Any and all opinions appreciated!!

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Specializes in ICU, PACU, Cath Lab.

Hello!! I am posting this here, because I am looking from opinions from all types of nurses and also students!! SO please chime in!!

I am graduating from Nursing school in May...I have started the job search and have had a few interviews and have more lined up...yesterday I interviewed for a postition on the floor where I did my preceptorship, I liked the floor and the nurses that I worked with were great!! Now here is my mental dilema. I have always wanted to be an ER/ICU nurse...I have had one interview in an ICU, I have another lined up and an interview in an ER lined up also. Now the unit that I did my preceptorship on is Ortho. I have a feeling that I will get offered a position on that floor. While I really want the ER/ICU, I am not sure if I should jump right in...or if I should get some other experience first. I know we all see these questions all the time. But will I be the best nurse that I can be if I am trying to jump into the ER/ICU right out of school?? I have my EMT-B, but I do not feel that prepared me for nursing in this area. Now is Ortho a good starting point..or am I just being a wuss for considering what I am comfortable with?? Please tell me what you all think...say anything..you will not offend me;)

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This is an age-old argument and you will hear both sides. I jumped right into the ER straight out of school and I wish I'd gone to MS first. Critical care is so different than everything else but a base in MS helps, I think.

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I will be graduating in May also. If its what you really want to do why not? You hear that experience is helpful but i really think that if your commited to it and want to learn, you should. It will be alot of work and lots of learning, and extra classes. I dont think that these hospitals would offer internships in the ER/ICU if there emphasis was on experience first, helpful, yes, required, no. Good luck!!

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

If the ER/ICU is what you want, make sure they have an adequate new grad training program and then go for it. Don't waste precious time doing something you're not interested in just to "pay your dues" or "gain some experience" "get critical thinking down"......you can do all of that with the proper orientation and (here's the key) a supportive staff to work with.

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Specializes in ICU, PACU, Cath Lab.

I should add this...the ICU I interviewed in was a 12 week orientation..that seems short, considering it is medical, surgical and cardiac ICU?!?! The ER is 6 months...which seems more on track with what I was thinking!! Thanks for the input, I know this is an old argument...but I am not sure if Ortho even qualifies as much in med/surg..well surg obviously.. anyways I have alot of thinking to do...and needed other people to bounce my feelings off of!! Any other thoughts are welcome!!!!

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Specializes in CVICU, PACU, OR.

That does seem like a short orientation in ICU since it's medical, surgical, and cardiac. I had a 12 week orientation for a cardio vascular thoracic recovery unit that included a critical care class but I had previous cardiac experience. The ER orientation sounds like a good length. Make sure you find out what classes and certifications they offer you.

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Critical Care where i've looked into is a six month internship.....three months? That's scary.

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Specializes in ER.

If you really want ER go for it. I did and I don't regret it. It won't always be easy - even the most experienced have rough days. In June it will be 2 years for me. I was a volunteer EMT for 11 years and also worked as an ER clin tech while in school. As long as you have a good support system and a good orientation you should do well.

Good Luck to you!

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

I think you should go where your heart and your gut tell you; one thing I know for certain is that ANY experience is NEVER wasted.

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Specializes in SICU.

Go where your heart is. Med-Surg is its own specialty, and if that's not what you want to do, don't spend your time on it.

Sounds like the ER has a nice orientation and is the place to be! Good luck!

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