Asking for seasoned nurses to share experiences on Med-Surg, acute rehab, surgery units

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

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Hello, a recent new grad for RN here from December 2023. I have worked as a LPN for a few years in nursing homes. I'm having so much confusion about where I want to work. I've recently interviewed for an acute rehab (cardiac and stroke unit), med/surg, and general surgery/ENT unit. Can I have some experienced nurses talk about your experiences with any of these floors? Maybe some pros and cons, the differences. What you prefer. Anything to give me some insight.

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Congratulations on becoming a registered nurse! Each nursing specialty offers unique challenges and rewards, so it's great that you're exploring your options. Let's break down the pros and cons of each unit you've interviewed for:

Acute Rehab (Cardiac and Stroke Unit)

Pros:

  • Specializing in cardiac and stroke care can be deeply rewarding as you witness patients regain function and independence.
  • Opportunities for patient education and long-term relationship building.
  • Collaborative multidisciplinary approach to care.

Cons:

  • It can be emotionally challenging, as you may witness patients and their loved ones dealing with significant disabilities or cognitive impairments.
  • Rehab nursing requires patience and often involves slower-paced care compared to acute settings with different skill sets.
  • Requires strong communication skills to coordinate care with therapists and other healthcare professionals.

Med/Surg

Med-Surg is an excellent place for new RNs to learn time management, see various illnesses, and acquire skills to help them in their career path.

Pros:

  • Wide variety of patients and conditions, offering exposure to diverse medical scenarios.
  • Opportunity to develop strong clinical skills in managing acute illnesses and post-operative care.
  • A fast-paced environment that keeps you engaged and on your toes.

Cons:

  • It can be physically demanding with heavy patient loads and frequent admissions/discharges.
  • High-acuity patients require quick thinking and rapid intervention.
  • Limited time for in-depth patient education due to the volume of patients.

General Surgery/ENT Unit

Pros:

  • Exposure to surgical patients pre-and post-operatively, providing a comprehensive understanding of the surgical process.
  • Opportunity to assist in various procedures and wound care management.
  • Collaboration with surgical teams and specialists.

Cons:

  • It can be intense and stressful during perioperative periods.
  • Patients may experience significant pain and discomfort post-surgery.
  • When monitoring for complications such as infections or hemorrhage requires attention to detail.

In terms of preferences, it often comes down to your personal interests, strengths, and career goals. Consider what type of patient population you enjoy working with, the pace of work you prefer, and the skills you want to develop further.

Additionally, consider the work environment and team dynamics during your interviews—a supportive team and positive work culture can significantly improve your job satisfaction.

If you're still unsure, you might want to shadow nurses or request a day of orientation on each unit to get a feel for the workflow and patient population. Ultimately, trust your instincts and choose the unit that aligns best with your passion for patient care and professional growth.

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