Feeling Lost (and kinda lonely).

[CNFSD]

Hey. Im just feeling really lost, and feel like I need to get it out of my system.

Im a 20yo RN in Australia. I am about to complete my graduate year. I was accepted into all the hosp's i applied for, and accepted the dream job. I have done rotations in ICU, a cardiac recovery unit, and lastly in a haematology setting.

I have honestly loved it, and have received brilliant reports.

My main issue is that i am coming to a crossroad. I have to decide whether to persue cardiac or oncology/haematology. I have roughly a fortnight before my application must be lodged. I have kind of been pre-approved in both areas, but I dont know which is best for me in the long run.

I love cardiac, but there are a lot of young people in the area, and the environment is somewhat less supportive than haematology. I get the impression that haematology is somewhat more adaptive and supportive.

I would LOVE to work overseas, most likely Europe in prob 2009/10. I aim to complete post-graduate diploma by this time, then travel using this qualification. I love learning, so i feel this is achievable.

Any advice on which path i should take?

Both areas fascinate me, i get on with the staff, and pick up on problematic patients (those most likely to crash, etc.). Will i have better luck finding work overseas in cardiac than haematology? Haematology at my hosp is a much harder area to get into, i dont want to give this oppurtunity away without knowing its the right choice.

Sorry to sound so desperate, but 90% of my mates are non-nursing guys... and so much is happening in my life atm that i dont really feel i can speak openly to my female nursing friends.

I appreciate ANY advice or opinions whatsoever.

Thanks VERY muchly.

X

[YellowFinchFan]

i love cardiac, but there are a lot of young people in the area, and the environment is somewhat less supportive than haematology. i get the impression that haematology is somewhat more adaptive and supportive.

i would love to work overseas, most likely europe in prob 2009/10. i aim to complete post-graduate diploma by this time, then travel using this qualification. i love learning, so i feel this is achievable.

any advice on which path i should take?

both areas fascinate me, i get on with the staff, and pick up on problematic patients (those most likely to crash, etc.). will i have better luck finding work overseas in cardiac than haematology?

i appreciate any advice or opinions whatsoever.

thanks very muchly.

x

i vote for cardiac - you will get a great foundation that will be in demand anywhere. you can always change and go to hemotology later if you want a change of pace/new experience but if you like patient's who are about to "crash" or icu units then cardiac is one of the many issues your patient's will probably have a problem with!

don't look at it that it's "unsupportive" - you will find someone to guide you, do you homework, keep up with areas you feel weak in - and you will be an experienced nurse in demand all over the world if you pick up critical care skills!

good luck

[EmmaG, RN]

you can always change and go to hemotology later if you want a change of pace/new experience but if you like patient's who are about to "crash" or icu units then cardiac is one of the many issues your patient's will probably have a problem with!

few patients "crash" harder or faster than those we care for in heme/onc.

[snowfreeze, BSN, RN]

Both options sound wonderful to me. I would do some research on facilities you may want to work at in the future, locally or overseas to help guide you as to what nursing experience you will need.

[leslymill]

I vote Hematology. I think it would give you a stronger foundation. FIrst you say it is a harder job to get and your already approved. Second you say they are more supportive. Till you have been on the floor a few years, supportive is gonna give you the base and foundation for a solid practice in Europe. Cardiac experience is in high demand though.

[leslie :-D]

cardiac experience will likely make you more rounded and marketable.

but as in any nsg position, i need to evaluate the work environment as a major, deciding factor.

with oncology, your nsg experience will be more holistically-based.

as you will be treating the body, mind and spirit.

for me, that is much more valuable.

and you'd be working in a more supportive environment.

and lastly, no matter where you go in europe, there will always be someone who has cancer...as well as cardiac issues.

overall, i think oncology will be a much better experience.

best of everything to you.

leslie