Debating between ER and L&D for my consolidation

[laurascarborough1310, BSN]

Hi friends!

I'm in my last term of classes for nursing school (RN) and I'm in the process of picking where I would like to do my consolidation for my last terms (fourth year). I'm having a hard time deciding between L&D and ER. I think I would like both but I can only pick one. Wondering if anyone has had experience in either of these areas and can tell me maybe some pros and cons of each? Or any students that have done a placement in one of these areas.

Thanks!

[OcMurse93]

I haven't done either, but what I can tell you is to look at this as a job interview. Does that hospital/surrounding hospitals hire new grads into that department? In southern california I typically see hospitals wanting L&D nurses to have some experience already. If nobody is hiring new grads for L&D in your area, then I would definitely go to the ER.

My current position is all because I have experience working at this hospital from school, so choose wisely.

[laurascarborough1310, BSN]

I haven't done either, but what I can tell you is to look at this as a job interview. Does that hospital/surrounding hospitals hire new grads into that department? In southern california I typically see hospitals wanting L&D nurses to have some experience already. If nobody is hiring new grads for L&D in your area, then I would definitely go to the ER.

My current position is all because I have experience working at this hospital from school, so choose wisely.

That's a good point. Thanks!

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

L&D is a very narrow speciality. You'll still see patients with a variety of PMH, but ED will give you experience with a much broader range of patient populations and medical complaints.

[laurascarborough1310, BSN]

Yes I'm definitely considering that. The experience from ER would certainly be useful as a student/soon to be new grad. I'm still weighing pros and cons to each :) thanks for the reply!