Should new LPN grad go into Med/Surg right away?

NursesRmofun, ASN, RN · May 1, 2004

I graduate in 5 days and I'm torn between Med/Surg and a clinic. I know as an LPN my options are limited, and I also know that if I go into Med/Surg first, I'll be more marketable in the future. I'm terrified of the wide range of medical problems that Med/Surg has, but I know it's where I can get the most experience. Any encouragement would help in my decision. Thanks in advance.

Sure....you can go to Med/Surg! Great experience there! :)

theblondeone · May 1, 2004

I started in med/surg the day after I graduated LPN school (last year). Honestly, I was confident in my abilities to give a bed bath and that was about it! I was nervous too, but I had a great preceptor and work with a fabulous group of nurses. There was only other LPN working night shift with me, the rest were RNs. They were all wonderful and made a concerted effort to teach me new things. Whether or not you have a great experience on med/surg or in a clinic as a new grad will have a lot to with who you're working with. Med/Surg is tough but it is a really good learning experience. I don't have any experience in clinic, but I'm sure it has it's own difficulties. Have you visited the areas you're considering working in? Do you know anyone that works there? I originally wanted to go into Med/Surg for the standard year or two, finish my ADN and move on to ICU or ER. I've fallen in love with Med/Surg and can't imagine working anywhere else. (Okay, I'm biased..LOL) Best of Luck whatever you choose and congrats on finishing! I graduate (ADN) in two weeks. I'm sure you'll get better advice from the nurses on the board with more experience, but I thought I'd offer my two cents. Feel free to give me change! LOL.

suzanne4, RN · May 1, 2004

Definitely go for the hospital first, then you will be more marketable.

Good luck and remember to have fun............... :balloons:

janleb · May 4, 2004

yes definitely for a yr or two. you arenvolvrd in a lot of different procedures. And th e expertise you learn is involuable. Learning procedures are important but also is time management and prioritizing. Which you hear over and over in nursing school but the thing is it is the truth. I fugure if I can walk on a floor and handle 6-8 pt and do my best. Sometimes its eating on the run and holding your bladder for 12 hours. If you get comfortable with that crosstrain telemetry which is also a wonderful experience. Never be afraid to ask for help.

meownsmile, BSN, RN · May 4, 2004

I went to the hospital right out of LPN school,, and never left. Now im an RN 10 years later and still on my med/surg floor.

J Lynn · May 5, 2004

Thanks for everyone's replys so far. I think I'm going to make a phone call to set up an interview with a very good teaching hospital about 60miles from my home. I hope it's worth the drive. Thanks for the advice.

meownsmile, BSN, RN · May 6, 2004

Wow,, 60 miles? Thats a heck of a drive after a long night shift. Are you considering moving?

J Lynn · May 6, 2004

No, not moving. At this facility, you can work a weekend special in which I would work Fri, Sat, and Sun night and make 40 hrs and they have their own hotel in which you can stay for those days. I could never drive back and forth.

NurseChick04 · May 7, 2004

I went to school in a military town and had some pretty strict ex-army nursing instructors..they told us to take the worst job that we could find for at least a year after school..they said it would teach us better than a cushy job and give us the skills we needed to learn that you just don't get in school..they were right! I took a job at a step down cardiac unit and that was so scary but very educational for me!! Since then I have worked a lot of agency work and experienced almost every floor of the hospital without as much fear. Good Luck!

JACALA_CL · May 7, 2004

MED/SURG WILL HELP CEMENT YOUR PRACTICAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS LEARNED IN SCHOOL. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT. :balloons:

J Lynn · May 7, 2004

Med/Surg is top on my list. I'm going to a job fair today, so we'll see what happens. I'll keep ya'll posted.