Am I making a mistake not taking MedSurg position?

Nurses New Nurse

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This is a nice dilemma to be in but right now it is stressing me out! I have worked for a year in a corrections facility and I really enjoy it very much. No full time position was available as I neared graduation so I applied at a local hospital and was hired into a Med Surg position. I think I would like the staff and the facility a lot (doesn't start for a couple of weeks) but now a full time position is available where I am in corrections... would it be a mistake to not take the Med Surg position now that I'm a new grad RN? And how do I turn down a position to not burn any bridges?

Specializes in Correctional Nursing.

Yes, often that's true...unfortunately where I live is so rural that everyone knows (or is related to) everyone else so moves have to be made as to not make waves...

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Isn't it great to have options? What exactly do you do in corrections now?

Regarding bridge-burning, as long as you have done well in your corrections job thus far, I can't imagine that you'd be leaving on bad terms. Do your best to keep in contact with some of those people; leave a door open, if you will. My opinion is that your corrections' experience will be beneficial on the floors. You must possess some great communication skills, and have the ability to handle difficult situations --> Med Surg should be a breeze!! :D

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Yes, often that's true...unfortunately where I live is so rural that everyone knows (or is related to) everyone else so moves have to be made as to not make waves...

Whether it's rural or not is not an issue. Everybody knowing everybody is not really an issue. Make your choices and be gracious. Whether you leave corrections or decline a med surg offer, thank the supervisor for the opportunity, and tell them that at this time you have have considered all the options available to you and that at this time you have to leave or decline the offer. If you want to mention that the path you're taking seems a better fit for you or will further develop your skill set or will help you meet your career goals, you can.

Do your best work, be gracious, then stand back and let other people own their own responses or feelings. Don't embrace fear and worry and trepidation about how other folks will respond. If they are reasonable people they will be glad to see you do what's best for you. If they are unreasonable, then nothing will please them. Some people would complain if you hung them with a new rope. You can't cater to other people's ideas about YOUR life and career. You have to do what's right for you.

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Specializes in Emergency.

I would take the Med Surg job. You can easily explain to your corrections people that you would like to gain acute care experience, and then possibly return. No bridges burnt at all....they will understand. Problem with working in Correction first is that you may never get another opportunity to get your foot in the door for hospital work. I have a friend who had a ton of SNF and corrections experience. about 5 years, and no hospital will look at her. It's sad, but true.

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Take the med-surg. It will consolidate your basic skills.

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Stay in corrections especially if you like your job there. You have no guarantee that you will like Med-Surg and it can be a tough place to work. If possible why not stay where you are and pick up some PRN time at the hospital? Rather than leaping without actually knowing what you are getting into, you will have some idea of what life on Med-Surg is about. Best of luck to you whatever your choice!!

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I feel like dialysis likes people who have acute care experience since acute thing can happen, so med-surg might better fit that goal.

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Specializes in nursing education.

If you love corrections, what's wrong with staying there? Just because "some people" think you need to start out in med-surg doesn't need that nurses do, or that you do. In corrections you develop people skills, management skills, time management, and see all the chronic conditions you want! Your assessment skills have to be top-notch, no?

Ah, to be stuck between two good choices. Don't feel guilty if you choose corrections. Turning down a job offer is not burning a bridge, especially now when there are so many applicants.

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Specializes in Neuro ICU/Trauma/Emergency.

Do you have tenure at the corrections facility? How does the pay and hours compare?

These types of questions baffle me. Only you know where you would like to be in your life, what specialty you would like to work in, and what your schedule permits. If you have time invested in the corrections facility, weigh the pros & cons of actually moving into a nursing position. If you are interested in entering the private sector arena, you may want to weigh the pros of the med-surg unit.

Your call.

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Specializes in Psych.

I took my first job at a community mental health agency. Was I worried about getting pigeonholed by taking this job? Sure but it was the job I was offered in a really tight market and I LOVE psych nursing. I am finding I really like being in the community too.

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Congrats! Both jobs sound good, but coming from a med/surg nurse- I think I needed that time in med surg to fine tune my skills and assessment capabilities. You see so many health problems in med/surg that you learn so so much. Which ever you choose, I am sure you will do fine.

It is amazing that you have found the job in the field you want to be in. Personally I'd probably go that route, but there are some big advantages to starting out on med/surg.

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Specializes in ICU, Trauma, ER, Peds, Family Practice.

You are a brave person to work corrections and I applaud you for that. I think if that makes you happy go for it. You will get some very solid experience and will be making critical decisions just as you would med-surg.

Go with your heart and you will be happy.

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