New grad-which job is better

kp2016 · Apr 4, 2018

I think you just answered your own question. But given that none of us actually know you or the particular units you have in mind it would be impossible for us to tell you which unit would be a better starting point for your career. Just remember you can always look for a new unit after a year or two, but completing a year or two will be very difficult if you are truly miserable.

Consider asking to do a shadow shift or two on each unit. Pay attention to the culture (happiness) of the staff, current staff levels - grossly short staffed units are normally short staffed for a reason, patient ratios, relationship between nurses and leadership and talk to the staff about the orientation process and see if you can get a feel for which unit will be a better fit for you.

allnurses Guide · Apr 4, 2018

Both are excellent places for a new nurse to start. You won't have just stroke patients on the stroke floor. You will have all sorts of things neuro related most likely, plus all the comorbidities that come with those conditions and being in that average age demographic. You will also have med-surg overflow most likely.

A surgical floor is going to have high patient turnover (lots of admissions and discharges), lots of pain control and lots of opportunities to flex your critical thinking for postoperative care. There will be both the younger/healthier combined with those in rougher shape or older. This floor too may have med-surg overflow.

Both floors will be equally challenging and rewarding. Neuro/stroke does take a special personality and is generally considered a more difficult specialty, but also generally considered more rewarding for those who are passionate about that population. Personally I would go with neuro because it would acclimate me to a more acute environment, but that is because I enjoy taking care of very sick people. Surgical will be more about getting people back to their normal life. Stroke will be more about helping the patients and/or their families adjust to a life that will never be the same again. Its up to you what turns you on. Congratulations!