Nursing student: which clinical placement?

[eiwneon]

Hi everyone,

I am a nursing student (BScN/RN) and I must choose either medical OR surgical for my next clinical placement. At this point in my nursing program, I have only really just begun to learn about the basics in terms of practical nursing skills.

So... I am wondering what you think would be a better environment for me that will help me to develop the basic nursing skills that will benefit me going forward. Do you think that one or the other would be a better introduction to hands-on nursing skills (medical or surgical)? Or would they be about equivalent that way?

ANY input would be so greatly appreciated. I haven't had much in the way of exposure to either medical or surgical nursing so I'm feeling very unsure!

Thank you.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

In my honest opinion? Neither... Therefore, just pick one.

Clinical practicum time is largely what you make of it. However, the vast majority of hands-on procedural skill acquisition will occur during your first year of practicing as a nurse.

Not much skill acquisition happens during clinical rotations due to time constraints, unhelpful staff, and clinical instructors who cannot be in 10 places at one time.

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

I'm leaning toward surgical.

[eiwneon]

Why is that? Thanks for the feedback.

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

You get experience with surgical drains, if GI patient possible NG tubes, lots of variety. And you will get medical overflow on surgical units but fresh postops wont generally be sent to medical floors.