Final practicum and future career

Hello,

Shortly, I will be beginning my final practicum. I have been assigned to a post-partum unit. I would also be spending some time in the antenatal clinic.

I have been presented with an opportunity to switch to a cardiology floor.

Maternity was not my first choice for the final placement. I wanted a med-surg placeement for my final practicum so I could work on my skills.

I'm still not sure which area I want to work in after graduation. I have heard if I want to work on a maternity ward after graduation, I will have a hard time getting hired as a new grad if I don't have my final practicum there. I have also been told I would be able to get a job on a med-surg floor quite easily even if I did my final placement in maternity as they are always hiring. But I'm worried if I go this route my skills might not be up to par.

I'm trying to decide if I should switch or not. If anyone has any light to shed on this situation, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I would not worry too much about losing skills - after you graduate you will not be at work immediately anyway. Those skills will come right back with practice.

In my case, I did my senior practicum in ICU. I can definitely say it helped me land a new grad job in the ICU. If you have an inkling you want to stay in maternity then do your practicum there.......it will look good on your resume.

Good luck :)