What to do after graduation? Unit or floor?

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So I've heard my instructor talk about the "floor" and the "unit". What is the difference? And which one is better to start on when you graduate? I really want to work on the NICU floor or labor and delivery so should I try to get a job on one of those floors?

Thanks!!

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They mean the same thing.

The NICU is awesome! You'll love it. I'm not sure why you're asking other people where you should work? That's your decision. Pick whatever area you like the most.

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Specializes in Neuro ICU.

Some people refer to "the unit" regarding critical care/ICU such as NICU; nurse patient ratio can be 1:2 or 1:3 (rare) or 1:1 (especially if they are on CRRT). The floor is med-surg where nurse patient ratio is 1:5 or 6 sometimes more depending on where you work (these people are not as critical and are hopefully on there way home or to rehab).

I love critical care and am hoping to get a job in STICU or Neuro ICU. After you have done clinical rotations or worked in a hospital setting you get more insight into what your preference is. I say work where you want to; be in an area that you are pationate about, somewhere that you love. That way the patients will get the best care because you want to be there. Other people will say "new grads" need at least 6 months of med-surg "floor" experience but in the end its up to you.

Good luck with your decision! :)

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Sorry maybe I worded my question wrong...I'm not asking people WHAT I should do I know i want to do NICU or Labor and delivery I guess what I'm asking is "What is the best way to get started after graduation?" I know some people say do a med surg floor for a year.....but could I go straight to the unit I want? Or would it be better to get that year experience on the med surg floor?

Thanks again!

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

Good luck in whatever you choose...

I am crossing my fingers that I get ANY kind of nursing job once I graduate. :bugeyes:

The economy in Michigan is not pretty....

Best,

Diane

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I'm struggling with a similar decision...I know I want some great med-surg experience, but...do I do it in the small, rural hospital that doesn't see any critical care cases in order to build up my skills or....move to a bigger city where more critical cases will come my way, expanding my knowledge on more serious situations?

Any advice will be appreciated....

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Specializes in Cardiac/Tele/CVICU.
Good luck in whatever you choose...

I am crossing my fingers that I get ANY kind of nursing job once I graduate. :bugeyes:

The economy in Michigan is not pretty....

Best,

Diane

Amen!! Same here in Ohio. :o

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If you want to work in a specialty unit then I think that's where you should at least start your job search. I was hired straight into the NICU and I feel that if I had gone into med-surg or some area where I had no interest, I would be burned out and ready to quit. I have recently floated to other areas and I know I made the right choice.

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I'm also hoping to go right into the area that I want instead of doing general med-surg. hopefully it works out! good luck to you!

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