Should a new grad RN?....

[MoserK]

Hello! I am two weeks from graduation and I am fortunate enough to have accepted a job already. I had two places on my mind that I really wanted to work but some people helped sway my decision. Some people say you should start on a med/surg floor, others say do what will make you happy. I wanted to do L&D or the ER, both are not basic nursing. I chose the ER because I thought I could have more of a broad experience. What is your opinion? Should new grads work in these areas? What advice would you give to a new grad?

[SmilingBluEyes]

You've already accepted a job, so what difference does it make what we think?

You said what I was thinking. Could it be, we share a brain? I always find myself nodding in agreement with your posts, RubyVee.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I say, "Follow your heart," ... but run away from any job as a new grad that doesn't offer you an orientation program designed for a new grad.

[egglady, LPN]

I say that if your user name is your real name, it may be time to change it! Good luck in your new job!

[danielle2000, MSN, RN]

Med/Surg is the fundamentals to all nursing. No matter what area you work, Med/surgical problems will arise. I say it depends on the nurse. I never worked Med/surg I started in the NICU but I am a self learner. I research and read a lot.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

You've already accepted a job, so what difference does it make what we think?

I'm guessing the OP has a little bit of buyer's remorse, hence the questioning of their decision.

[MoserK]

I apologize, I didn't mean to make it sound lesser in anyway. I should have used better words. I meant it is a good place to learn the basics of nursing (I hope I didn't use that in a derogatory way), such as prioritizing, time management, etc. In no way is it lesser. Med/surg nurses run their behinds off.

[MoserK]

I apologize, I didn't mean to make it sound lesser in anyway. I should have used better words. I meant it is a good place to learn the basics of nursing (I hope I didn't use that in a derogatory way), such as prioritizing, time management, etc. In no way is it lesser. Med/surg nurses run their behinds off.

[DextersDisciple, BSN, RN]

I don't think OP meant anything derogatory in saying medsurg is basic nursing. I took it as medsurg requiring all of the "basic" nursing skills, basic meaning fundamental. Working in medsurg requires being a jack of all trades....you have to be able to do so many things - while specialties are focused in one area.

I agree, she may have chose the wrong adjective but her intentions did not seem cruel. OP- Med surg Will teach you time management, prioritization and hands on skills and can also prepare you for other fields of nursing if you wish to explore that option. The job market for new RNs seems to ebb and flow, in my area at least, so if you get an offer for your number 1 choice take it!

Also, i have several friends in L&D Who all had a difficult time getting hired. Usually because they had no L&D experience (med surg exp didn't count) and/or there were no available positions. Apparently no one wanted to leave!