Preceptorship Decisions

[chelbelle]

I'm about to start my last year of school. WOO! The second half of my winter semester is 90 hours (ONLY) of an internship. So far, I haven't really disliked a clinic so I'm having a hard time deciding where I want to do this internship. I LOVE the NICU but also really enjoyed the ICU and really didn't mind being on the medical floor, either! The only areas I really can't see myself are in the ER & OR. After browsing the forums I have found that it's common advice to follow your heart and do your preceptorship in an area that you like. But my question is; wouldn't Med/Surg or ICU look better on a resume? Thinking about the job market now, I feel like if I were in an interview for a job on a medical floor (which I would enjoy having!) they might not hire me because it would look as though I'm just taking this job to take it, since I did a preceptorship in a specialty area. What would I say in an interview if they asked why I did my preceptorship in the NICU? I'll be happy with my preceptorship if my preceptor is good no matter where it is, but I'm just thinking about what will help me in the long run! Any advice would be helpful!

[llg, PhD, RN]

It sounds to me as if you already have a good understanding of the situation. Your challenge now is to decide where you want to work after graduation -- and let that decision be your guide. As you realize, it would not be wise to choose NICU (or another ICU) now unless you are hoping to work in a NICU after graduation. But if NICU or another ICU is want after graduation, then it would be a big mistake to NOT do that as a student.

I think you need to focus on life after graduation for a bit and make that decision before you can know what would be best for your last semester experience. Where will you head after graduation? That's the question.

Good luck.