Preceptorship Confusion...????? OB or Med-Surg

[jasmine2008]

I am entirely confused on which specialty I should complete my RN preceptorship. I loved OB but I also feel there is more opportunity in Med Surg with Adults in terms of professional growth and broader choices for specializing. My ultimate goal is to become an Nurse Practitioner (NP). To my understanding I did not see any NP's in OB only in Med Surg.

:DAny Help with this suggestion.

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH:redbeathe

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

IMO, I think med/surg would be the way to go, then transfer into ICU down the road?

[MKS8806]

We have NPs that work at the Dr's offices for OB. They do not deliver at the hospital, but they do round on the patients. I'm an OB nurse, and I'm going to get my RNC next year. There is also a NP in midwifery if you want to go the OB route. I think it kind of depends on what you want to do with your NP?

[casi, ASN, RN]

I say go with what interests you. Wherever you do your preceptorship you'll learn a lot that is applicable to your future goals.

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

I have a different perspective. Nursing partnerships are not equal to nursing experience, and choosing one specialty doesn't mean you are locked into that specialty for your first job.

That being said, it might be entirely possible to get a job in med-surg after graduation if you precepted in OB. While I'm sure you'll put it on your resume, I was never asked where I did my partnership on any applications our interviews.

But a specialized unit like OB might be much more willing to hire you if they know you have experience on their floor. Precepting there will give you an opportunity to network.

So I think a partnership in OB might give you a better shot of being hired in OB, but a partnership in med-surg doesn't give you equal advantage.

There is no guarantee, of course. I did my partnership on a respiratory med-surg unit and was hired as a new grad into a pediatric unit.

[melmarie23, MSN, RN]

I did my preceptorship in OB/L&D while in school. I am currently working in Med/surg. Though I did just get an unofficial job offer for a prn position on a L&D unit-I am just waiting for it in writing right now.

As a new grad though, I had no issue getting hired into med/surg. L&D, yes. No one wanted a new grad with no experience, even though I did have some through my preceptor ship. Once I had a couple months in med/surg under my belt, it was easier for me to get an interview in L&D.

[Sl1011]

I would go with what makes you happy. I'd personally pick Ob bEcause my interest lies there. I've been working on med surg for 5 months and I hate it I hope to transfer soon. I think either one is good experience, but if your interest is in OB I'd go with that. I didn't have any trouble getting a med surg job as a new grad.

[jasmine2008]

Thank You for all your input!!!!! I am thinking MED SURG/Tele for more nursing skill experience.