Not sure which area of nursing is best for me?

[hurricaden]

Hi, I am a new RN grad and I've never really decided what area I would like to work in. I am afraid that if I specialize and do OB/GYN nursing, I am going to lose med/surg skill that I want to have also. I wish I had a fairy godmother who could wave her wand and help me make a decision. Ultimately it is up to me, but I wonder if it is possible to specialize and still do med/surg too. anyone know?

[kellyo, LPN]

I'll graduate in May and I often feel the same way. I came to school with thoughts of OB/Gyn, but also have a great interest in cardiac nursing. The facility where I want to work doesn't accept new grads in L&D, so I will work a year or two in cardiac or med/surg. I'm finally at peace with this because I know that my time spent in cardiac or med/surg will be of great use to me if I decide to go to L&D. I also feel that it will give me the time to decide where I really want to be. I could probably go to another hospital and work in L&D, but personally, I've decided that my first job should be with the hospital that I know and trust.

Do you have a local hospital that has a "women's care" floor? You know Gyn surgery patients and other women patients? These patients usually have med/surg overflow (women, of course) and also have postpartum and antepartum patients. You may want to try this.

Just do whatever feels right for you. There's no "best" way--there's always two schools of thought (direct to L&D or med/surg experience first). Both ways turn out excellent L&D nurses. Good luck!