med-surg vs other options

[forest2525]

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?

[Beary-nice]

I am sorry that things aren't going quite like you would like...I agree to give it more time.

[mamason]

I started on a cardiac/tele/stepdown unit fresh out of school. Lots of learning! But, feel that I missed out on a lot of the med/surg stuff. Even though I feel confident in my knowlege to take care of cardiac pts, I'm leaning towards med/surg to learn more. I agree with the other posts that you should probably give it more time. Nursing is an ever learning process.

[NaomieRN]

Hang in there for a bit longer. Good luck to you.

[yumaRN1990]

I have been in med-surg for many years and it is a very busy fast paced unit. But my first couple of years I worried if that was the unit for me. It just takes a while and after 4 months you are still learning. Just try to finda an "older" buddy, it doesn't have to be your preceptor, but someone you feel comfortable asking questions. Don't give up yet, give it time, and never feel bad about asking questions. After all this time I still ask questions. Good Luck

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

I'm with most of the others here who advised you to give it more time. At four months in, you've barely gotten your feet wet..........I was a M/S nurse for five YEARS, and I still was nowhere near boredom (I quit for other reasons).

I have a little test that may be helpful to you in deciding whether or not to stay:

1) Do you have more good days than bad?

2) Is the workload assigned fairly?

3) Are you still learning?

4) Do you get along with MOST of your co-workers?

5) Do you have at least one supportive manager?

If you can answer "Yes" to two or more of these questions, it's probably better to stick with your present job for at least a year or two, as it still has plenty to offer you. After that, you can use what you've learned from it elsewhere if you choose; but as a new grad, you want to build a reputation for reliability and 'stick-to-it-iveness'. JMHO.