I have heard two different pieces of advise given to me as I get ready to join the nursing world: 1)It is better to work on the Med/Surg floor for at least a year before specializing; 2) If you have the opportunity to jump into a nursing specialty of your choice, do it before you lose your chance and may never get it again.
So what should I do? I have an opportunity to be in a special area of practice that I have wanted to be in for as long as I can remember wanting to be a nurse and yet I have people nagging me to become "well-rounded" and work on the Med/Surg floor to gain that experience.
I heard the same thing 6 years ago when I graduated. Some of my classmates specialized right away. I chose to start in MS because I didn't feel I was ready to specialize. It also allowed me the opportunity to become a travel nurse...which is where I gained A TON of great experience in many different specialties.
It all depends on what you think you're ready for. Whatever you choose, just give it your all!!!
Spikey9001, BSN, RN
337 Posts
I am a PCT working on a step down unit that would also like to specialize in the ICU as well right after school.