Career Options other than Med Surg

essT · Dec 15, 2014

Is there a particular type of patient you've enjoyed working with or diagnosis that interests you? Perhaps there is a specialty that suits you well. Hospital work is stressful by definition it seems, perhaps you would want to try clinic nursing, case management, or work in a doctor's office. (Not that those positions are stress-free, but it's a different beast.)

When I was in nursing school I used to read through all the specialty boards on this site. The possibilities are endless. Hope you find something that suits you more.

Libby1987 · Dec 15, 2014

I wouldn't give up with only 6 mos to go for that year's experience unless I found another acute clinical position. IME the last 6 mos in any of my positions was not as difficult as the 1st 6.

skewlgurlRN · Dec 15, 2014

Yes! I am interested in pediatrics, or possibly mother/baby. Problem is - most won't hire without 2 years experience. I feel stuck! I don't want to develop a negative attitude with my new career just because I am unhappy with my current situation.

skewlgurlRN · Dec 15, 2014

That's what I am thinking. This first 6 months has gone by pretty quick. I realize a full year experience will be more favorable on a resume. My current situation is "sink or swim", with little to no support. I just hope I can maintain my sanity until a better situation presents itself.

Libby1987 · Dec 15, 2014

I'm going thru a similar experience mid career, during transition to EMR where in this HH agency we are individually responsible for reinforcing our training and obtaining IT support on top of a full work schedule. I've gone from fairly smooth sailing to consecutive OT, workimg days off and seemingly endless frustration. I *could* seek employment elsewhere but given some compellimg reasons I'm trying to just hunker down and treat it like an internship. In 6 mos I will either have this nailed or I will take my 6 mos of experience on EMR and go elsewhere to an established system. It is to my benefit, as I believe it is to yours, to stick it out short term.

skewlgurlRN · Dec 15, 2014

Thanks for the advice and support. :)

gassy2be · Dec 16, 2014

If the positions you are looking for (Mother Baby) require at least 2 years experience in Med Surg, then you gotta hunker down and just get through it. However, if moving is a possibility, I would look elsewhere. I have found that a lot of new grads who are unable/unwilling to move get stuck in a specialty (or lack of specialty) that they don't want, while there are positions open to new grads in other states. Just depends on your ability to move and desire to get into the specialty you really want. For me, I would have rather moved for a position in a specialty that I wanted rather than stay in my home town and settle for a Med Surg position. So, I moved. But, every situation is different. You just need to evaluate what is best for you and/or your family (if applicable). Good luck!

sourapril · Dec 16, 2014

Pediatrics office? You can always try to apply doctor's office.

seconddegreebsn · Dec 17, 2014

4-5 patients? I would kill for that! I'm usually 7-8.

Have you thought about skilled nursing facilities? My mom works at one and loves it. The patient load is heavier but the patients don't usually change much so you don't have to "relearn" your patients every night.

Maybe L&D? I've known a number of new grads who went into L&D right out of school. Seems like a good way to transition to mother baby.

iPink, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2014

To be straight forward, you have none.

Get that 1 year and then move on. I was on a stressful, fast paced ICU stepdown floor. I worked day shift and had 4-5 patients too and wanted to quit nursing all together (that's how stressed I was). I only had 7 months experience when I started looking and realized I wasn't getting anywhere because everywhere wanted at least 1 year experience. So, I stuck it out and it paid off because I landed a mother/baby unit afterwards where I'm much more happier.

You have 6 more months left, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Good luck.