New grad considering Ortho??

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Specializes in Orthopedics.

Hi friends, as part of my orientation I've rotated through an ortho unit .... And I love it so far!!

I didn't expect I would enjoy it so much and it's making me rethink my career plan. My original plan was to go to a different (highly competitive) unit that has a step down area, transition to icu, and go to be a CRNA. But even if I choose this unit as my top preference I'm not guaranteed to get it.

And now I have only 4-5 weeks to decide about my career trajectory after only having spent two weeks on the orthopedic unit. Ortho is somewhat competitive as well, being that the only people who leave seem to be the ones that retire.

The only person I trust to talk to in person about this started laughing, gently told me to let go of my plan, and do what makes me happy.

What's your advice, experienced RNs? And what opportunities for advancement does ortho nursing allow? The only thing about entering a specialty so early is that I'd be afraid I couldn't move around if I ever wanted to. But there's a good chance I'd like this so much that I never wanted to change areas anyway...

Thanks y'all.

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Specializes in PACU, pre/postoperative, ortho.

I started in ortho & though it wasn't my first choice, it was a great place to start. Spend some time there & you shouldn't have any problem transitioning to more critical care depts if that's what you want.

I went to pacu after a few yrs & now do a little pre-op as well as picking up occasional prn shifts on ortho & med surg. Other new grads from my ortho unit have gone to ICU, home health, offices, OR, OB & ER. If the employee turnover is low, it's likely a good supportive dept to work in which is huge when choosing a job.

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I would personally stick with the ortho job for now. Your first year of nursing is tough with a very steep learning curve; a supportive environment has a huge impact on your overall experience. I can guarantee you that the ICU will still be there a few years from now if you ever decide you want to switch specialties; however, there's no way of knowing what the unit culture is like on an unfamiliar unit.

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Specializes in Surgical, quality,management.

You have over 40 yrs ahead of you in this career. You will have different plans, ideas and dreams throughout it. If you enjoy ortho go for it. If in 15 yrs you are fed up do something else. That contract you sign does not shackle you to your first position until the day you retire...

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

I am in ortho and I LOVE it!!!!! We get everything you can think of. no spines (i'm a little scared of those) Lots of TJR, sarcoma, trauma, amputations. Lots of comorbid gen med issues. No place I would rather be. I'm sad because we have a new manager that seems to be running everyone off. I may have to transition to another unit. There is another hospital in the system, but they are TJR and spine.

The best thing about ortho is that most of the pts are not sick and they go home quickly, usually feeling much better than when they came in.

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