Need some guidance on where to start..

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Hello,

I am graduating with my ADN this coming may. BSN in May 2019.

I was just offered a job on a general med surg floor. I completed clinicals on this floor and absolutely loved it. I have been warned by 2 CNA's that the floor was awful but from what I experienced it was excellent. To be hired on into the new grad cohort I have to sign a contract that I have to work on the unit for a year no matter what I choose.

I believe that my ultimate goal is to specialize in cardiac but I also love ED and Pediatrics and can see myself making a permanent career out of those as well.

My temporary goal is to be traveling in 2 to 2 and a half years.

Unfortunately I know nothing about traveling. If I have experience on a general med surg floor will that fare well whenever traveling? Am I able to travel to an ED or cardiac unit with general med surg experience? Should I do med surg for the year and then find another unit? Or should I turn down the job offer overall and try for something else?

I understand this is a personal decision but I am looking for advice that will optimize my travel nursing experience.

Thanks so much for the help ahead of time.

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Congrats on the new career!

From my experience, you will not be able to travel to an ED without ED experience. You're going to need at LEAST a year experience in a specialty before you can travel to another unit with it. At least.

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What are your thoughts on starting off on a med surg floor?

Will traveling be easy if I have a year of med surg experience and a year or so of cardiac or ED?

I would just go straight into a specialty but I actually really enjoy the experiences that I have had on the med surg floor that wants to hire me.

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You have a job offer, take it. Pay your dues and learn all you can.

Travel nursing is no joke. 2-3 years experience may or may not ,be enough. I went into traveling with 25 years in several areas with SOLID experience, and it still took all that I had.

Best wishes.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
What are your thoughts on starting off on a med surg floor?

Will traveling be easy if I have a year of med surg experience and a year or so of cardiac or ED?

I would just go straight into a specialty but I actually really enjoy the experiences that I have had on the med surg floor that wants to hire me.

I think starting off in med surg is great. And chances would be good of landing a travel contract with a year of med surg and a year of ED experience. Some agencies may require more experience...you'll just have to do some more research.

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