Advice Needed

I have a friend who just transitioned from dialysis nursing to ER nursing. So moving on with limited med-surg experience is possible. You can always take the full-time job and attempt to get a PRN med-surg position somewhere to keep options open?.

dialysis nursing is a valuable skill that would help you move into critical care.

I would love to be part-time because it seems like they ALWAYS need help on all floors, then you look like the HERO when you sign up for extra shifts :) But you're really just paying rent, haha, or really, you're just working to a full-time status without actually being full-time. This makes your work schedule more flexible and your vacation schedule!

That's a tough spot. Like others have mentioned, unless you want to work dialysis forever, taking the HD nurse position may limit your abilities to transfer to another specialty. It won't be impossible ---any experience is good--- but if you're looking for a more well-rounded experience that will translate to many other jobs then med-surg is the way to go.

That being said, I am a realist. I know if I were in your position I would take the HD position in a heartbeat simply because most of us cannot support ourselves on only part-time pay. We need retirement, health benefits, paid time off, etc.

Let us know what you do. You may wind up loving HD. Or you may take the m/s position and a full time spot will open up.

Where I work, you may be hired PT but you absolutely can work FT hours (and then some...). Before I started working as a nurse, I didn't see the value of m/s experience but now I do. It will be a good foundation for you.

If it were me, I would take the varied experience of med surg to start. Dialysis nursing is a highly specialized, technical niche which may be limiting for you at this time. I suggest reframing concerns about supporting yourself as a part timer. First, it's easier to get a job when you have one; the cold, hard truth is that employers look at employed people differently. Your starting rate is good, better than many. Instead of rejecting a job for financial reasons, see what cost saving measures you can employ to get experience and live within your means. Working at the hospital will give you the entre to pick up more hours there provided you are reliable and grow successfully in your knowledge and practice. Join committees in house and network; this helps you keep an ear to the ground for opportunities you may miss. If the dialysis center liked what it saw in you, there will always be opportunities in those settings later on. Good luck and congrats on landing not one but 2 offers!

I'd take the med/surg job. More variety of experiences and learning opportunities. Plus there are ALWAYS shifts to pick up to increase your hours! Congrats and good luck on your decision!

Take a look at the pros and cons of both positions and then decide what you want to do; Dialysis is a specialized job that can transition to Critical Care; Med Surg is a specialty in itself that can open doors of you want to switch specialties as well.

Also peruse the forums here in Med-Surg and Dialysis and find out more about both to help with your decision.

Best wishes.