"You *Have* To Start in Med-Surg"...fact or fiction?

[Peppermint_RN]

As a new grad, newly licensed RN, I've heard it a hundred times from instructors, other nurses, and all over AN. I understand the reasoning behind it, to "gain those valuable skills and lay a strong foundation for future knowledge."

Just wondering how many believe this to be true. If one was offered a position in a field that interests them, that isn't med-surg, do you think it would be detrimental to their future nursing career? Obviously as a new grad, with a limited number of job openings, we have to pretty much take what is offered. But just wondering your point of view and what you think of this advice; is it fact or fiction?

[AAPORTEE]

Everyone always told me this too. I hate med surg. I know it's not for me. I did what I wanted and you should too. Went right into the OR and have done some L&D. Looking into an urgent care facility and mom baby home health now. Med Surg is not for everyone. And it's not necessary if you know you don't like it. Do what's best for you. Not what ev eryone else says.

I'am a new Rn and I think it's a great idea to. Become a litte adorned before going into a specialty unit. My first job in the ER and I'm drowning I feel it would be benificial to learn the beginning steps first just saying

[goodgrief]

Fiction. There's nothing in med-surg that you can't also learn/do in ICU/ER/PACU. If anything, it's worse to start off in med-surg if you know you plan to go to another specialty unit b/c you'll develop habits in med-surg that aren't appropriate for other units.

[calivianya, BSN, RN]

I don't really feel like med-surg helps with anything else at all. Every specialty is different. Sure, you'll learn time management and assessments, but you will do that in ANY UNIT IN THE HOSPITAL. It drives me crazy when people say otherwise. Guess what? ICU nurses do assessments. ER nurses have more than one patient. Labor and delivery nurses start IVs...

I'm starting off in a MICU and I love it. In my orientation group there is a nurse who was on a neuro med-surg floor, and she actually did worse than me on the critical care pre-test my group offered. She is awesome, don't get me wrong, but if a new grad could do better on a critical care knowledge test than an experienced med-surg nurse, it doesn't sound like med-surg helps you hone your critical care knowledge. Just saying.

[danggirl16]

I have to agree with the "fiction" crowd though I truly believe using med/surg as a springboard into other med/surg based specialties is beneficial. I say that because most specialties and disease processes don't operate in a vacuum. I think it can give new grads an opportunity to reinforce their education in a real world setting. It's not necessary but I like to think of it like an extra year of training. I've worked on general med/surg, infectios disease, cardiac and medical tele, transplant, renal/endocrine, ICU and my true love ER. I think the whole med/surg experience can enhance one's understanding of pathophysiology and normal physiology in a broad range. But my advice would be go to work in an area you truly want to work in otherwise both you and your patients will know you'd rather be elsewhere.

[NewMotherBabyRN]

Personally, I knew I never wanted to work in MedSurg. While all of my classmates followed the advice of our instructors and got senior preceptorships in MedSurg or ICU to better their general nursing knowledge, I went with my passion: OB. This allowed me to meet the staff and learn the ropes of the field I loved. I was given an interview after my preceptorship and offered my dream job a week before I graduated nursing school. Do what is best for you!

[tag2007]

Well I just graduated in May and I'm starting out in psych! I knew I didn't want to be a med surg nurse after being on a med surg unit for clinicals so I don't find a point in going into just for the sake of learning. I feel like I'd rather start learning more about my field of choice. Also, I hear way too many stories of people going right into their specialty and loving it. I don't often hear people say "oh I wish I did med surg first before doing what I wanted." I'm sure people may feel that way but it seems I don't see that as often.

Now, if you don't mind med surg, or it's the only job offer you have, then go for it for experience. But if you passion is somewhere else and you are offered a job there I would never suggest turning it down.

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

I agree with the "fiction" crowd.

Or course it can't hurt you but it doesn't guarantee that you'll be the best nurse you can be. That comes from inside - what kind of person you are .. ethical, hardworking, compassionate, a team-player, etc.