Deciding on my first job...

I'm finishing up my last semester of nursing school and I've already started submitting applications, many of which are to the local hospital. I've heard of many nurses taking the first job they were offered and being miserable the first few years as a new nurse which is hard enough as it is. Others have said that if i can't get a job in the area I want right away then I should start on the Med-Surg units and then go from there. What are the pros and cons to doing this? What is an acceptable period of time to work there before looking for a job elsewhere?