Best Job For a New Grad

[NatalieSN]

I am about to graduate and am applying for jobs currently. I want to work on the OB dept. eventually but I don't know if it is best for me to start off on the floor to get more experience before I specialize. What are your suggestions. Just go where I want to be or try to get other experience first?

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

You're going to find opinions on both sides of this. Personally, I feel that med/surg is a specialty in its own right. If it is possible for you to get a job in the specialty you want to work in, I say go for it. On the other hand, in some job markets it is next to impossible to get a job in the specialties that are more popular with new grads. It may be that one must take a job in a specialty that isn't a first choice in order to get nursing experience. Doing so not only allows the new grad to gain experience instead of becoming a stale new grad without experience, but also allows one to establish an employment history with an employer that can work in their favor as well as access to internal applicant only job postings.

[Burnvegas]

Go where you want to be, is my opinion.

But you'll get a mixed response. Some people value general experience before specialising, some don't see the point. All depends on you or who you ask - up to you to decide.

[Scottishtape]

If you're sure you want OB, I'd start there. It'll be difficult to get a L&D position as a new grad, so, I'd probably start in mother/baby, and work my way over to L&D.

Good luck!