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

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Hello. I just got my RN license in October and have my BSN. I am now applying for jobs and am interested in a variety of areas, such as L&D, ICU, ER, etc. Can I get opinions from other RNs about working in these areas and being a new grad? Thanks.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

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!

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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!

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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!!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, NICU.

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.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

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!

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