Med/Surg or ER for a new graduate

Published

I recently graduated from nursing school and I'm not quite sure which path to follow.I'm a decisive person but at this point I feel very indecisive and I am seeking your advice.

I know working on a Medical/Surgical floor or in the ER will be a valuable learning experience either way but I have this internal struggle as to where to start initially.

What is your opinion on new grads in the ER? I have heard various opinions of Med/Surg being a great foundation to any specialty and others have told me to jump right into ER if that is what I really want to do. I would love to hear your thoughts on the matter.

P.S. I thought I would mention that I absolutely LOVED my ER rotations. I loved the unknown, variety, and pace. It was all so exciting and absolutely terrifying at the same time. Working in the ER would challenge me in ways I am unaware of at this point and it scares me as well. Is it normal to wonder if you are ER material?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Occupational Health; Adult ICU.

My two cents is med/surg for 6 months to a year and then transition in the same hospital to ED.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I say go where your interests lie. If your interests lead to the ED, then take the ED job. If it's not the ED, take the med/surg job as it will give you a good foundation for transferring to a lot of other specialties.

Best of luck whatever you decide!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I think a lot depends on the strength of the residency program. New grads can be successful in the ER, but it requires very supportive training.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion