As I'm starting and enjoying my L&D orientation (so far), I'm faced with having to be tested on 'med-surgy' clinical scenarios like dysrhtymia strips, GI disorders, MIs, etc.
I'm actually enjoying the scenarios (so far), because I realize I know more than I thought I did and it's kind of fun. But knowing me, this knowlegde will be gone in a year, maybe even six months, if I don't work with these types of patients.
I have NO desire to become a med/surg nurse (God bless those who do it), however I do want have a clue on non-OB clinical matters during my career.
Any suggestions? Should I subscribe to a journal? If so, which one? Or should I consider getting an pt clinic job down the line?
What do you do to maintain your med/surg knowledge and/or skills?
Just an update... I applied to the three area hospitals' Birth Care Centers and they ALL want experience/don't take new grads. Very frustrating.
So I got a job where I currently work as a tech... on a VERY busy med/surg floor. I'm excited for my first nursing job but also TERRIFIED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm sure I'll learn soooooooo much but also feel like I'll be way in over my head. Oh well, here goes nothing! :)
Good luck! Congratulations! I hope you learn lots and this year will fly by!
It depends on the individual person. I work on a high risk antepartum floor and honestly it is a med/surg floor with pregnant and/or post partum patients. I see everything on a daily basis: psych, neuro, renal, cardio, resp.
In our society where women are having babies at a later age, people with chronic illnesses are able to live longer more normal lives than in the past and increased patient acuity, there is no way you will be able to work on a mother/baby or OB without some med/surg base (IMHO)
The large teaching facility I work at does hire new grads. But, in the time I have worked there it has usually not worked out. It proves to be too stressful the majority have quit or transferred elsewhere. With that being said there are a FEW who are exceptional and perform well. (Now this is just what I have observed where I work, can not speak for others.)
So I suggest to really weight the pros and the cons. I came in as a new grad and it has worked out for me. But, I also worked as a PCT in rehab, med/surg, ICU and peds before becoming a nurse. (I know it is not the same, but it does give you an idea of what you would want to do and as well as how things in a hospital are generally run.)
Also, I suggest asking about the orientation and any classroom time. This should be a factor in your decison. some units do not give enough orientation or review of OB concepts before placing new nurses on the floor and this it to the disadvantage of thepatient, the unit and the new RN's detriment.
IMHO.
Whatever you decide I am sure you will be successful in what you do. Best wishes to you!
Our antepartum unit feels like med surg some days! Hypertension, diabetes (some with frequent accuchecks and insulin drips), seizure disorders, pyelo, abdominal pain of unknown origin,fever of unknown origin, asthma, post op appy/gallbladder/ovarian cyst, severe nausea and vomiting, pneumonia, one gal had diabetes insipidus (8 liters out the foley in 12 hours), psych issues, etc. That on top of their pregnancy-I get all the med surg I could want!
And, for what its worth, I worked post op cardiac surgery for 15 months after graduation before moving to labor and delivery. Not because i thought it'd be better that way, but h/c there weren't any openings when i graduated. Its worked. I knew how to do foleys and IV's and was familiar withthe hospital and such, which helped. BUT, there are plenty of ppl who came to us right out of school and did just fine.
jenrninmi, MSN, RN
1,976 Posts
Good luck! Congratulations! I hope you learn lots and this year will fly by!