Medical-surgical job interview

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I recently graduated and passed the NCLEX and I have a job interview at a very small community hospital on their med-surg unit. I did my preceptorship in med-surg at a prestigious hospital but I was always stressed out because med-surg was my weakest during nursing school.

I am now wondering if I am wrong to want to work on med-surg because I want to have my foundation set before I move on to my preferred specialty (L&D/psych). I want to work on my weakest to become a better nurse, to know myself better, and to be able to handle stressful situations in the future. Please tell me I am over thinking...

please share your experiences as they will be greatly appreciated, thank you!

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
1 hour ago, nb1104_ said:

I have a job interview at a very small community hospital on their med-surg unit...

I want to have my foundation set before I move on to my preferred specialty (L&D/psych). I want to work on my weakest to become a better nurse, to know myself better, and to be able to handle stressful situations in the future. Please tell me I am over thinking...

I quoted the portions of your post that, with you nb1104, I could identify as I worked in a small community hospital in med-surg/ER after putting in about 8 years working in psych, OR, and CD.

I applaud your maneuver to work on your weakest to become a better nurse, etc.- and- you are not overthinking.

From the perspective of looking back over my career, I can say that I benefited from every position I worked and feel a sense of comfort feeling that I now know what to do in just about every situation that comes my way.

In no way was I exceptional at every position I work- in some positions, I was merely adequate- but I carry the knowledge, experience, and confidence from each position that allows me to realize that, in any given current situation, I probably won't screw things up too badly.

Good luck to you, nb1104!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

Med-surg is a good foundation. Many psych patients have medical conditions as well. And even pregnant women have more medical conditions. So, knowing how to care for all the patients will help. Plus, prioritization and time management skills.

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@Davey Do thank you so much for this! thank you for the words of encouragement. I hope to feel that way in the future too. I know you are a great nurse.

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@CalicoKitty I agree! I am now hoping that I can get the job because I really want to work on those skills.

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