new grad options

[travisjacob]

is it a good idea to start out in a criticle area as a new grad?

[BelleKat, BSN, RN]

Hi,in my opinion no it's not. Just on a regular floor it's difficult enough to learn the priority setting and organizational skills while learning massive amounts of new information with increasing amounts of responsibility.In critical care just double that. It also depends on your experience too,if you've been a tech in a critical care area and you are fairly familiar with their pt's and responsibilities it might go smoother but I think it is best to start in a more basic area.

I'm sure there will be many other opinions on this. Good luck!

[David13, MSN, RN]

Because there are so many different types of people who are drawn to the nursing profession from so many varying backgrounds, there can never be a "cookie cutter" response to this question. A great deal depends on your particular personality, your previous experiences, and your goals.

However, I think in most cases, the best course is to start out on a general medical-surgical floor and get some good nursing experience under your belt, at least 1 or 2 years. Once you have this foundation, you should be prepared to tackle a speciality area.

[MissBehavin]

At my hospital they prefer new grads in Critical Care to nurses with only floor experience. This is because they can groom new grads to do things the way they want them done, where as other nurses have developed bad habits, and their own way of doing things (quote from neuro ICU manager, not personal opinion). Not all new grads are cut out for critical care, but my hospital lets them at least try, and are given a LONG trial/preceptorship. There is no better a place to learn how to prioritize than critical care. If you really want a job in critical care go for it, study hard, and if you have to complete a senior practicum or preceptorship try for an ICU spot (or perhaps extern/intern in a ICU). I completed my practicum in Trauma ICU at a level one trauma hospital.

[icyounurse, BSN, RN]

Totally depends on the person.......end of story