Starting in a specialty vs. Med-Surg

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Specializes in Cardiac Critical Care.

This is a question for seasoned nurses - do you think it's unreasonable for a new grad to start in a specialty, even with an internship & other training? I feel like I may be able to get a foot in the door in my chosen specialty (cardiovascular) but am wondering if I should get some solid Med-Surg foundation before jumping in with both feet. I work as a PCT on a Med-Surg floor right now so I've got a foot in there too. I'd love to hear some opinions!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

There are just too many variables to make any type of generalization. So much of the outcome depends on your unique situation & personality characteristics.

Many of us began our nursing careers in specialty areas (Neuro-Trauma ICU for me) and thrived.... others, not so much. But specialty units that hire new grads MUST have a 'welcoming' atmosphere along with a formal transition program that includes plenty of education and training as well as dedicated preceptors who understand the type of help that new grads need.

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Specializes in Geriatrics/family medicine.

Hi my first job was in a telemetry unit, not all were welcoming and the adminstrators had no idea I was a nurse and not an aide anymore. I got blamed for things even when I was never quite trained or prepared for certain things. Then again my first year of nursing was like my externship since I was unable to obtain one while still in school. I don't think we had enough exposure in clinical to be able to handle a speciality floor. I think if you have less exposure and no externships to really prepare you for how the floor can really be, you are better off starting in medsurg. I currently work in long term care, I have not been able to go back to acute care since my first stint there. I don't know if the hospital gave out bad references or what, but I will keep trying to get the best experience I can. However what matters most is that you enjoy what you are doing and do your best in it. All the best to you! May your luck be better than mine.

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Specializes in Cardiac Critical Care.

Thanks y'all! HouTx, very helpful. I do feel that most of the units in this hospital create a welcoming atmosphere for new hires (new grads or experienced nurses), and that there will be lots of education & good preceptors. I just wanted to make sure I wouldn't miss some essentials by beginning on a specialty unit. Others on this forum have brought up the point that there isn't the same opportunity to fine tune assessment skills when the first job is not Med-Surg.

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Specializes in ICU.

go for what will make you happy and what interest you the most.

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