med-surg vs other options

Published

I have been an RN for about 4 months and have worked on a med-surg floor those months. I had a great preceptor, but I am concerned that I am just not multi-task- oriented enough to handle the stress, and hectic pace of this environment.

Does anyone have any suggestions on another area I might pursue? (I have considered something in surgery).

Or should I give the med-surg experience more time?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric neurosurgery/general pediatric.

I would give it more time. You will learn a lot and build your confidence. At four months I was usually a basket case. At one year I am still learning. You will get better and it will build a good foundation for your career and then you can move on with a lot of experience in many different things. Just my opinion, if you are truly not happy I would move on. Floor nursing is not for everyone. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.:nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

forest2525,

I'm so sorry you feel this way. Can't offer any advice as I'm in the same boat. Check out first year of nursing forum as some people replied to my very similar post.

Good luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×

As MackNJacks mom commented, four months is not long for making the transition from student to "real" nurse. Give it time and don't beat yourself up. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in previously Med/Surg; now Nursery.

Please give yourself more time on med-surg. I felt overwhelmed and like I wasn't cut out for med-surg. I transferred to the ER, and that was like jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire. I asked to be transferred back to med-surg. I transferred to a different med-surg unit in my hospital, but that time I was placed with a preceptor (didn't get that one on the first med-surg unit or the ER). I can't sing enough praises about what a good preceptor can do for a young nurse. "Doris" made all the difference to me in the world. Before I realized it, I was having more good days than bad. I gave 2 years to med-surg, and I'm so glad I did. I work well-baby nursery now, and there are days when I float to med-surg instead of being flexed. My med-surg "foundation" gave me organization and time management skills. :nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, CCU, Trauma, neuro, Geriatrics.

Give yourself more time, it took me two years to be comfortable in ICU after a year in medsurg and being a medic prior to nursing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

3 months into med/surg at a nearly broke antiquated institution and I sometimes can't remember my name. Fortunately some people I work with are encouraging.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

No matter where you go, the learning curve will be steep. If med-surg is where your heart is, you should give it more time. If your problem isn't really your organization skills but where your interests lie, then look at moving on. As the others have said, becoming proficient in any specialty area takes anywhere from one to two years, depending on the specialty and the background you bring. As a new grad, you shouldn't even come close to feeling expert after four months. Honestly, if you were feeling really comfortable, I'd be worried, because you would probably either be missing something important or too clueless to know the difference!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have to agree with the others, give it some more time. I'd venture to say that not many of us at 4 months had great organizational, multitasking skills developed yet. If you can stick it out, you will have a great foundation to take with you, wherever nursing leads you to in the future.

If it's something that you really just can't take any more, considering a change may not be a bad idea. You don't want to get burnt out just starting out. Without knowing what other areas may interest you, it's hard to recommend anything really.

I would thing seriously about what other area you may want to transfer to, and check out if the nurse/pt ratios are any better in that area, and take it from there. Sometimes it helps to speak to nurses who already work in an area you may be considering a transfer to. Good Luck whatever you decide. It does get easier over time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.

Hi there. I was a med surge nurse for three years, and never did like it a terrible lot. However, I still stuck with it even through that first year, that CRAZY, hellish first year! I am so glad that I did. I learned SO much and I feel like I can handle just about anything now. =)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Im in the same boat but am going to stick it out. Its crazy hectic busy and some days i could just scream but im learing A LOT!

good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I want to thank everyone who took the time to read and especially those who posted a reply to my thread. LOTS of good advise to think on!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion