New grad- upset about first job

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Hi,

My dream is to get my womens health NP in a few years and work in a well-womans clinic. I just graduated nursing school and did not get a job in in patient womens (L&D, M/B, antepartum, etc). I just accepted a job on the adult cardiac floor and am feeling really bummed. I guess I'm just looking for reassurance that I'm not completely wasting the first year of my career by doing med/surg instead of starting off on the right path. Everytime I tell someone I'm working on a cardiac floor, people get the saddest faces like I've just made the worst decision ever and it just makes me feel worse. I guess I'm also looking for advice on how to best market myself to transfer after my year is up (certifications, volunteer work, talking to managers, etc). Is it rude to try and transfer before working a year? (I technically don't have a set time contract. You are allowed to leave or switch whenever).

Thanks for reading and for the help!

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You're not wasting a year because you didn't get your specialty. Learn everything you can from this job and use it for future jobs after that. I'm sure you will see women in med/surg that you will see in L&D, M/B and antepartum; and I can guarantee that you will see the same medications. Also, many people are struggling to even find a job right now.

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Due to the current pandemic, I would say wait it out for a year. Many hospitals are not hiring new nurses even if the position is still posted on the job board. After your first year is complete, then you could seek a transfer to your unit of choice. During the meantime, perfect your skills. That way you will look more proficient when you start of the women's health unit. Good luck.

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Like you said you just graduated nursing school. Take it easy this isn't forever and having a cardiac background will always be beneficial for womens health! Make the most of it, be happy you have a job, and learn as much as you can. This is barley the beginning of your career stay positive

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Specializes in Women's Health NP.

WHNP here, I worked on a cardiac stepdown floor for 2 years (and was a tech on the floor for 3 years before becoming an RN) before taking a position on a postpartum unit. I would have been *lost* during certain acute situations if I didn't have that background. It's helped me throughout my career including now in the outpatient clinic setting. Don't see this as a derailment of your career; quite the opposite. You are investing in your learning and your abilities which will help you becoming a better RN and a better WHNP.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.
On 8/15/2020 at 10:06 AM, jamalnurse said:

OP, Use this time to know all you can about cardiac conditions and care. Those people have babies too! :) In the meantime, make a point of joining some committees and getting to know the nurses on the women's health units. Let them know, as you become friendly, that you would love to shadow them one day. When shadowing, be helpful and curious and if things are going well, ask to meet the manager and express your interest in a transfer when the opportunity comes. In the meantime, learn all you can about the heart, lungs, kidneys, mentation and alllllll the different ways those impact one another - because I promise you, plenty of people who aren't 100% healthy have babies. More every year. This will be GOOD for you. NOT time wasted.

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