ER, PACU, OR, PEDs?

[Sierra_]

I need some advice from my fellow nurses

I am in my last year of my Registered nurse program and I have to submit my request for my preceptorship placement next by the end of March, 2016. Usually the preceptorships turn into jobs here in AB, CA, so I want to pick wisely. First of all I do not like adult medicine at all so I'm not interested in adult med/surg. specialties are more appealing!!!

1. I love peds and I've had a clinical rotation on a peds medicine unit, so I'm considering requesting that but I am curious if it's hard to different nursing areas in the future after being a peds nurse?

2. I am also interested in PACU as I've heard the staff are usually amazing and the hours are good but I don't know a lot about the skills I could gain on that unit??

3. I'm also considering peds/adult ER because everyone says its the best place to learn. The ER just seems very intimidating right now with the limited experience I have. Will I succeed or struggle ? I want to have a good experience.

4. I would also consider OR, mostly because they are in demand, but is it exciting?, would I lose skills?

I would like to go into an area where I can gain skills, get a job, and something that's transferable as I'm interested in travel nursing in my future!!! I wish I had experience in all these units but unfortunantley I don't, so thank you in advance for whatever information you can offer. I can't wait to hear your advice and experiences!!

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

If you want peds and want to be competitive - take ER.

PACU - likes ICU experience

OR - very specialized

Peds - specialized, but still can break out of it.

[Collor]

I worked med/surg for just 1 year then went to the ER.

ER is great experience. Constant assessment- trying to figure out what is going on with patients. Tons of skills you will sharpen. IV's, Placing NGT's (and giving charcoal-yay!), Foleys, codes, etc.

I work in PACU now and will say, it's less "procedural skills" and more assessment. I am not sure if this is the best place for a new grad. Honestly, having tons of respiratory experience before going to PACU seems almost essential. Having said that, I am sure some new grads could do fine in the speciality, especially if they have a really long and detailed orientation.

P.S. -My PACU loves hiring ER nurses. The fast pace in ER radiates with the fast turnover in PACU.

Good luck!