't actually like med-surg, overwork, very dependent on CNAs for quality of care.

The best thing about this job I was grateful to get but didn't like is that it gives me something to compare other jobs with. You won't here me complaining too much about my current job.

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, M/S.

Are you willing to relocate to get what you want?

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Wow, straight to the ER! I spent one clinical day in the ER and quickly realized that I admire the nurses that work there, but it is not for me. I did not like the adrenaline rush... a pt. said "I'm having chest pains." and I thought I am too! Seriously... thank you for the feedback. It is nice to hear about a positive experience like yours.

It is also great to hear about your experience going straight med/surg. I am precepting on the medical floor and already see how stressful it will be if that is were I go. I appreciate the list of pros & cons you gave. Thank you for sharing your experience.

As for relocating.... Not for another year :)

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