New Grad Advice

Nolli · Nov 11, 2013

A. I'm not sure

B. I asked the same question during my 6 mo stint in L&D. Many of the nurses there said they came there right out of nursing school, others went to med-surg for a year 1st. The way it was explained to me is that if you never want to work anywhere else then you can actually go straight to L&D. If you are not sure the year of med-surg is something that may allow you to transfer into another unit later if you change your mind.

Guests · Nov 11, 2013

A: Do you think it is appropriate for a student to immediately start a MSN program, considering they have no nursing experience?

Sure. It's commonly done in many other fields.

I did a direct-entry MSN which is similar in that you're earning your MSN with no prior experience. I see no inconsistency with holding an MSN and being a new nurse.

Medical interns hold doctorates and yet are just beginning their training in becoming clinicians (and don't even have a license to practice medicine independently).

B: Do you think it is appropriate for a new grad to immediately specialize (in L&D) without prior medical/surgical experience?

Sure... if you can get it.

More importantly, though, is that you need to get ~any job~ which can be a real challenge. Lateral moves are generally easier than getting hired as a new grad.

Good luck to you.

sunshyne17 · Nov 12, 2013

A: Depends on the program and the person. Some MSN programs require experience. I wouldn't go right into an MSN but that's just me.

B: No. I don't recommend specializing even if it's what you really want. I have been told by many of the nurses/clinical instructors not to specialize because you pigeon hole yourself into that specialty and that's all you know. Even the nurses who hated med/surge never regretted it. But those who went right into specialties regretted it.

HTH

Dranger · Nov 13, 2013

I am a RN student, graduating in December 2013 and would like some advice regarding a couple of questions I have.
A: Do you think it is appropriate for a student to immediately start a MSN program, considering they have no nursing experience?
B: Do you think it is appropriate for a new grad to immediately specialize (in L&D) without prior medical/surgical experience?

A. Sure, but I don't see why unless you want more debt, it won't help you much. There are MSN floor nurses everywhere

B. I went straight critical care so its possible. The whole you HAVE to do Med-Surg thing is a myth, do what you want. Critical care is where the cool kids are anyway.

musaafirah · Nov 13, 2013

A. Sure, but I don't see why unless you want more debt, it won't help you much. There are MSN floor nurses everywhere
B. I went straight critical care so its possible. The whole you HAVE to do Med-Surg thing is a myth, do what you want. Critical care is where the cool kids are anyway.

It will help you and definitely makes a difference if you want to be a CNM (just thinking this might be what OP is aiming at since she wants to specialize in L&D).

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Nov 14, 2013

I do not see any reason not to enter into a speciality area after graduation. Every area is a speciality.

As for the MSN, unless you are clearly following a long-held goal, I would consider working before attempting MSN. For one thing, that first year of work teaches you so much and you need to be focused. But of course, it always comes down to the individual and their own preferences.

StudnetAmanda · Nov 15, 2013

Thanks you guys so much for your opinions. I have had an interview in Labor and Delivery and on the Medical floor and am now just awaiting feedback regarding those interviews. It's a super exciting time full of possibilities and I appreciate all the feedback you are able to give me. Have a great day!