Advice for a New Grad: MedSurge Oncology or School nurse?

[RoseAqua]

I am seeking advice from all the fellow new grads and experienced nurses. I just graduated nursing school and earned my license last month. Currently, I have two job offers. I have an offer to work Day shift on a medical surge oncology unit and an offer to be a school nurse. I have no hospital experience, no kids, and no other responsibilities besides working LOL. Any advice as to which one would be better in terms of pay or responsibility? Any insight as to what a school nurse does vs a med surge oncology unit? Thanks for your advice. 

[treefrogprincess]

In my opinion the medsurg position would quickly provide you with a base of experience for the start of your career. You may then branch out from there. I believe hospitals may offer better pay as well. If you start off as a school nurse you may be limiting how quickly you gain general nursing experience as school nurses are limited in their role. A school nurse may administer medications to a child if and only that child has a diagnosis and a doctors prescription in place. For example, if a child appears to be having an asthma attack and there are no doctors orders or medications in place then you would have to call 911.  In medsurg if a patient appears to be having an asthma attack ( and nothing is on file or prescribed) you would call the doctor, the doctor would asses, prescribe and then you would be responsible to carry out the treatment. It depends what youre looking for and what your heart is set on.