First RN position in L&D, ICU, ER? ...thoughts?

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Dec 16, 2014

The market for new grads in these areas is very competitive. They usually require at least one year medsurg and if they take you on as a new grad they take so few that the opportunities are scarce. THere is a HUGE learning curve to go right into a specialty and it can be overwhelming...though many have done it. Good Luck!

RunnerRN2015, ASN, RN · Dec 16, 2014

The hospital system I'm at has a New Grad nurse residency program for ICU. L&D and ER both hire new grads and might place you in a nurse residency as well. I graduated last week and I have an ER job lined up already. Classmates have been hired into ICU and L&D so it's possible!

firstinfamily, RN · Dec 16, 2014

I started as a grad nurse in a 14-bed ICU way back in 1981. That was when education was strongly endorsed by the hospitals and training was at a superior priority. I don't know how much education is truly given to new grads when starting in a specialty area. Usually the orientation may be longer, and it is harder to find a specialty position without some experience. It would be better to get a year or two of med-surg experience to learn the basics and branch off from there. I did feel over-whelmed at times, but worked with a really great group of mature nurses who were always willing to teach me. As long as I asked questions they provided answers. Good luck with your search!!

ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 16, 2014

Well...what is it are you MOST interested in? If you have one specialty that stands out more than the others, I would try to pursue that. If you have no idea what it is you want to do, go with med-surg or the ER as that will open up the most doors for you in the future.

RunBabyRN · Dec 17, 2014

Look at what interests you and what you get offered. The more you can apply to, the better your odds.

The adage that you need a year of med/surg before going anywhere else is kind of moving into the past. Some nurse managers still feel that way, but many do not. There are new grad programs for a variety of specialties out there. I've had a couple in mother-baby, ICU, and ED- not even one in med/surg!