I am a new grad (just graduated this month) and in the process of getting my NCLEX scheduled. I rotated at a local OR in a hospital for my recent / final clinical rotation which I loved. Since ending this rotation I have applied here and other places however I'm finding that I'm stuck in deciding between both.
I like the idea of working in the ICU because I will be constantly challenged and can gain a lot a great skills. However I know this can be a hard job. I currently have a job offer in an RN Residency in the ICU at a level IV hospital.
At the same time I am awaiting to hear back if I will be offered a spot for the OR RN Residency program at the hospital I did my rotation. I feel this could also be a good option for me (schedule, know the staff, familiar with the unit and routine). But I feel that I may be putting too many eggs in this basket if I pass up the ICU offer to wait for this and end up not getting in. I do see the downsides here like being on call on days off & weekends. And I won't be utilizing my nursing skills I learned in school as much as I would in an ICU unit.
I'm stuck in this decision because I am not sure if going in the ICU as a new grad is a good option but I know this can also make me a stronger nurse.... But what if I'm not cut out for this..( I do think about this).. On the other hand the OR won't be as stressful and somewhat a nicer schedule except being on call.
Anyone with experience in going into the ICU or OR as a new grad have any opinions? I would love to hear your experiences. I would also love to hear from people who have worked in these units for awhile too!
Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
*Puts on Admin hat*
The topic of this thread is to advise someone in choosing a specialty, not to pit specialties against each other or nurses against other professions. Any further posts along this line will be removed.
Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
6 hours ago, Sam Mathews said:
Do all nursing schools provide it?
No, and in fact there will likely be very few if any nursing schools that provide RNFA education- it is not for the entry level nurse. You can check out NIFA for info, as well as AORN.
No, and in fact there will likely be very few if any nursing schools that provide RNFA education- it is not for the entry level nurse. You can check out NIFA for info, as well as AORN.
For people who are interested in becoming an RNFA, make sure you check that jobs are available in your area. A buddy of mine became an RNFA about 20 years ago but never got to get a job. At the same time PA's were coming online and surgeons chose to go with them as 1st assists because they could see the patients pre and post op and write the RX's. This was in the NYC area where PA's were available easily. This may not be true for other areas of the country where universities are less available.
Sam121
75 Posts
Are there any particular schools that are good to get the RN first assist certification? Do all nursing schools provide it?