GN: start in med surg or specialty??

[JGarner37]

I graduated with my BSN this month and will be sitting for boards on 9/11. I have started looking for jobs and am seeking advice from you guys! I have heard that every GN should work for at least a year on telemetry/med surg. On the other hand, I have heard that tele/med surg is just a place to acquire bad habits. I'm interested in doing L & D, NICU or pedi oncology. Should I do a year on tele/med surg or go directly into my specialty?? All insight is appreciated. Thanks in advance

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

I know there will be those that will say to start out in med-surg, but I am a firm believer in going where your interests lay. I started out as a GN in peds and don't regret it one bit. I know that had I gone to med-surg instead I would have absolutely hated it, it so was not for me.

[SCgirl22]

Do what you feel will make you happy. I did the so-called mandatory med-surg and I've spent a lot of time regretting it. I wasted 2 years going to a job that I don't really enjoy and sometimes even dread.

I've learned a lot, but looking back wish I had held out for a job that would have better suited me. I've found something new now and am really excited- hope it's as good as I think it will be! Best wishes to you- it's a tough time to be a new grad but hopefully you will find a job you are passionate about.

[JGarner37]

I did totally dread my med surg clinical. Maybe I'll just head straight into a specialty. Thanks for responding , good luck to you too!!