Is This A Wrong Feeling??? Help??

[shonte19, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN, NP]

Well i just passed my NCLEX and stared a job this week on the med-surg unit. i mean i am excited about learning and getting all the experience i could get. but i really dont desire to stay on this unit at least thats my feelings for right now anyway. i inspire to work on a mother/baby unit. i had an externship as a student tech there before i finished school and loved it. to go from a happy place to this crazy sad place is kinda depressing. the only reason i am working this unit is because of the vast experience ill get and the mother/baby unit wasnt hiring. I feel guilty to know that in the back of my mind i am only going to be here for a year and try to transfer. i know each unit wants them to stay and be commited but that is not where my heart wants to be. i feel bad for feeling this way but is this normal? this is not the area of my dreams. how can i keep a positive attitude about this situation?

[SarasotaRN2b]

First, congratulations on your passing the NCLEX! I definitely think that you getting a year of experience on a med-surg will definitely bode you well when you get into mother baby (think positive thoughts!). I wouldn't worry about the fact you only want a year, as I think it is common in med-surg where a larger portion passes through unless it is a real great unit. Also, give it 3 to 6 months, as how you are feeling now will change. As you get more experience and spend more time in this unit, you may find that your thoughts have totally changed.

[billyehaynes]

I know how you feel. Loyalty is very important to me as well. But don't think twice about living your dream. The med surg unit will be just fine when you leave. The guilt you are feeling is just that... a feeling. Feelings aren't facts. The fact is that you need to work. No jobs are available right now where you want to work. Med surg floor needs you. You can learn alot. In one year you can take you new skills and experience and be an even better mother/baby nurse. Feelings change with the wind and they are not real. Good luck and congrats on passing the NCLEX. PS most nurses I know wouldn't think twice about this matter. The fact that it effects you so deeply speaks volumes about your character. The med surg floor should be proud to have you for a year. Take care.

[deeDawntee, RN]

Follow heart and never look back. Too bad you couldn't start where you really want to be, but I believe all things happen for a reason.

Medsurg will make you the strongest nurse you can be....think of it as an extension of nursing school where you will solidify those skills and master many.

[moonchild20002000]

Congrats on passing! Don't be concerned about only working med surg for a year or less,you may have the opportunity to transfer sooner.What you learn now will help

you no matter when you work.

I think its very important for us to follow our heart! Good luck,you are going to be a great nurse!

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

Take it as a learning experience. And, you never know, you may grow to love it. I work in a clinic, but plan to work med-surg per diem just to get the experience, but, I want to do it under a controlled environment (meaning every now and then-like twice a month). It is good to have med-surg as a background.

[loriann, BSN, RN]

Congratulations on passing the NCLEX and your new job.

I don't think it is unreasonable to be thinking about your next career step. If your plans are to leave in a year, that's fine, just keep your mind on your work and what you learn. You can take those skills anywhere. Who knows, you may want to stay or try something different then you originally planned.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I disagree slightly with some of the above posts. I think you are right to feel the way you do and the fact that you have those "guilty" feelings about not planning to stay after you benefit from all the teaching and support your current job will give you tells me that you are a good person. That's your conscience speaking and be happy that you have one to help you through life.

So ... now what do you do? If you really feel this med-surg is your best option for the moment, make the most of it. Learn what you can. But listen to what your conscience is telling you and be sure to be a "giver" to the unit as well as a "taker." If you make positive contributions to the unit, you will be worthy of the what the unit will be giving you in terms of education and experience. Be a great employee, be reliable and hardworking, etc. be helpful to your teammates, be pleasant to work with. You owe them that and you will want to leave that unit some day knowing that you "gave" as much as you "got" and really earned what you learned and whatever else you receive.

I think you know what I'm trying to say. If you are not going to stay long -- at least make your short stay worthwhile for the people who are giving you a job and a chance to start your career and earn a living. They are giving a new grad a chance. Make sure it pays off for them as well as for you and your conscience will be at ease.

Good luck!

[suzy253, RN]

I would take advantage of all you will learn while on the med surg floor and agree with what llg said about making positive contributions to this unit. Good luck and congrats on passing the NCLEX