I just applied for an ortho position...

... which, I have to admit, wasn't my first choice (I'm more interested in oncology, but haven't heard anything regarding the job I applied for in several weeks so I'm moving on). However, I'm interested in this job as well. It's on a new, all-ortho floor (maybe some med/surg overflow as well, but no neuro) with an excellent reputation; it rarely has turnover/openings, which is a undoubtably a good sign.

The day ratio is at most 1:6; I haven't worked med/surg in a decade, since I was a new grad, and back then 1:8 was standard (I was on a cardiac stepdown unit and have to say I never handled that ratio well. There just wasn't enough time to get all the assessments, meds, txs, admits, discharges, etc. done without unintended OT.) Is 1:6 a reasonable ratio on an ortho floor with tech support?

A lot of things I hear about this floor are great - teamwork is encouraged, nurses are respected by physicians (imagine that ), learning is emphasized for both new and established nurses. The (male) manager also has a great rep.

I'm just concerned because I lack recent med/surg experience. Of course, I would get an orientation, which is now a standard 12 weeks at this hospitals for new grads and seasoned nurses as well.

How do you like your ortho jobs? What are the pros/cons? I would appreciate anything you can tell me.

Thanks so much,

DeLana