Where do we start?

[janmae1950]

I'm still a student - in fact, still in pre-reqs. And I'm probably thinking too far down the road right now. But I read so many of the posts on this board and you all work in so many different areas of nursing. I am curious - when you graduated, where did you start working as a nurse? Where would you recommend new graduates start out now that you have had experience?

I'm a methodical type of person and believe I should get some good all around experience before I decide which direction to go. But I may be wrong.

I really enjoy this nursing site. I'm 51 and have decided on this direction to focus my working life. I'm divorced, have no children and want to devote my life to school and then work in the health industry. So, because of no children to worry about, I want to be available for night shift, weekend, and holidays. (Needless to say, I have no desire for a boyfriend or husband! - finally nice not to be worried about that!)

I appreciate any and all responses.

[WashYaHands]

Hi Jan,

I don't have a great many years of experience, but I would just say that as you go through school seek out as many opportunities for clinical experience as you can. That way, you get exposure to many areas of nursing and if you find one that you really like, go for it.

Some of my instructors said to do a year of Medical/Surgical nursing after graduation. Other instructors said to go where you will be the happiest. It's really your decision.

Methodical people make good nurses :) in any setting.

Best of luck to you. Keep us updated.

Linda

[Genista, BSN, RN]

You'll hear many people recommend 1 year of med/surg. That's what I did. I couldn't find a specialty in nursing school that I really loved anyway. So, I grabbed the 1st med/surg job I could find. It was hard, but very rewarding in experience. I saw & did so much in that one year. Then, if you want to move into another area that interests you, having 1 year of med/surg is generally well respected. But maybe you will even stay in med/surg, who knows. Some people love it! I am now working med/tele, on a renal floor, which is slightly different than med/surg, but I love it.

[grouchy]

If you don't have a preference by the time you graduate, then interview for several floors and pick the one with the best working conditions. Try to pick a floor that is not 'in transition'- ie, one with a head manager and many staff that have been there for awhile. If it sounds like you will be part of a group made up mostly of new grads and travelers, turn it down. You need plenty of experienced people on the shift you will be working to learn from.