Job on an Ortho floor

[SMK1211]

Hi, I am graduating in May!!! I am so excited to be done with school and cannot wait to start my new career. I currently work for a hospital and am starting to put requests in to work as a staff nurse. Right now, there is not many jobs that are currently open. I really want to work nights so I do not have to get a sitter for my daughter.

There is a position that is on an ortho floor. My question is, do you think this is a good floor to start out on. I really did not enjoy my ortho rotation very much, but everyone has to start somewhere. I guess I worry that I will not like it, or that I won't learn as much as on a medical floor. Has anyone have any advice on if I should apply for this position or if I should hold out a little longer. I do have a little time to wait considering that I won't have my license right away. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks

[OrthoRN09]

I started as a new grad on an ortho trauma unit. It is a very busy unit and I have learned a lot. Ortho patients tend to have a lot of co-morbidities since a lot of them tend to be elderly. So you will get some medical experience as well. I think it is a good unit to start on. Let me know if you have any specific questions!

[carrieprc, RN]

I took a position on an ortho floor right after graduation and I've been there almost 2 years now. I was hesistant to take it at first only because it wasn't my favorite roundings during nursing school but I'm glad I did!! I've gained an abundance of knowledge while working there. I made sure that whenever something new for me was on the floor, I wanted to be there to learn it. I'm currently orienting for charge nurse which I never thought I would do 2 years after school. I don't think this is my long term career choice but it has been an excellent starting point for me.

[RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN]

Great unit to start on. I started on ortho and we also get lots of general medsurg along with comorbidities as one poster said. Busiest and best floor IMO to get the experience. Go for it! I really think you'll like it.

[SMK1211]

Thank you for your advice, it is so scary starting out because I know how important a first job can be and I just want to make the right choice. This helps so much!

[RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN]

The only wrong choice I believe a new grad could make is going to ICU or something critical. Although, there are several new grads that succeed, but for the most part, many can't handle the stress. Good luck, you''ll do fine, just ask questions, don't be afraid to ask.