Should you enter into a specialty as a new nurse?

Nurses General Nursing

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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?

Specializes in ICU.

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.

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.

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

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