Med surg first or can I jump right in?

Nursing Students Student Assist

Published

I'm about to start my final semester of my ADN program. I have already completed my application for new graduate RN positions at my local hospital. I am curious to get some feedback though on my choices of areas of interest. I am 33, have a BA in psychology and will soon have an ADN. I have worked in the medical field since I was 16 years old. My hands on clinical experience is limited to clinical rotations in nursing school. I have a deep interest in helping surgical patients, trauma victims, and patients with intensely serious medical conditions. As I completed my online application for employment, I was asked to include my top areas of interest. Our hospital provides for a one year internship for new graduates hired to work in critical care. Our ER is a political hotbed of disinterest for me. I want to do ER nursing but not here. The OR intrigues me although I have not been given an opportunity to rotate there. My true interest lies as I said with critical patients. I'd also love a chance to do flight nursing but that requires a pretty lengthy period of critical care experience. I just want to see what the consensus is about this. The question is, Do you feel as a practicing RN, that it is best to have a 1-3 year experience history in general med-surg or do you think it's ok for a nurse to begin in critical care or the OR straight out of school? your time and your response are greatly appreciated.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, ER.

There are literally a million threads on this subject on this board. Try a search. It is a somewhat controversial question but my 2 cents is as follows. I went to a critical care fellowship straight out of my degree and have no regrets.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I feel it depends on the individual and what they can handle. I am a new grad nurse going straight into ICU but I've been working in ICUs for the last 12 years as a Respiratory Therapist.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, PACU, Cath Lab.

I am also graduating in May and I fully intend to JUMP right in!!! I am applying for ICU...ER...and NICU...I am just waiting to find out where my internship is cause that will change my resume. It may be beacuse I am also an EMT-B, but I am not worried about taking the plunge into a more critical path in nursing!! GL to you and your decision!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MICU, PACU, Med-Surg.

I had the same interests and concerns and after internship in an ICU decided that if they were willing to hire a new nurse, I was willing to try! I have never regretted it. You WILL pick up on the "time management" skills that so many people say you will not learn by going straight to the ICU. All in all, it makes you a better critical thinker and you feel more confident in the care of ANY type of patient after a couple of years under your belt. GO FOR IT!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

Go directly to an ICU if you are confident you can manage your time, critically think, and enjoy the fast pace, high level of technology and additional learning that comes with critical care. I would suggest some type of Surgical/Trauma or Neuro/Trauma ICU for you, based on your post. I started out in NICU right after school. While some of the technology in NICU doesn't cross over to adults, a lot of it is the same. It was a steep learning curve for me, but I love it. I will never go back to floor nursing. Even when I get floated to peds the pace is maddening, and I miss the technology and critical patients....so I always try to go to PICU where I was able to cross-train. You don't HAVE to do med-surg, but make sure you're willing to commit to what starting out in an ICU requires.... best of luck!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU, surgical post-op.

I jumped feet first into the PICU as a new grad. I've never regretted it for a day.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment