OR to Med-Surg help

[skydancer7, BSN, RN]

Hello all!

After being in the operating room for the last 6 years (with about 8 months of clinic-y outpatient stuff), I am SO ready for a change. I am worried I will hate med-surg like I did in nursing school, but also, I see it as a stepping stone to my desire to work in hospice. I think I need to learn the med-surg skills for a year or so before I dive into hospice (at least every place I looked at and applied to "requires" a least that much med-surg and/or acute care/ICU). I want that foundation so that I can go anywhere else in nursing that I want to, and have more/better options later, and be a more well-rounded nurse.

Anyhoo, I have an interview Monday, and I really want to do well and succeed, and really give it a chance. I want to give it another try, a fair try. Any books you recommend or other advice? Ways to sell my OR experience as transferrable skills in med-surg? Med-surg "brains" and other resources? Ideas on how to get refreshed on all my head to toe assessment skills that I feel like I have totally forgotten? I kind of don't know where to start. I know they will give me some orientation but I bet I will need to do some homework to be successful.

Last question: I am considering starting acupuncture school in the fall (it is a Masters degree program, so full time and full load). If I get this new med-surg job and start in May, will I be somewhat comfortable and able to manage the job (2 x 12 hour days a week) plus school? Or will my head still be spinning adapting to a new nursing environment?

My end goal is some combination of hospice nursing and private acupuncture practice, possible some combination. I see the steps ahead but wonder if I should do med surg for more like a year, then do acupuncture school in 2017. Or just f*cking go for it

I am a fast learner and can pick up new info and skills quickly. Adaptable. I can become overwhelmed by stress at times, though. I want to do ALL THE THINGS I see on my path, all as fast as possible... but don't wanna screw myself over.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance!!

[skydancer7, BSN, RN]

Really? 158 views and not a word...? *poke poke*

Eh, maybe med-surg would just be a distraction from my new path, acupuncture. Why learn a whole new way of nursing when I am going to be so focused on school for something so different.

THANKS for all your help hah

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

Really? 158 views and not a word...? *poke poke*

Eh, maybe med-surg would just be a distraction from my new path, acupuncture. Why learn a whole new way of nursing when I am going to be so focused on school for something so different.

THANKS for all your help hah

It's hard to tell an absolute stranger what they can or cannot handle with regard to switching areas in nursing and starting school full time.

Someone who has gone from OR to med/surg might be able to give you some advice though. I have never worked in OR, but I do wish you lots of luck with whatever you decide.

[ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP]

Med-surg is a great foundation for hospice (not so sure about acupuncture) as med-surg nurses oftentimes care for hospice patients and their symptoms.

I have never worked OR but you can probably tie in circulating nursing and how it has helped you with your multi-tasking skills and your ability to think and act quickly when needed.