How to choose? Decisions, decisions.....

pinefarmgirl · Dec 22, 2005

I don't have any magic answers, I've got the same problem. On the outside, the two areas I really like are not that far apart, but trying them both out so that I can decide is going to be a real challenge. I love ER, but I also like surgery too. For me, I would love to be able to try both and see which one I like better. Since I mostly have one big hospital to turn to for employment ops, I think a big part of the decision would be what the atmosphere is like in each of these departments. If I really love the surgical field, but in that hospital the people in that unit might be a real chore, then that would tend to push me to ER more.

So, I am trying to get an ER tech job while I am waiting for my LVN license to come ( I just passed the boards), and next year when I go to RN bridge program I will right away try to get an OR externship or something there so I can check it out. After thinking of this for two years, that is the best I've been able to come up with...

When I started nursing school, I was emergency medicine all the way; I didn't expect to like surgery as much as I do. I was able to spend weeks there in clinicals, and didn't want to leave.

What are the two areas you are talking about, and have you done any externships or worked either yet???

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Dec 22, 2005

Congrats! Hope you find your niche soon!

JourneyCC · Dec 22, 2005

Thanks for the insight and wish of goodluck.

THe two areas I'm considering both within the same MAJOR hospital, are PEDS or L&D (worlds apart). I have done extensive clinicals in both and both my preceptors in these two areas have recommended me highly and say I"m a "natural" in both areas. Could be that I have 3 small children, so I know both sides of this coin dilemma :chuckle Like mentioned, I was sure L&D was my calling going into RN school, and never expected to love PED so much. Infact, I loved PED ICU, PED step down, PEDS HEMOC and PEDS basic floors equally.

I think working in PED field is always more uplifting with more conducive personel. Yes, those L&D personel can be a chore, but I was a "mama bear" too with my patients there. So no harm, no foul.

Ughhhhhh, I have until mid jan to decide and am just sick over it as, I have to sign a 2yr contract. I know 2 yrs is nothing, but gosh, I really want to make the "right" decision LOL

Journey

GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN · Dec 22, 2005

Maybe apply to both area's and take the better deal?

JourneyCC · Dec 22, 2005

THe signing bonuses, contracts and "goodies" are the same as it's with the same hospital. WOuld be really easy if they were different

GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN · Dec 22, 2005

Well that makes it difficult.... Do you have offers in each? I would still interview for each and see if you get an offer for one. But what if you get an offer for both? I guess you would have to decide then. See which one has the better schedule or better ratios?

pinefarmgirl · Dec 23, 2005

Or, maybe think about which one would allow you to move to the other easier... Would it be easier to start your first two years in L&D, then be considered to have the skills to move to peds if you want- or the other way around?

I know it's really frustrating, your supposed to pick one thing, because after you take your first job, you will be pidgeon holed to that forever. If you want to move later, they usually say you don't have any experience...

I was reading another thread on here somewhere about that- someone works 15 years and wants to change units, but they will not hire them because of lack of experience. They would rather have a new grad than someone with experience on another unit...

MajorDomo · Dec 23, 2005

In my experience, you will more likely be 'pigeoned holed' as a L&D nurse since there is very little cross-over to other nursing fields. Also, I think that there is some jealousy from other units, L&D floors tend to be the nicest and newest floors.

As for Peds, there is a wide range of cross over (time management, difficult IV sticks, NG placement, bowel preps, ect). Also, esp. for a new nurse your technical skills increase dramatically, along with med/dosage calculations. Nothing inspires an improvement in skills than over protective parents looking at everything you do to their child.

Just an thought from a former Peds nurse now in the ER

lvs2nrs3535 · Dec 28, 2005

I am worrying about the same thing, being pigeonholed, that is. I have two job opportunities, A small hospital near where I live, night shift in the ER dept, or a med surg floor in a large hospital in a larger city. My question is, which would be the best choice? I really want to work in an emergency room, but have been told by a cousin, (who is an experienced nurse), that the smaller hospital I would like to work in does not have a 'real' ER. Since I graduate in May 06, I still have time to decide, but truly, I still do not know where my heart lies!! I loved my pediatric rotation, but I dont want to be stuck in one spot. I have heard and read so many things about being trapped in a certain area of nursing.

One of the things that attracted me to nursing in the first place was the huge diversity of choices available. How do you get the experience you need without getting STUCK in one particular area???

ANY help or advice would be appreciated SOO much.

Love this website~

kbraker35

Also, is it stupid to work as a graduate nurse before you pass your NCLEX?

what if I dont pass right away?

yikes!!!!

nrse2B2005 · Jan 2, 2006

If any of you are in so.cal, UCI will let you preceptor in three different areas and then pick your permanent placement; its part of their new grad program. good luck.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jan 2, 2006

It sounds like you may have unconsciously decided on Peds. I think a general peds unit would be a good place to start. It has more of a routine than an intensive care area. L&D is kind of an intensive place to work as well. Peds is more like a general medical unit for kids. You can always transfer later to one of the pediatric ICUs or a NICU and they will be glad to take you with a general peds unit background.