What field of nursing ??

Published

Hey guys, I will be finishing up my ADN program next semester and still have no idea where I want to work. How about the rest of you; have you any ideas of what field you plan on going into? During my clinicals, I really haven't seen an overwhelming amount of guys in a particular area of nursing, how about you?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

In one ED I worked in it was 65% males. I also worked with alot of men in a variety of ICU's. Those are two areas you might not have had a lot of exposure to during clinical time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

I used to work on a complex care/stepdown ICU unit, where the night shift consisted of mostly guys. The ED and Surgical/Trauma ICU at the hospital where I work now has a high # of guys too. I work in the Neonatal ICU with a few male RT's, as well as MD's. It's a little lonely sometimes, but you sure get a lot of attention. I love the critical care and premature baby aspects of NICU a lot.....never thought I'd end up here loving it so much.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

If you're not pretty sure where you wanna go, then Med / Surg is the place to be. Perfect for someone in your shoes... great general experience, applicable to just about any other spot down the road.

I'm thinking of going either ED, PCU or mental health in June.

Six months left!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yeah, definitely go for med/surg. Stay there for at least a year; by that time you'd know your calling.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree in general with the med surg setting to start. You may love it!

I work in psych and work with a number of nurses who are men. They are wonderful with the patients and seem to enjoy their work. They are without exception some of the best nurses I've known.

Good luck to you, whatever you decide. I love being a nurse, and I hope you will too.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Med/Surg is a great place to start. It really show you how little you actually learn in Nursing school. In school they touch on a lot of sifferent systems, but practical knowledge comes from working the floor. Get that year out of the way, think of it as another year of school. Then look at specializing if you don't like it. Med/Surg is underappreciated. You have to know lots of info about EVERYTHING! It is often used as a stepping stone to ather practices, but I met many nurses who love it. It just wasn't my cup of tea.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED.

In most places, the men are more concentrated in Psych or the ED

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I tend to see lots more guys working in ED, ICU, and Surgery. I jumped right into Oncology and Hospice care, and now I'm on a travel assignment working in a Bone Marrow Transplant Unit. Not so many male RN's on my unit, but that's never really been an issue for me.

You'll find your niche - GOOD LUCK!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.

IMHO, the majority of male nurses lean towards the technical side of the nursing profession; Critical Care, Emergency Department, OR Suite

Good luck with your decision.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Another option to consider might be to pursue a "float" position at a hospital, where you're oriented to all floors, and given a different assignment each shift. You can get a broad exposure this way, but depending on thie hospital, it can be stressful, as you don't really have a "home" and may have to change assignments every 4 hours or so.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
Another option to consider might be to pursue a "float" position at a hospital, where you're oriented to all floors, and given a different assignment each shift. You can get a broad exposure this way, but depending on thie hospital, it can be stressful, as you don't really have a "home" and may have to change assignments every 4 hours or so.

IMHO, that kind of position would be difficult for someone right out of nursing school.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion