Best Specialty Experience Option?

[JustADream]

I am in the process of filling out the paperwork for the last clinical rotation in nursing school, but this time we have the option to request a specialty area if we prefer something other than med/surg. I would like to serve either in the Navy or the USPHS after I graduate with my BSN if possible, but I was not sure if a rotation in a specialty area might benefit me more than med/surg for either of these uniformed services? I have read that ED or ICU would make a good selection in terms of critical thinking and skills, but since I don't know where I will be needed (or for USPHS what will be available), then I was wondering if some experienced military nurses might have a suggestion for which (or another altogether) to select?

Previously I have rotated through med/surg, peds, psych, and OB for clinicals.

Thank you in advance for your help!

[Ol Timer]

Hello JustADream,

Even though I am also in the process of completing my nursing school, I have been in the medical field for over ten years. So here are my .

I would like to suggest to you to get some time in an E.R. especially if you can find a busy one or one that deals with trauma. I worked in an E.R. for about 5 years and that was some of the best experiences which I had. I don't know about you, but I learn more by doing things than just reading them from a book and doing things in an E.R. was very educational.

Based on your comments, I think that you already know that an E.R. or ICU rotation would be something good for you. Just one last thought...if you like working in a fast paced environment then try the ER if you like a slower environment try the ICU, either one will challenge your critical thinking and skills.

Good Luck.

[JustADream]

Thank you so much for your response. I also learn by doing, but I wasn't sure if the ED would be too fast paced to catch on safely. I was also told that they have a lot of "short cuts" that aren't necessarily good for a student to pick up. Have you come across this at all? It sounds like you had a great ED experience and that bodes well if I end up selecting it. I think it will be more competitive to get into because I have heard other students are wanting to go ED also, but might be worth it in the end.

I haven't been able to find any instructors in my program that was/is a dedicated ICU nurse to ask, but I am going to check again on Monday. I'm definitely leaning towards one of the two vs. another specialty or a general med/surg floor again. It sounds like either would be good to have on board for Navy in particular from what I have been reading.

Thanks!

[Oldlove]

It's more what your style is. If fast paced to you seems "unsafe" than it might not be a good fit. For me personally I became an ER nurse because I want to be where the action is and maintain my military bearing when crap hits the fan. You get all the experience in the ER, you get ICU patients, trauma patients, med/surg, drug addicts, walk-in clinic type stuff. So as far as experience, not sure who you spoke with, but you get it all, most times YOU will get an older nurse telling you need med/surg as a foundation before you go down to the ER. Not true in today's case. Also, think about this, you have a doctor 24/7 to talk shop with :]

[Oldlove]

I should've put a disclaimer. I'm very biased. :]

[JustADream]

Good points! Thanks so much for the information- it does sound like ED would give me plenty of learning opportunities that would be able to help me later on in the military. You are correct that I have been told by a number of nurses that I should stay med-surg as a new nurse. I was okay with that because I like med-surg, but I also wanted to do what would be best in my future career hopefully with the Navy or USPHS. Thanks again!

[NursePamela]

Somebody can correct me if I am wrong but I was once told they have more openings for med-surg nurses than any specialty, er, icu, etc,,,. Now that being said, I don't know percentages. They may have equal number of percentages applying???