new grad cross trained?

[lsvalliant]

Hi, I just graduated and I was offered a position in psych at a local hospital for just Sunday days. I've been having a hard time finding another new grad day job in the LA area right now, so I called the same hospital back and asked them if they would be willing to cross train me in another area (probably med surg or DOU). They agreed! Has anyone else started working in two different specialty areas? I dont think that's normal. Do you think I'm bitting off more than I can chew?

[cubbynurse]

I think cross-training you to med-surg makes sense....what is DOU? Even though patients would have to medically stable to be on psych you would still have to be familiar with med-surg issues....plus if you were floated it is most likely that you would float to a med-surg floor. If you were limiting yourself to day shift only you might want to try OR positions....

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

op: good for you for taking such an opportunity! this is what i plan to do too! i do not want to limit myself to one specialty and not have the background in something similar to med-surg, where i can broaden my horizons later on. to answer your question, i know of many rns who work in two different specialties at the same time. for example i know a school nurse, a psych nurse, and an er nurse that work ft in his/her specialty, but work pt as med-surg nurses. i also know of two l&d nurses that work in other areas such as outpatient services. gl!

[Eirene, ASN, RN]

I accepted a critical care internship. My home floor will be the PCU; however, I'll be cross-trained to the ICU and ER. My orientation is 6 months.

I'm very excited about the experience!