Frustrated and dont know what I want

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Specializes in Oncology.

I am a senior nursing student and I know that I should be focused on getting any job that I can but I am having a hard time figuring out what kind of nursing I like. I seem to know alot of areas I'm NOT interested in, but have yet to be in an area in clinical that I could see myself working in. The only place I really feel like I have a genuine interest for is critical care but all I hear is how new grads shouldn't work ICU. I understand the reasoning behind that statement but I really do not like med/surg nursing and do not want to be miserable for 2 years just to put it on a resume. I guess I just needed to vent Bc I feel like my classmates all know what area they want to go into and all I can think about are the areas that I DON'T like and it's frustrating ?

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Specializes in Forensic Psych.

If I were you. I'd just apply anywhere and everywhere...including critical care. If hospitals want you to have med-surg experience, you won't get a call. If they think you can hang without it, they'll call. Don't miss out on what you want to do because you didn't try.

Anyway, anything and everything. You won't have a job sitting and waiting for you in every single speciality. If you get more than one job offer, you can pick your favorite (or the lesser of the "evils.). Better than sitting around jobless because you ONLY applied to one speciality.

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Specializes in ED.

Eh, my aunt started in the ICU straight out of nursing school, and she did great. I started in the ED when I graduated(only area I wanted), and there are days I want to throw myself into a trash can, but I mostly like it. Apply everywhere, but don's discount the ICU just because you are a new grad.

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

You can start out in ICU as a new grad but you need to make sure that the employer offers a thorough orientation or even an internship. The learning curve is very steep for any new grad, whether you start out in critical care or not.

I also suggest applying anywhere and everywhere. Even though you do not want to do med-surg, I would look into med-surg jobs as well as intermediate care/progressive care (which are like ICU stepdowns) and ICU. Do not limit yourself to just one option. In today's job market, I would take whatever you can get just to get some experience under your belt.

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Specializes in ER trauma, ICU - trauma, neuro surgical.

If you don't want to go to the floor, then don't go. I went to the ED after school and I'm glad I did. I think people know if they are able to handle the stress of critical care. I knew going in that it was going to be crazy, but that's what I wanted...and I expected it. You sound pretty sure that what some craziness.

See if you can do some more shadowing. I had so many people tell me that I needed to go to floor and heard all the reasons and opinions. I had people tell me that I would brainwashed or I wouldn't understand how crazy the floor can get. I know the floor is difficult. It's a whole different world. But, I wanted a different kind of crazy. Do what makes you happy.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
You can start out in ICU as a new grad but you need to make sure that the employer offers a thorough orientation or even an internship. The learning curve is very steep for any new grad, whether you start out in critical care or not.

I also suggest applying anywhere and everywhere. Even though you do not want to do med-surg, I would look into med-surg jobs as well as intermediate care/progressive care (which are like ICU stepdowns) and ICU. Do not limit yourself to just one option. In today's job market, I would take whatever you can get just to get some experience under your belt.

^This!!!

I applied anywhere and everywhere, and landed in CC. It is a steep learning curve :yes: but if you learn the nuances, have a comprehensive and supportive program like a nurse residency, there is room for success...that is up to you as well.

I have my ICU made incredibly easy and flash cards, etc. I also go to classes, have a educator preceptor, have a mentor and a residency coordinator. They want me to be as successful as I want to be. Find that and vocalize that in any position you get interviewed and hired in, and you will be successful. Good luck!

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Specializes in Oncology.

Thank you all so much for your replies! It is refreshing to hear that others have gone into critical care so early on in their careers. I am in the process of setting up several shadowing experiences with various ICUs and I'm hoping that will give me a better idea of whether or not I'm as interested as I think I am! I am a PCT on an intermediate care floor and one of the RNs told me that if you want to go into critical care try to do it right out of school because you get stuck in med-surg. Thanks again for all of the replies!

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Specializes in ER trauma, ICU - trauma, neuro surgical.

No problem! Hope the shadowing goes well.

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Sometimes you gotta grab your straw and suck it up. You'll get to where you want eventually, but you may have to take a detour for a couple of years. We are all going to have to do it at one point or another. Do you think you are just having a mild burn out?

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