Med Surg or ER for New Grad

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I just wanted to get your opinions on whether you think a new grad nurse should start out on a Med Surg floor or in the ER. Eventually, I know that I want to work in the ER but I was told that Med Surg nursing would give me the time to develop the skills to be successful in the ER. My only concern about becoming a Med Surg nurse first is that I'm worried after spending time in Med Surg no one would be willing to hire me in the ER (or at least this is what I have been told). I just accepted a nurse extern position at a well known local hospital and I have the choice of what department to apply for after graduating. Working in the ER seems intense and the last thing I want to do is get in over my head right after graduating. What are your thoughts about this? Thanks in advance for your input!

I'm a new grad in the ER. I think you need to honestly assess your learning style and how you handle stressful situations, AND find a hospital that will give you the support you need. I don't think it's for everyone, but I really love it. Do I have bad days? Yes. Have I left work in tears- only once, lol. Usually the day flies by for me and I get what KalipsoRed means by "sloppy" nursing. A lot of things you spend a lot of time on in other situations are really pared down to the essentials. For example, I read this article on cultural competence in emergency nursing and the article suggests having these detailed discussions with patients about how their culture and beliefs are influencing how they perceive illness and how they manage their care. If the patient is well enough for this to be a priority....I'm probably spending minimal time with the patient because I have other patients who are sicker and need my time more.

I have a fantastic preceptor and a long orientation and was told that I can extend if I'm not feeling comfortable when the set orientation is up. My coworkers are all really welcoming and helpful (I make sure to offer what help I can to make up for the help I need to ask for), and management is supportive and understanding of the fact that I'm a new grad. My ER has a history of selectively hiring and successfully orienting new grads. I asked a lot of questions during my interview about the training process and paid attention to the tone of the department when I shadowed.

As far as not being able to transfer from med-surg- I've never heard of anyone having issues doing that. It's definitely it's own specialty but plenty of people perceive it as a good basis for other types of nursing. Of the nurses I work with, a bunch started as new grads, and the rest were floor or ICU nurses.

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Specializes in Interested in Oncology and/or Pediatrics.

I'm still a student, but I recently posed a similar question to a 30-year veteran ICU nurse. She told me that if there is a specialty that you want to go into after graduation, then go for it. And (not to offend anyone), but she even said that from her experience, if you put a good nurse on the medsurg unit it will ruin them.

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Thanks for all of your input! I will find out more info about the ER program and make my decision but I feel confident if given the right support system I can be successful!

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Specializes in Emergency Room.

I externed on Med Surg but did my first nursing in ER. I am still there and I LOVE IT. I would not go anywhere else. I think new nurses can be very successful in the ER.

ER is fast paced, ever changing, you need to learn a variety of everything over time. If you think you're a little ADD or just have a lot of energy, I think ER is a great fit.

good luck deciding :)

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Specializes in General Surgery, Orthopaedics, ICU, ER.

I've always been told, and believe, that your first year out of nursing school as a new grad is your "fifth year of nursing school" cause you learn so much in the first year no matter where you work!

I was a new grad, did a year on a med surg unit and then did ICU/ER training...and thoroughly love it! But I wouldn't take back the year med surg experience I gained over anything! It's your basic background knowledge that will stay with you wherever you go to work :) But you have a decision to make that will shape you into a wonderful nurse if you give it your all :)

Best of luck and all the best!

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Specializes in OR.
I've always been told, and believe, that your first year out of nursing school as a new grad is your "fifth year of nursing school" cause you learn so much in the first year no matter where you work!

I was a new grad, did a year on a med surg unit and then did ICU/ER training...and thoroughly love it! But I wouldn't take back the year med surg experience I gained over anything! It's your basic background knowledge that will stay with you wherever you go to work :) But you have a decision to make that will shape you into a wonderful nurse if you give it your all :)

Best of luck and all the best!

Agreed. I couldn't get into a specialty after nursing school because of the market and where I'm located. I got a med/surg job, worked that one and another one for about 9 months totalish. Then went to LTC and now Psychiatric. Med/Surg has helped me with my last two jobs, because I'm much better with time management and have a good foundation of basic skills.

But, if you get an opportunity to get right into a specialty, don't hesitate, go for it.

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