Job Opinion!!

Either Med/Surg or LTC are the best bets, in my opinion. Med/surg because you might get the most varieties of cases, or LTC because it is a good place to get your feet wet without all the changing that goes on in a hospital.

I found it ALL overwhelming at first, but once the first month goes by and you at least know where everything is, it won't really matter where you work, as long as it is something that you want to do.

Hang in there!

Marla

Med-surg experience can help, yes. However, if you're not interested in med-surg I think it will turn out to be a nightmare for you. Don't do it just because you think you SHOULD. Choose your own path and if you come across a PP or ICU preceptorship, go for it. Do what YOU want. Plain and simple.

The last thing you want in your life is to find yourself in a job you hate. Maybe you don't hate med-surg...if you don't, do consider it. It WILL give you experience. But...if you're really really really interested in one of the other areas, you might want to try to get a job in that area. With the nursing shortage you have a lot of options and many areas of nursing are offering new-grad programs.

I started working in a level III NICU right out of nursing school. I'm still there a year later and they'll have to drag me away from my babies kicking and screaming. I love where I work.

Basically, do what YOU want, and DON'T get a job in an area you hate!

KRVRN hit the nail on the head.

When you make your choice make sure it is somewhere that has a good orientation and preceptorship.:)

Ditto!!!!!!!!:)

Double ditto!

I went against much advice and went from school straight into home care. It was a great decision. The pay is lower than in the hospital, but I learned so much and have enjoyed the autonomy.

One note of caution tho... in any new job, be sure you have a good orientation and preceptorship. I was blessed with a mentor who managed to be DEMANDING and encouraging at the same time. I've blessed her every day since leaving that position since the things she taught me have been key to my success in the past 5 years. Good luck and follow your heart.

P_RN made a good point about the ortho/elective joint replacement thing. As I remember from school, the pts frequently have the same old adult problems (DM, HTN, etc.), but they're basically in good health at that particular time. Your pt was well for the most part. PP was that way too. It was refreshing to take care of a pt that was basically well, just recovering from something. I remember PP was good if you really like pt teaching.

Another thought is that if you eventually would like to do L/D, try getting a job in PP...then you'll have a woman/newborn assessment background that will help you in PP.

Let us know your decision. :-)

I ditto everything except the LTC. Long Term Care can trap you! Most hopsitals would pick a new grad over an LTC nurse.

It's not impossible to change but it can make things tougher.

No offense to anyone!:)

Altruism is great but does not pay the bills. I would consider 2 things. What is my heart's desire, and then then the practicality - what is in demand. M/S is not high demand. L&D is, mother baby, etc. or OR. ICU is also pretty high demand. You don't need to go to M/S just for the experience. If you want to become an expert in NICU why wast time in geriatrics. The more proficient you become in your area of expertise, i.e. certifications. hours of exp. the more marketable you make yourself. Think of your own goals and needs ahead of all else. We are not Mother Theresa.

I'm a 4mths new RN and I have had people say do med-surg first and others say if you are interested in a specialty than "Go For It". I have wanted to work in the OR since day one. Money is great but so is your sanity. I say "Follow your Heart". That's what I'm doing. Since I live in Canada I don't have the luxury of starting in the OR without training so I have enrolled into an OR course and plan on being in the OR next fall!!!!!

Do what is right for you!!!! Lisa

Once you go into a specialty it becomes more difficult to adapt to a new specialty if you decide to change a few years from now. Not impossible though- keep that in mind when you make your decision.

It seems to me that as an LPN it is really hard to get into acute care after working for several years in LTC. I would suggest following your dreams right out of school rather be labeled as a "LTC nurse, med/surg nurse, or whatever" Anyway...some specialties are easier to transition to...just do what makes you happy!!!!

Shari