Med Surg experience a must?

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I've heard lots of people say that getting at least a year of Meg/Surg experience is beneficial as a new grad, because it gives you a great base of knowledge and experience to work from. Do you guys agree? Do you think spending time on a MedSurg floor is essential and that moving into a more specialized area (OR/ED/L&D etc..) right away is a bad idea?

Where do you live? Geez, I'm so sorry you're having such a hard time finding a job. I'm in NY, and nobody I graduated with is unemployed luckily. Here's an idea too, I know sometimes your school has an "in" with certain hospitals. Maybe ask them if they could guide you? That's awful for you!

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Whenever I was in school I really wanted to do critical care. I have the drive and the passion for it, I also am quick on my feet. However due to the job market I accepted a position on a med surg floor. It is a crazy busy floor that has provided a lot of experiences for me. But every time I transfer a patient to the unit, have a code, or a rapid response and those ballin ICU nurses roll in to help me out I'm in a complete jealous state ;)

No, it's not that bad. But I really want to transfer at some point. If you can get a job working in your desired specialty go for it, you need to LOVE what you do.

I still love being a NURSE I am just looking forward to specializing.

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I completely agree! My question based on this is: What do you think about the situation where I have been searching for a job as a new grad since May 2010; and I am kinda getting to the point where I kinda want to take any job opportunity given to me? I know where my passion lies - Women's Services... but it is difficult to find any positions taking new nurses right now, much less a specialty area. My worry is all this time that is going by and I am a new nurse not gaining experience :crying2: So, should I take any opportunity presented to me?

I didn't mean to ask a different question on this thread (sorry about that). I just wanted y'all's opinions based on some of the responses and wasn't sure how to go about it - I am new to allnurses :D

I was thinking the same thing..I have my desires and then I have my needs. I need a job, any job to pay back my student loans. I want to work in ED so do I walk right in and get a job there? I'm dreaming so....:redbeathe

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Specializes in Pediatric Burn Care.

choc0late, I am in the Houston area - lots of big name hospitals - lots of schools graduating more and more nurses. The hospitals are desiring experience and with the economy and popular area, there are plenty of experienced nurses to go around. In addition, some of the hospitals known for their new grad internships have decided to cancel the summer 2011 internships and some are not having any until 2012 :eek: There are some small-town local hospitals that are willing to take a new nurse from time to time - you have to be on your game, calling and checking online ... hoping to catch any such opening in time. Thank you for your understanding - it does feel awful at times :crying2: and for your advice :idea: I hope that I am not making this sound so much worse than it is, I am just trying to be an open book. And I am trying to stay positive :o

vegasmomma, you are so right -desires vs. needs- I will be dreaming with you ;)

jone.rn, I hope you get to transfer soon... I have a friend that was able to transfer within her hospital after 6 months :) And you are so right- it makes such a difference when you LOVE what you do!

ps. I :heartbeat the smilies! :rolleyes:

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Specializes in L&D/Maternity nursing.
I completely agree! My question based on this is: What do you think about the situation where I have been searching for a job as a new grad since May 2010; and I am kinda getting to the point where I kinda want to take any job opportunity given to me? I know where my passion lies - Women's Services... but it is difficult to find any positions taking new nurses right now, much less a specialty area. My worry is all this time that is going by and I am a new nurse not gaining experience :crying2: So, should I take any opportunity presented to me?

I didn't mean to ask a different question on this thread (sorry about that). I just wanted y'all's opinions based on some of the responses and wasn't sure how to go about it - I am new to allnurses :D

take what you can get, but also keep trying for your preferred specialty. i am working in med/surg(its alright. not my passion, but I am learning a lot) and have been interviewing for L&D/maternity which is my passion.

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Specializes in Cardiac.

I think it completely depends on you. It depends on how many years experience you have before becoming a nurse (student/CNA), what type of areas you've worked it, how comfortable you are with new things, at what pace do you learn, etc.

For myself, by the time I graduate, I will have been a hospital CNA working in mostly med/surg areas for 5 years. I haven't seen it all but I've seen a lot!(Not claiming that hospital CNA know as much as nurses, nowhere near, in fact) Just after 2 years, med/surg is getting boring for me. I want to think more. I plan to be an ICU nurse one day, but I will probably start out in progressive care.

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Thank you all for your input! Very helpful. :) Think I'll shoot for what I have my heart set on.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

IMO, med-surg experience will be helpful, but is it a must in order to be successful? No.

But as others have said, it depends on how much work and effort--both at work and on your own time--that you want to put into the field you want.

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