Hospital vs dr office nursing as a new grad..

[Loxam10]

Hello all! I could really use some advice.. I graduated nursing school last week (). Graduation comes with a sigh of relief that school is over but also fear of the nclex and a lot of decisions. I have been approached by the manager of the med-surg unit I precepted on and by an individual at a pediatric doctors office for employment. I am really torn right now. I loved the med surg unit but because of my own health issues I am not sure if a full time 12 hr shift schedule wold be a potential problem for me. But I am afraid that if I go straight into the pediatric office that I will close the door of ever working in a hospital setting. So do I go into a hospital and hope that my health issues will not interfere or do I potentially close the door to only working in doctors offices for the rest of my career? Any advice would be great!

[SHGR, MSN, RN, CNS]

What if you look at it in terms of your career development right now rather than a hypothetical "what if" down the road. What mentoring/orientation is offered? what are the units like? Hours and workload? Pay and benefits? Things like that. New grads do need support, what is offered at each place?

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

I feel strongly that you really need to take advantage of the hospital setting now if you want to keep up your skills. You're in an enviable situation for a new grad- congrats!

[SierraBravo]

I feel strongly that you really need to take advantage of the hospital setting now if you want to keep up your skills. You're in an enviable situation for a new grad- congrats!

I couldn't agree more. This is a critical time for you. As a new grad you need to develop and hone your skills which simply won't be possible in a Dr.'s office. In the future if you decide you want to work in the hospital then it may be a strike against you that you don't have any acute care experience. However, only you can truly weigh the options between the two choices considering you said there are health issues which come into play.

[gassy2be]

I think it depends on what your goals are regarding your nursing career. Do you plan on always working in a doctor's office, or do you want to explore the hospital environment? I think hospital nursing positions provide a strong foundation for nurses to build on. A doctor's office will not challenge you or give you the experience that the hospital will. However, if you have no desire to work in a hospital, go ahead and take the doctor's office position. Just remember, it will be easier to get into the hospital setting now when you have the opportunity, rather than later when your skills and assessment skills may have suffered from being in a doctor's office. Good luck!

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

The MD office will close a door that is very hard to re-open in the future.

[MostlysunnyRN]

Congrats on finishing school and best wishes on passing the NCLEX! As a new grad myself (and thankfully employed), you are very fortunate to have both options open to you. Only you know the extent of your health issues, so I'd say that has to be factored in. Jobs will come and go, but health is a more serious matter. NO job is worth your health, and if you compromise your health too seriously, you may not even be able to work. I hope whatever you choose works out in the best way possible for you.

[laKrugRN]

I started out in a Peds clinic when I first graduated. I didn't feel like a nurse, I felt more like a secretary or an MA. I feel much more like a nurse at my new job and I am much happier. Clinic hours are the best, but they pay usually isn't that great.