This is related to my recent post "quit my job after three months?" and for anyone who is working in a hospital and not sure floor nursing is right for them....
what is everyone's opinion on getting that almighty "year of med-surg experience"?????
I recently met with a coworker-mentor and she strongly recommended that I try to stick it out for the year, that not having the year of med-surg experience will limit me for future jobs.
What do you guys think. Is it really better to have a year of med-surg, or does it just depend on what you want to do?
Bumping this thread, because the issue has just come up *again* for me. I am planning to attempt to obtain a job in the NICU and last night (I was in the ER with my son, and of course chatted up all the nurses!) I got the lecture about how I should do a year of med-surg first and how I'm limiting myself. I told the nurse I despised Med-Surg and I feel like that's someone telling me I have to do a year in prison! I'm going to be 40 when I graduate, life isn't worth being miserable for an entire year IMO. Anyway, my thinking is, isn't there a learning curve regardless? After a year in NICU will I be worse off than a new grad first starting out? Surely there are some skills that are usable in all areas or nursing, even if it's just organizational skills, or a routine that one uses when giving meds so as not to screw it up . . . things of that nature.
Kelly, why on earth would you spend a year doing something you despise? Don't waste your time and don't waste the med-surg units time. Go for your heart's desire.
In NICU you will have a long orientation that will teach you all you need to know.
krenee
517 Posts
Bumping this thread, because the issue has just come up *again* for me. I am planning to attempt to obtain a job in the NICU and last night (I was in the ER with my son, and of course chatted up all the nurses!) I got the lecture about how I should do a year of med-surg first and how I'm limiting myself. I told the nurse I despised Med-Surg and I feel like that's someone telling me I have to do a year in prison! I'm going to be 40 when I graduate, life isn't worth being miserable for an entire year IMO. Anyway, my thinking is, isn't there a learning curve regardless? After a year in NICU will I be worse off than a new grad first starting out? Surely there are some skills that are usable in all areas or nursing, even if it's just organizational skills, or a routine that one uses when giving meds so as not to screw it up . . . things of that nature.
Anyway, bumping the thread for others' thoughts.
Kelly