Age Old Med-surg Experience Question

[profjanmc]

As a nurse educator of new graduate students, I am often asked "Why should I do a year of med-surg after graduation?" I have no evidence (research) to support my answer. Any ideas/research articles about it? Thanks

[Debbie G]

I would really question the dedication of the new nurse to the chosen specialty. I am one of those "old" nurses who started with a med surg background. Most of my 16 years as a RN have taken me in and out of med surg. I have had the pleasure of working in float pool, ER, Day surgery, GI lab, management and now education. My strong med surg background served me well when my family needed me to be selective about my hours. Many of my friends who specialized were unable to achieve balance in their work and personal lives in a chosen field. If you asked me as a new grad if I wanted to do GI lab I would have yelled no way! Yet that was one of my most interesting experiences.

I know of one new nurse who started in med surg with the idea of going to the ER to work. After 2 years and a great deal of soul searching she realized she would miss following the progress of her patients, maybe ICU was the way to go. What a shame if she went right to the ER without finding what piece of nursing she treasured the most.