preceptorship advice

[leonard_huh, BSN, MSN, RN, APN]

I am currently in my BSN program and next semester we have to decide write down 3 places we want to do our preceptorship/capstone for our last semester. Currently I am confused on this situation because I was always determined to do ICU/ER or work there when I graduate. My clinical instructor and other people keep repeating do not jump into speciality quickly go to med surg then you have time to switch over. one instructor told me to do a cardiac/telemetry unit for my preceptorship or when I graduate then transfer over. plus I plan on going to grad school after gaining a year of experience or two to do my FNP/ACNP so I would think ICU would be a better foundation straight out of graduation if I can land a job.

a little about me I am a male student nurse and currently working as a nursing assistant on a med-surg trauma floor over a year. I also am cross trained in doing patient transporter so I'm exposed all over the hospital and respond to codes and RRTs.

I usually don't feel in sync while on med surg floors while during our clinical because not much critical thinking goes on and I'm usually comfortable and time manage my day good with no trouble during my clinicals even when handling 4 patients.

My question is:

1. Should I just do a cardiac/telemetry floor for my last semester because there might be a better chance of landing a job then transferring over to icu/er?

2. Should I just do my last semester in ICU/ER and hope for the best in getting a job?

I am currently in California, where not that many new grads are being taken in

Thanks

[THELIVINGWORST, ASN, RN]

My advice is this. The only limitations in life are those you place upon yourself.

Do what your heart tells you. Although if you don't get a job in Cali within a few months of graduating, I would definitely move out of state.

In the meantime, make sure those around you know what your goals and intentions are. Make those connections so that the job hunt won't be so long and painful.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

It's your preceptorship, do what you want to do. You've had med-surg clinicals, this is your chance to do something different.

ETA: I strongly disagree with the whole "you must spend two years in med-surg as a new grad" theory. I have been a nurse for 6 1/2 years and have NEVER worked med-surg. I never intend to either. And I don't think I'd be a better nurse if I had started there.

[bagelbites]

I agree with what everyone is saying. This is your chance to be in the unit you want for an entire semester. With the job market in California, you really don't know what job you're going to land. I did my preceptorship in Peds hem/Onc earlier this year and I landed a job at CHLA for the hem/Onc unit. But no matter where you start, med-Surg, tele, ICU... It'll all provide amazing learning experiences.