This may be an odd/stupid question, but what area of nursing (as an RN-BSN) do you think requires the most knowledge about many things and allows a nurse to continually learn day in and day out? I understand all specialities of nursing contain these aspects, but is there one in particular that stands out, like ICU or something? I am just wonderng because I want to continually be challenged to learn in my career, so I have been wondering lately. I start school in the fall .
Thanks guys!
-Nicole
Edit: I didn't think this would cause any problems or fighting, I was simply asking opinions, which I appreciated, but I don't want people to get angry over an ignorant post that I made, soooooooo please don't get mad!!
I wish I could delete this thread and everyone could frolick in the land of allnurses happy, tra-la-la-la-la hahaa
OK, I work in a NICU and learn something new everyday, same when I worked L&D. New technology and treatments are developped all the time, so you will always need to learn. I don't think I'm better than a med-surg nurse just because I have ICU in my unit's name though. You can learn in every area of nursing. Anyone who says otherwise is just being silly IMO. You will learn different skills in different areas. No area of nursing has nurses capable of working everywhere and knowing everything despite what some would have you believe.
Edit: I didn't think this would cause any problems or fighting, I was simply asking opinions, which I appreciated, but I don't want people to get angry over an ignorant post that I made, soooooooo please don't get mad!!
I wish I could delete this thread and everyone could frolick in the land of allnurses happy, tra-la-la-la-la hahaa
Don't worry about it. I can give you the benefit of my experience...just realize it is my experience.
I started in the ED (medic before that) and was also a helicopter flight nurse. I've also worked ICU, med/surg, home health, psych, school nursing, taught in ADN/BSN programs, and have been a supervisor, director, and healthcare business owner.
If I wanted to get the broadest range of experience in your current position, I would choose a med/surg floor. All areas should be up to date on the latest meds, treatments, etc.. However, I have to caution you. Many of the patients on a med/surg floor are the same patients we had in ICU a few years back. In ICU you usually have no more than 1-2 patients. Now you might have 5 or more ICU patients stretched out up and down a looooong corridor! Med/surg is the only place...bar none...where I've almost come unglued...and very few things rattle me, LOL!
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fergus51
6,620 Posts
OK, I work in a NICU and learn something new everyday, same when I worked L&D. New technology and treatments are developped all the time, so you will always need to learn. I don't think I'm better than a med-surg nurse just because I have ICU in my unit's name though. You can learn in every area of nursing. Anyone who says otherwise is just being silly IMO. You will learn different skills in different areas. No area of nursing has nurses capable of working everywhere and knowing everything despite what some would have you believe.