Should you enter into a specialty as a new nurse?

[Nursecrystal2016]

I am currently a LVN about to graduate from a RN bridge program in about 5 months. As a LVN I was somewhat limited to job opportunities. So I am very excited about having options as far as nursing jobs. I love labor and delivery and I know careers are hard to come by as a new grad. Some nurses have told me it is better to start in med/surg and then gain at least a year experience then move from there. My question is, is it better to start out on a med/surg floor and gain experience and skills , or if given the opportunity should you jump right into a career you have always wanted?

[calivianya, BSN, RN]

You had a job as a LVN, right? You've already worked as a nurse, so you may be a new grad RN but you are not going to be a new grad nurse.

Either way, I think specialties are fine for new grads if that's what you know you want. I have seen many new grads be more successful transitioning into my specialty than experienced nurses we've hired - new grads don't have any previous routines or previous work flow patterns to unlearn.

[RNperdiem, RN]

It all depends on the job market and what you can get.

If you read these threads, there are new grads unable to find any job at all.

If there is a particular department you know you want to work in, and if you are willing to move where you can find a job in a specialty then go ahead.

A year of med-surg will pay the bills, give you valuable experience, and are more available for a new grad.

[Nursecrystal2016]

Thank you for the great advice everyone. I am excited about the continuing journey in nursing.