Does anyone like med-surg their 1st year?

[MoriahRoseRN]

Hi,

I applied to a local hospital in a medical surgical unit. (It's been one year since I graduated). I am waiting on them to call me back. I am very nervous about this, and I am not sure I can do it.

I have been reading many post, and I am worried to death that I won't be able to keep up with the pace. It seems like every new-grad dislikes their med-surg experience very much, and can't wait to leave (it sounds like torture to me). I am very turned off by nursing right now, and I haven't gotten started yet.

I was a slow poke in school during clinicals, and I don't feel like I caught on fast enough, some of it is probably due to my nerves. I am not sure what to do, should I just go do something else and forget med-surg? Btw, these are the only positions left for the new-grad in the hospitals around here, and there are not a lot of options for new-grads in my area anyhow. My fears are if I don't do med-surg, then I will be stuck in one area of nursing, and I won't be able to move on later if I want a change, because I didn't do the basics.

I'm sorry to sound like a whiner and a failure, but the average person doesn't understand my fears like a nurse would.

I look forward to hearing from anyone that can give me some advice, and thank all for being there for of those of trying to go in the right direction.

[twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN]

I love my first year so far. Yesterday was I think the hardest day I have had on the unit. I had a team that was very needy, alot of pain meds, and my first death (was a DNR we have been waiting on though, so not so bad). I was so stressed but will I come back, heck yeah! I have learned so much being here I love it. I may move on in about 6 months or so but am so glad I did one year here.

[willdgate]

Everyone is different, living and learning, med/surg is for some people and not for others, get to it, you are doing great!!|

[Dempather, RN]

I like my med-surg unit. I'm a firm believer that a good year or two of med-surg before going into any specialty area will only help you in the long run. You won't be expected to handle an entire patient load in the beginning. Many floors like to ease you into the experience by assigning you to a preceptor, who can guide you and is more readily accessible to answer your questions. Your job will be very different than clinical. This is something that I've personally experienced. I have a completely different mind-set now that I have a couple of my own patients, as opposed to the clinical setting where we're still very much in observational mode. Wish you the best of luck.

[caba35]

Not all med/surg experiences are the same. Some facilities are better than others, some states better than others, some cities better than others.

Get as much information about where you intend to work and don't rush into a job if you can afford to wait.