Unsure where to start as a new grad nurse? (INFP)

[pandacake]

I am a new grad nurse and I have a few job offers - one on a medicine ward and two in LTC/geriatrics.

I've heard from so many nurses that they hated medicine, but that it's a great place to start and learn a lot. Because I'm an INFP personality type, I'm not sure that I will be able to handle the fast-paced crazy environment. I'm actually terrified about it!

I've worked as a Nurse's Aide in LTC for the past two years and I really feel in my element when working with elderly.

So, I'm torn between medicine and LTC. I feel pressured to start in medicine just to learn a lot and build up my skills, but I feel like I will end up doing geriatrics anyway because I am more drawn to that environment - where I can really get to know patients, build relationships, take my time to give care, etc.

Any advice/insights would be appreciated!!!

[OCNRN63, RN]

Apply to things that interest you. The personality type tests can be helpful in learning about yourself, but they shouldn't define you.

[carolmaccas66, BSN, RN]

I would say to you to try and do a year of med/surg. That way, you can get a handle on a fast-paced environment, learn heaps quickly and you will always have that under your belt. You can do LTC later on and build on that as a career. Not all med/surg is bad, sometimes at night you get time to talk to older people. But most medical wards are full of the elderly, and you may have many admits/discharges as well, and surgical is fast paced everywhere I have worked.

I would urge you to get 12 months of this under ur belt then you can pursue your other dreams.

Good luck.

[pandacake]

Thanks for your input, I appreciate it!