surgical VS aged care

[wanyy134]

I started working in an aged care facility after my graduate nurse year. It is not as fast paced as surgical wards where I had my rotations. Most meds are given orally, patients stay stable without surgical wounds, tubes and lines. I was ok with my job until got an interview chance last week. It's a general surgical ward, but the hospital in another city, which means I have to relocate if I get the position.

Some of my colleagues changed to aged care because they didn't like the pressure and stress working in acute care, and others are doing two part time jobs in hosppital and residential facilities to maintain balance and skills in different areas.

I like surgical nursing and don't want my skills get rusty, but on the other hand, I worry I might not be able to handle the pressure. So I need your suggestions for a new graduate nurse. Many thanx!

[Savonian]

I've never worked in aged care, so can't say much about that. My first job was at trauma ward and then ortho ward. I worked at the ortho for 11 weeks after graduation and then started to work at ED.

So, what I'm trying to say, is that hadling presure and surviving in acute ward is a state of mind. I would recomend for you to try it out, as far as I know, the aced care jobs aren't running out in Australia, so if you don't like it, you can always go back.